Fire Exit & Escape Signs | Emergency Safety Signage

Is it a legal requirement to have a fire exit sign?

Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) employers, building owners, landlords, the common areas of a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), and managers of non-domestic premises have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone who uses their premises, including employees, visitors, and members of the public. This includes implementing appropriate fire safety measures, such as providing clear fire exit signage showing the most direct route to the nearest fire escape.

Failure to comply with fire safety regulations, including the provision of proper fire escape signs, can result in enforcement action by the relevant authorities, including fines or even imprisonment.

Do fire exit signs need to be illuminated?

Fire exit signs must always be visible, illuminated either by an external light source or by their own internal light source, guaranteeing the directional graphics on the sign can be seen. The legal viewing distances of fire exit signs is defined in BS5266 pt7 and EN1838.This ensures that even during a power outage, exits are clearly marked and easily identifiable. Regular maintenance and checks should be conducted to ensure all fire exit signs are functional and compliant with safety standards, further enhancing the effectiveness of emergency evacuation procedures.

Where should illuminated signs for fire doors be located?

Fire escape signs are typically installed above doors, along corridors, and at strategic points throughout a building to ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness. It is crucial that they are easily visible from various locations so that occupants of a building can evacuate the premise swift and easy following a clear route. Our range of fire exit signs include wall-mounted, ceiling recessed and hanging fire escape signs. Fire exit signs are in place to prevent any confusion and guarantee the quickest means of escape during an emergency. For further information on the location of fire exit signs take a look at our blog on viewing distances for fire exit signs.

Types of illuminated fire exit signs

There are three types of fire exit signs, each designed for specific areas within a building. Selecting the appropriate signage is crucial for ensuring maximum visibility and aiding significantly during an evacuation.

Wall-mounted

Wall mounted fire exit signs are fixed directly on to walls which makes them ideal for high traffic areas, for example hallways and near exit doors.

Ceiling recessed

Ceiling recessed fire exit signs provide a seamless look and are therefore advised for more modern interiors, they blend in with the building whilst providing clear guidance. They are often used within spaces with lower ceilings of where wall space in limited.

Hanging fire exit signs

Hanging fire exit signs are suspended from the ceiling, effective in large, open areas such as warehouses or entrances. They are visible from multiple directions which makes them ideal for spaces which expansive are often crowded.

What are photoluminescent exit signs and how do they work?

Photoluminescent exit signs are easy to understand with directional arrows, which provide guidance to an individual on the quickest route to escape during an emergency. Photoluminescent signs have glow-in-the-dark properties, which means that even in the event of power failure these signs are highly visible even in the dark. The signs are ‘charged’ by the using nearby light during daylight hours, and even lights within a premises to allow for the photoluminescent properties to shine their brightest, and will remain visible even in complete darkness for approximately 60-90 minutes.

What Are The Different Types of Fire Safety Signs?

Fire Action Signs

Fire action signs are positioned where call points are in public places, where people would not know where to go to evacuate. A fire action notice tells you what to do in the event of a fire related emergency.

Safe Area Signs

Safe area signs are designed to help identify an area in a public building that has been designated as ‘safe’ during an emergency situation. A person with a mobility impairment that is unable to evacuate should go to a ‘safe area’ in an emergency.

Fire Equipment Signs

Fire equipment signs are used to identify and draw attention to fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, alarms, hoses etc. You can also get panoramic fire equipment signs that stick out from the wall so you can see them from further away. This helps to signpost building occupants to equipment locations quickly.

Are Fire Safety Signs a Legal Requirement?

Some fire safety signs are required by law such as a fire action notice. Other signs such as fire exit signs may be required depending the size and complexity of the building. Fire safety equipment signs will be required if you have the relevant equipment installed at the premises. Read our in-depth fire safety sign guide for more advice on where they should be placed.

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