Fire Extinguisher ID Signs

What type of fire extinguisher ID sign do I need?

Fire extinguisher ID signs are available in various formats, allowing you to select the one best suited to the location of your extinguishers. They can be fixed to a wall or attached to an extinguisher stand. Each sign type serves a specific purpose:

Water extinguisher signs feature red labels and guide users to tackle fires involving wood, paper, cardboard, fabrics, and textiles. Water extinguishers cool burning materials and work brilliantly on Class A fires.

Foam extinguisher signs display cream labels and cover both solid combustibles and flammable liquids. Foam extinguishers are water-based and contain chemicals that form a 'frothy agent'. The foam cools and smothers the fire, extinguishing it and preventing it from reigniting.

CO2 extinguisher signs show black labels and indicate protection for electrical equipment and flammable liquids. CO2 extinguishers work by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire, effectively suffocating it.

Dry powder extinguisher signs feature blue labels and mark versatile ABC extinguishers that tackle Class A, B, and C fires. Standard dry powder extinguishers are effective in handling most common fire risks, but aren't recommended for use in enclosed spaces.

Wet chemical extinguisher signs display yellow labels and identify specialist equipment for cooking oil and fat fires. Wet chemical extinguishers create a layer of foam on the surface of the burning oil or fat, preventing oxygen from fuelling the fire any further.

Water mist extinguisher signs feature white labels and mark highly versatile extinguishers that are effective on Class A fires, as well as live electrical equipment. Water mist extinguishers contain only de-ionised water but deliver microscopic droplets that create a cooling mist curtain.

Are fire extinguisher ID signs mandatory?

Fire extinguisher signs are referenced and required by the British Standards, the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 (HSR), and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO). The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require that the colour red be used to identify the location of fire-fighting equipment.

The ID sign isn't legally required; however, the fire extinguisher symbol itself is required to be displayed at all fire safety points, so people are aware of their location. Innovative businesses choose comprehensive ID signs because they protect both people and property.

What information should fire extinguisher ID signs display?

Quality fire extinguisher ID signs communicate essential details at a glance:

• Extinguisher type identification through colour-coded labels.
• Suitable fire classes showing which fires the extinguisher can tackle.
• Unsuitable fire classes.
• Warning against dangerous misuse.
• Clear pictograms following BS EN ISO 7010 standards.
• Operating instructions for safe, effective use.

The standard availability of photoluminescent materials enables this crucial signage to be visible even in low-visibility conditions, such as when the lights go out or smoke becomes extremely thick. This glow-in-the-dark capability can be lifesaving during power cuts or smoke-filled emergencies.

What happens if I use the wrong fire extinguisher?

History shows us that fire extinguishers, if misused, can present as much risk as they seek to prevent. For example, untrained operators of a CO2 extinguisher can asphyxiate themselves in confined spaces.

Proper ID signs prevent these dangerous mistakes. They guide users to the correct extinguisher for each fire type and warn against potentially fatal misuse.

Which fire extinguisher ID sign standards should I follow?

BS 5306-8:2012 says fire extinguisher wall signs are required for each extinguisher installed. This helps for ease of identification for the user, but also helps organisations to determine which extinguisher is missing if it is removed (for ease of replacement). This is a code of practice (not law).

Our signs also conform to BS ISO 3864-1:2011 (the standard that sets out the design principles and graphical symbols for safety signs). This ensures they are easy to understand and identify.

How should I position fire extinguisher ID signs?

Fire extinguisher signs should be placed next to each fire extinguisher or on the stand where the extinguishers are located. This ensures that anyone needing to use an extinguisher can easily find it and scan the instructions.

Position signs at eye level where they're visible from multiple angles. Suppose fire-fighting equipment is placed in such a position as to be hidden from direct view. In that case, you must indicate its location using the relevant firefighting equipment sign and appropriate directional arrow if required.

What mounting options are available?

Fire extinguisher ID signs adapt to any environment:

• Wall-mounted signs for permanent installations.
• Extinguisher stand signs that attach directly to stands.
• Directional signs with arrows for hidden extinguishers.
• Photoluminescent options for low-light conditions.
• Rigid plastic signs for durability.
• Self-adhesive signs for quick installation.

Choose mounting options that suit your specific environment and ensure signs remain visible and secure.

Your fire safety depends on clear, accurate identification. Fire extinguisher ID signs bridge the gap between having the right equipment and using it correctly when it matters most. Contact our fire safety experts to ensure your premises meet all regulatory requirements and protect everyone on site. Browse our complete range of fire extinguishers to complement your signage, explore our full selection of safety signs, and learn about the different fire extinguisher types to ensure you choose the right signage for your equipment. Don't forget to read our essential guide on fire drills and safety procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fire extinguisher ID signs without drilling into walls?

Yes, you have several drill-free options. Self-adhesive vinyl signs stick directly to most wall surfaces (except for Artex), while double-sided adhesive pads work with rigid signs. Chrome metal stands also accept clip-on sign holders, perfect for portable extinguisher setups.

Do photoluminescent fire extinguisher signs glow in emergencies?

Photoluminescent signs utilise Jalite AAA-quality material that absorbs light and glows in the dark for hours. This glow-in-the-dark feature ensures your fire extinguisher locations remain visible during power cuts or when smoke reduces visibility, making them essential for emergencies.

What's the difference between portrait and landscape fire extinguisher signs?

Portrait signs (taller than wide) are best suited for narrow walls or when mounted above extinguishers on stands. Landscape signs (wider than tall) are suitable for wall-mounted extinguishers where horizontal space is available. Both orientations display identical safety information and adhere to British Standards.

Are there specific ID signs for Britannia P50 extinguishers?

Yes, we stock dedicated wall signs explicitly designed for Britannia P50 foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers. These signs match the extinguisher specifications exactly and are available in both portrait (200 x 80 mm) and landscape (105 x 150 mm) orientations, featuring photoluminescent material.

Can I get fire extinguisher ID signs to match stainless steel extinguishers?

Absolutely. Our high-quality stainless steel signs (200x80mm) complement stainless steel extinguishers perfectly. These informative and stylish signs are available in 6 versions to suit different extinguisher types, creating a premium, coordinated appearance whilst maintaining safety compliance.