Types Of Fire Safety Signs Explained By KW Fire Protection

There a whole host of fire safety signs that people should be familiar with. Fire exit, extinguisher and alarm signs are common in a whole host of day-to-day environments, including in supermarkets, clothing stores, cinemas and more.

For those own or manage a business or commercial organization, fire signage should play a crucial role in their commercial fire safety procedures. Not only can they help direct people to evacuation routes during an emergency, but they can also offer guidance on what to do, point occupants towards firefighting equipment and warn people of fire hazards.

Fire signage categories

In this article, the team at KW Fire Protection will outline the various fire signage categories to help people fully understand the different types, as well as provide them with information regarding their legal obligations, when it comes to safety signs.  

Safety signs

Safety signs are used to indicate a wide range of safety-related information

Safety signs are used to indicate a wide range of safety-related information, including fire exits, escape routes, first aid kits and more. These signs are identifiable by a green rectangle or square that contains text or pictures.

Fire exit safety signs are sometimes illuminated to ensure they’re visible to people when they need them most. Sometimes, it’s common to see safety signs used incorrectly.

For instance, fire exit signs are often used on the exterior of fire doors, when blue ‘Keep Clear’ signs should be used instead.  

Prohibition signs

These signs are used to warn people of dangerous activities that could result in a fire. The most recognizable prohibition sign is the ‘No Smoking’ sign, which prohibits people from smoking in a specific area due to the fire risk they pose.

Prohibition signs are displayed by a red circle with a red diagonal line across it. There will also be a black picture of the activity that is prohibited.

Warning signs

These warning signs are yellow triangles with a black border and black pictures or text inside

Warning people of the presence of fire hazards and dangerous substances is a fundamental aspect of commercial fire safety. If people are aware of a hazard, they’re likely to be more cautious with their activities and behavior surrounding it.

These warning signs are yellow triangles with a black border and black pictures or text inside.

Fire equipment signs

It’s also important to indicate to people on their premises where the necessary fire equipment is located. Swiftly alerting occupants to the presence of a fire is the safest way to protect people and property, and clear signs indicating where firefighting equipment is kept can help extinguish it quickly, before it can cause severe destruction to the premises.

Fire equipment signs are marked by a red square or rectangle with pictures and/or text inside. The most common type of fire equipment signs is to indicate fire alarms and fire extinguishers.   

Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a piece of fire signage that indicates an action that needs to be taken. For example, ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ informs people that fire doors must be closed at all times.

Mandatory signs are blue circles with either a white picture or white text inside.

• What are the legal obligations?

All of the fire signage discussed are a key part of the overall commercial fire safety responsibilities

All of the fire signage discussed are a key part of the overall commercial fire safety responsibilities.

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 states that: ‘employers must have the relevant fire safety signs in place where there is a risk or hazard that has not been avoided or controlled by other means.’

As well as this, they must be kept in good condition, so people on the premises can clearly read and understand them. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that the organization’s ‘responsible person’ must ensure fire signage is ‘well maintained with any faded or defective signs being replaced’.

Specific size, shape and color requirements

There are also specific size, shape and color requirements for fire safety signs that must be adhered to. The team at KW Fire Protection can assist to ensure all are meeting their legal obligations.

Their team can provide the organization with fire signage services that keep the premises protected and ensure it meets its legal responsibilities. They also offer a wide range of other commercial fire safety services and products, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire risk assessments and much more.