We all see fire safety signs when we visit retail stores, schools, cinema theatres or hospitals. But not many take notice of what each one indicates. All commercial buildings, including corporate offices, warehouses, and industrial units, are legally required to have safety signs at appropriate places. Even though they often go unnoticed, they are a crucial part of the overall fire safety plan. As per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation, the “responsible person” needs to ensure that the business premises have all the relevant fire safety signs to keep the employees and customers informed and safe in case of an emergency. They are vital for preventing fires and reducing the risk to life and chances of property damage, along with other fire safety measures.
But why are fire safety signs so crucial?
Fire safety signs are essential on all business premises. It is so everyone in the building can swiftly find their nearest fire exit, escape routes and firefighting equipment. Fire signs help guide the occupants to safety in the event of a fire, as they provide the following information:
- Signs to emergency exits, escape routes and assembly points
- Visual markers to the location of firefighting equipment
- Visible markings to fire alarm activation areas
Fire safety signage also includes prohibition signs that focus on reducing the risk of fire, such as:
- Prohibition signs that outline the forbidding of any actions that could cause a fire.
- Mandatory signs that outline compulsory fire regulation compliance to reduce the risk of fire.
- Warning signs about the presence of flammable materials on the premises.
Types of Fire Safety Signs
Like fire extinguishers, fire safety signs are also colour coded to make it easy for everyone to interpret them. Here’s what different signs and corresponding colours indicate:
- Green Square/Rectangular Sign with White Writing – These signs show fire exits and escape routes. They may or may not be illuminated, often with the help of emergency lighting, based on their location and regulation requirements.
- Red Circular/Rectangular Sign with White Writing – These signs indicate the location of firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and hoses.
- Blue Circular Sign with White Writing – These signs are for mandatory precautions that need to be complied with by everyone on the premises. An example of this type of sign is the “Keep the Fire Door Shut” signage.
- Yellow Triangular Sign with Black Writing – These are warning signs that indicate specific fire-associated risks.
- Red Outlined Circular Signs – These are prohibition signs that highlight actions that should be forbidden.
As the business owner or the “responsible person” in charge of ensuring that all the fire safety regulations are complied with, you must install and maintain all the necessary fire safety signage across your premises. You must also ensure that all the fire exit signs are illuminated, and the escape routes properly flagged so that people can quickly get to safety. Another thing to ensure is to conduct a fire risk assessment and regular maintenance of firefighting equipment, fire alarms and other fire safety systems and signage so that your premises are safe at all times. To learn more about securing your commercial property with the best fire safety solutions, contact LNS Fire and Security on 0116 224 3478.