Fire safety signs are an important part of your safety measures and it is a legal requirement to have them in your business premises. From signs that show the nearest exit in case of fire to ones that show people how to use the fire equipment you have, they are a helpful and cost-effective tool. Here is what you need to know.

Types of fire safety signs

Red – prohibition signs

Prohibition signs for fire safety have a red circle on a solid white background, with a single diagonal cross line going through black imagery that shows the action that is forbidden. Other prohibition signs that can be found are fully red with contrasting white text and imagery for a high visibility.

For signs that must be seen at all times, choose photoluminescent ones that emit light during the night or in dark rooms due to being manufactured with photoluminescent rigid PVC.

Prohibition signs are a legal requirement under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulation of 1996.

Yellow – warning signs

Warning signs consist of a bright yellow triangle with a black outline. Underneath can be found black text explaining the warning on a yellow background.

These safety warning signs are required by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and in specific cases by the Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990.

Blue – mandatory signs

Mandatory signs are a blue circle with white text or image in the centre and a blue box underneath with an explanation in white. Mandatory signs clearly state certain actions or behaviours that are to be implemented within a workplace or area of public access. This ensures people understand and can comply with all Health and Safety legislation and protects everyone from risk.

It is important to note that the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 do not apply to mandatory fire instructions but they do apply to health and safety mandatory signs where pictograms are required.

Green – emergency signs

Emergency signs are a bright green rectangle or square with the image or text positioned in the centre. Often used to indicate emergency health areas or first aid storage and to point to the nearest exits.

In the same way as for mandatory signs, some emergency safety signs are not required by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. However, signs with no pictogram, such as ‘PUSH BAR TO OPEN’, are still needed for compliance with other UK legislation.

Positioning

Now that you know the different types of signs it is also important to know where to position them. Fire safety signs need to be clearly visible to employees and visitors in order to be effective. It is best to position near fire alarms and fire equipment. However, they should also clearly point and lead to the nearest exit in case of a fire.

Avoid places on the walls that are already crowded with pictures, noticeboards or anything else that may obstruct the sign. Avoid putting safety signs behind pipes and machinery and make sure no one obscures them with piles of stock or other equipment.