The importance of clear and concise signage cannot be understated. Having proper fire safety signage can be the difference between a safe, orderly evacuation and a chaotic, potentially dangerous situation. 

At Magni Fire, we understand that fire safety and security is essential for your business, and having effective signage is a major component of that. 

As specialists in fire protection, we are here to guide you through the UK standards for fire safety signage, ensuring your business is not only compliant but also equipped to protect your employees and visitors.

Navigating the regulations surrounding fire safety signage can be complex, but our specialist fire protection services are here to help. Our guide will shed light on the key aspects of UK fire safety signage standards, helping you create a safer environment for you and your employees.

What is fire safety signage?

Fire safety signage encompasses a range of visual cues designed to guide individuals during a fire. These signs provide critical information regarding safe routes, fire-fighting equipment and procedures. They play a very important role in ensuring that fire evacuations are always swift and organised, minimising confusion and potentially saving lives. 

An effective fire safety signage strategy uses colours, symbols and text to convey crucial information quickly and in a way that’s easy for all to understand. It’s essential that this signage is strategically placed throughout your premises, ensuring visibility and easy understanding for everyone, even in a stressful emergency.

If you are unsure about fire safety signage, our team can help. We install our compliant, durable solutions in locations that maximise effectiveness and safety. 

What is the standard for fire safety signage in a workplace?

In the UK, the primary standard for fire safety signage is BS 5499-4:2013, which provides detailed guidance on the design and use of safety signs and fire safety notices. This standard specifies requirements for colour, size, and pictograms to ensure consistency and clarity across different workplaces.

Compliance with BS 5499-4:2013 is needed for meeting your legal obligations under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. These regulations mandate the use of safety signs to warn of potential hazards and provide clear instructions in the workplace.

What are the different types of fire safety signs?

Fire safety signs are categorised into different types based on their function:

• Fire exit signs: These signs, often featuring the running man symbol, indicate escape routes and fire exits. They must be photoluminescent to ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
• Fire action notices: These notices provide step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of a fire, including raising the alarm, evacuating, and assembly points.
• Fire equipment signs: These signs identify the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, hose reels, and other fire fighting equipment.
• Fire door signs: These signs clearly mark fire doors and emphasise the importance of keeping them closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
• Prohibition signs: These signs prohibit actions that could increase fire risk, such as smoking or blocking fire exits.

Each type of sign plays an important role in guiding building occupants to safety, and providing clear instructions during a fire emergency.

What signage is required on a fire door?

Unsure about signage required for fire doors? Fire doors are key for preventing the spread of fire and smoke. To ensure their proper use, specific signage is required:

• Fire Door Keep Shut Sign: This sign clearly indicates that the fire door should be kept closed at all times, which is important for preventing the spread of fire and smoke. 
• Fire Door Do Not Obstruct Sign: This sign warns against obstructing the fire door, which could hinder its function in a fire.

These signs should be clearly visible and positioned on the door itself to ensure compliance.

What is the standard for fire exit signs in the UK?

Fire exit signs guide occupants towards escape routes. BS 5499-4:2013 provides specific guidelines:

• Running Man Symbol: The standard requires the use of the "running man" symbol.
• Photoluminescent Materials: Fire exit signs must be made from photoluminescent materials that glow in the dark.
• Clear Placement: Signs should be strategically placed to provide clear guidance along escape routes, visible from all directions.

Why is regular inspection of fire safety signage important?

Fire safety signage should be regularly inspected to ensure that it remains effective:

• Visibility: Check that signs are not obscured by objects or damaged, affecting visibility.
• Compliance: Ensure signs comply with current legislation and standards, replacing outdated or damaged signs.
• Effectiveness: Assess whether the signage provides clear and unambiguous instructions, especially in complex layouts.

Regular inspections help maintain the effectiveness of your fire safety signage and ensure compliance.

Why is it important to use a specialist for fire safety signage?

Ensuring your fire safety signage is fully compliant with UK legislation and standards requires specialist knowledge and expertise. At Magni Fire, we possess an in-depth understanding of fire safety regulations and ensure that we stay up-to-date to ensure that your signage meets all requirements. 

We provide high-quality, durable signage, including photoluminescent options that meet visibility standards, and our expert team ensures correct installation for maximum effectiveness. 

As part of our comprehensive fire safety solutions, we also offer a range of specialist fire protection services, such as fire risk assessments, fire alarm installation, and extinguisher maintenance, to provide a comprehensive approach to fire safety for businesses, schools and organisations. 

Fire and Security Solutions for Businesses

We are proud to provide essential fire and security solutions for businesses. We understand that each business comes with its own unique set of needs, and we tailor our services to ensure compliance with all fire safety regulations. 

Don't leave fire safety to chance. Contact Magni Fire today to discuss your fire safety signage needs, and ensure your signage is up to code and your business is equipped to protect your employees and visitors.