Know Your Fire Safety Signs
5th Oct 2020
When it comes to fire safety, fire safety signs are an important part of the puzzle. By understanding what different signs mean, you can make sure that you are taking all necessary precautions in the event of a fire.
In this blog post, we will break down the most common fire safety signs and explain what they mean for your business.
Safe Condition Signs
What are they used for?
These fire safety signs are used to mark emergency exits, escape routes and first aid equipment.
When should they be used?
To indicate where the emergency exits are and the means of the operation of doors on the escape routes, for example, ‘Push bar to open’.
What do they look like?
The safe condition signs can be a green rectangle or square with text and/or pictograms.
It’s quite common to see the wrong signs used in buildings – for example, a green ‘Fire exit’ sign on the exterior of a fire exit door, when it should be a blue ‘Fire exit keep clear’ sign. If in doubt, seek expert advice.
Prohibition Signs
What are they used for?
These signs should be used to reinforce instructions prohibiting dangerous activities.
Where should they be used?
In your building to reinforce the prohibition of dangerous activities. These fire safety signs are required by the Health and Safety Regulations 1996.
What do they look like?
These signs display a red circle containing a red diagonal line. There will be a pictogram in black indicating the nature of the prohibition.
Warning Signs
What are they used for?
These signs should be used to make people aware of nearby hazards such as dangerous substances or physical hazards on escape routes.
When should they be used?
If your building has certain hazards these fire safety signs will be required by the Health and Safety Regulations 1996.
What do they look like?
The signs are yellow triangles with a black border and black pictogram and/or text.
Mandatory Signs
What are they used for?
These fire safety signs should be used to indicate actions that must be carried out in order to comply with requirements.
When should they be used?
Mandatory fire safety signs should be used if your building has actions that must be carried out to meet fire safety requirements. These could include 'Fire door keep shut' to ensure that the compartmentation of the building is maintained in the event of a fire.
What do they look like?
The signs are blue circles with either text or a picture shown in white.
Fire Equipment Signs
What are they used for?
To indicate the location of fire equipment and fire alarm activation points.
When should they be used?
Whenever the location of such equipment may not be obvious or become unclear in low light conditions.
What do they look like?
These fire safety signs are a red square or rectangle with white pictures or text.
According to British Standard and ISO requirements, there are prescribed graphic design specifications for all fire safety signs.
In addition, they must be visible under all material conditions, so you should always choose photoluminescent (glow in the dark) signs where practical.
If you are unsure you have the correct signage in your building, speak to us today at Red Box Fire Control.
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