When running a business, the number of responsibilities that fall onto your shoulders will no doubt feel overwhelming. From managing staff to ensuring the business is going in the right direction, the list goes on. However, nothing is arguably more important than ensuring your business premises is a safe environment. This is why paying particular attention to your business fire safety policy is essential. Part of your fire safety responsibilities will include featuring the right fire safety signage in the right places.

In this blog post, we aim to give you an overview of fire safety signage, allowing you to ascertain whether or not your business is operating within the perimeters of fire safety law.

The four fire safety categories

There are many different types of fire safety signs. These are commonly split into four categories; prohibition signs, warning signs, mandatory signs and equipment/exit signs.

  • Prohibition signs: Prohibition signs, as their name suggests, are to communicate that a certain action or activity is prohibited in that area. ‘No Smoking’, ‘No Unauthorised Personnel’ and ‘No Naked Flames’ are some of the most common. Prohibition signs are red in colour.
  • Warning signs: Warning signs cover signs that indicate high risk or hazards. These include ‘High Voltage’ signs and the likes. Warning signs are usually triangular in shape.
  • Mandatory signs: ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ and ‘Fire Door Keep Clear’ are examples of Mandatory fire safety signs and are used to give instructions to staff, visitors and customers in an attempt to keep them safe. These signs are mostly blue in colour.
  • Equipment and exit signage: Equipment and exit signage communicates where items and exit routes are. This can be to show the way out of the building, where first aid equipment is located, the way to the fire alarm call point, the location of fire extinguishers and so on.

Where to place fire safety signage

The placement of your fire safety signage is key in ensuring its effectiveness. When putting up your signs, it is worth putting yourself in the shoes of a visitor that has not been there before. One tip would be to ensure regular signposting to items such as fire extinguishers, exit routes etc.

It is advised to place your signs around 1.7m up from floor level, making sure they are eye level for most.

Replacing fire safety signage

Like anything, fire safety signage becomes compromised over time. The images can fad, the corners can curl and in many cases, they can fall off the wall and be out of sight. This is why keeping on top of your fire safety signage and replenishing signs regularly is a must.

Regulations relating to the quality, design and content of signs are now grouped under British Standards law; BS ISO EN 7010:2011.

Need help with your business’ fire safety signage?

To discuss the supply of signage and other fire safety equipment and services, contact the Twenty4 Fire and Security team today!