Understanding Fire Safety Signs

Understanding fire safety signs and what they mean is essential for everyone in any type of workplace. In an emergency, these signs provide clear instructions that help you leave the building safely, locate fire safety equipment and follow the correct evacuation procedures. Understanding the different types of fire safety signs before an emergency happens can save valuable time. In this article, we’ll explain the rules on fire safety signs, outline some of the most common signs you are likely to see and explain what each one means.

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What are the Rules on Fire Safety Signs?

Fire safety signs play an important role in helping people evacuate safely during a fire. They highlight escape routes, identify the location of fire safety equipment and provide important instructions that should be followed in an emergency.

The main legal requirements for fire safety signs come from the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires the responsible person to provide appropriate fire safety measures for the premises. Where risks cannot be removed through other measures, suitable safety signs should be provided. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 also set out requirements for the use of workplace safety signs where significant risks remain.

To be effective, fire safety signs should meet the following requirements:

• Be positioned where they can be easily seen by anyone who needs to follow them.
• Be permanently fixed wherever possible.
• Remain unobstructed at all times.
• Be kept clean, clearly visible and in good condition.
• Be replaced promptly if they become damaged, faded or difficult to read.
• Use recognised colours, symbols and pictograms that comply with relevant British and international standards.
• Clearly identify fire escape routes, final exits and emergency exits.
• Show the location of fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire alarm call points.
• Be provided wherever necessary to help people evacuate safely.
• Be appropriate for the layout, risks and occupancy of the building.
• Be supported by staff training, so everyone understands what the signs mean and what action to take during an emergency.

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Fire Signs and Symbols

Fire safety signs use standard colours and symbols so they can be recognised quickly, even in stressful situations. While the exact design may vary slightly between manufacturers, the meaning of each sign remains consistent. Below are some of the most common fire safety signs found in UK workplaces and what they tell you:

Fire Escape Signs

Fire Escape signs show the direction people should follow to reach the nearest safe exit. They are positioned throughout escape routes and often include arrows to guide people towards emergency exits.

Fire Assembly Point Signs

Fire Assembly Point signs identify the designated location where everyone should gather after leaving the building. Once you have evacuated, you should go directly to the assembly point and remain there until instructed otherwise.

Refuge Point Signs

Refuge Point signs indicate a protected area where disabled people or anyone who cannot immediately use the stairs can wait safely for assistance during an evacuation. These areas should only be used as part of the building’s evacuation procedures.

Fire Action Posters

Fire Action posters provide clear instructions on what to do if you discover a fire or hear the fire alarm. They’re usually displayed next to manual fire alarm call points and in prominent locations throughout the workplace.

Fire Door Keep Shut Signs

Fire Door Keep Shut signs remind people that a fire door must remain closed when it’s not being used. Keeping fire doors shut helps prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and giving people more time to evacuate safely. These signs should be displayed on both sides of applicable fire doors.

Do Not Use Lift Signs

Do Not Use Lift signs remind building occupants that lifts should not be used during a fire unless they are specifically designed and designated for evacuation purposes. In most buildings, people should always use the stairs to leave the premises safely.

Fire Hose Reel Signs

Fire Hose Reel signs identify the location of a fire hose. These signs help authorised and trained personnel quickly locate the equipment if it’s needed during an emergency.

Fire Alarm Call Point Signs

Fire Alarm Call Point signs indicate the location of manual fire alarms. If someone discovers a fire, they should activate the nearest call point to raise the alarm and begin the evacuation process.

Fire Blanket Signs

Fire Blanket signs show where a fire blanket is stored. Fire blankets are commonly found in kitchens and other areas where there is an increased risk of small cooking fires.

Fire Extinguisher Signs

Fire Extinguisher signs identify the location of fire extinguishers and often include information about the type of extinguisher provided and the classes of fire it is suitable for. This helps trained users quickly identify the correct equipment during an emergency.

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Fire Safety Signs PDF

Learning to recognise fire safety signs is an important part of workplace fire safety. Our downloadable guide below is a useful reference for staff inductions, refresher training or displaying in staff areas, helping everyone become familiar with the signs they may encounter during an evacuation.

Download our fire safety signs PDF below for a quick reference guide to the most common fire safety signs and symbols used in UK workplaces.

Fire Safety Signs Poster

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Understanding fire safety signs helps everyone respond quickly and safely during an emergency. By recognising the meaning of common signs and following workplace evacuation procedures, you can help protect yourself and those around you. Taking the time to understand these signs means you’ll be better prepared if a fire emergency ever happens.

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Further Resources:

• Fire Safety Courses
• Fire Safety Quiz
• What Does PASS Stand For? Fire Extinguisher Use and Safety