TL;DR: Fire evacuation signage must comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Green directional signs indicate escape routes; red signs mark fire equipment. Signs must be visible, adequately lit, and positioned to guide occupants who may be unfamiliar with the building.

Fire evacuation signage is a critical part of any fire safety plan. These signs are designed to help people safely evacuate a building in the event of a fire, and to provide important information about the location of exits, firefighting equipment, and other important safety features.

Fire Evacuation Signage for Your Premises

London City Fire supplies and installs compliant fire evacuation signage across London. We ensure coverage, visibility, and compliance with current regulations.

Types of fire evacuation signage that may be used in a building

Fire Evacuation Signs: These signs are used to indicate the location of exits, and to provide guidance on the safest route to follow when evacuating the building. They may also include arrows or other visual indicators to help people find their way.

Fire Action Posters: These posters provide information about the steps that should be taken in the event of a fire, such as activating the fire alarm, closing doors and windows, and evacuating the building.

Fire Evacuation Procedure Posters: These posters provide detailed instructions on the steps that should be taken to evacuate the building safely, including the use of stairs, elevators, and other exits.

Fire Action Signs: These signs provide information about the specific actions that should be taken in the event of a fire, such as activating the fire alarm, calling the fire department, and evacuating the building.

Fire Exit Signs: These signs are used to indicate the location of exits and may include arrows or other visual indicators to help people find their way.

  • PROHIBITION SIGNS: These signs prohibit actions detrimental to safety
  • WARNING SIGNS: These signs give a warning of potential risks
  • MANDATORY SIGNS: Signs that require actions or activities that will contribute towards safety
  • SAFE CONDITION SIGNS: These signs indicate exit routes in the event of a fire or emergency
  • FIRE EQUIPMENT SIGNS: These signs are used to indicate the location of fire equipment

Fire risk assessment

A fire risk assessment will help you understand all the required signage and where they should be installed. This may include installing fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment, as well as installing fire evacuation signage to help guide occupants to safety.

It is important to note that fire evacuation signage should be clearly visible and easy to understand, and should be placed in strategic locations throughout the building. It is also important to regularly review and update the signage to ensure that it remains current and accurate.

Ensuring that all fire safety equipment and exits are clearly marked for staff and visitors is both a necessary safety measure and a requirement by law.

London City Fire can supply all fire safety-related signage. We have some available from our online store and others can be ordered using the contact form

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About the Author
London City Fire — Fire Safety Team

London City Fire supplies and installs fire safety and evacuation signage for commercial and residential premises across London. All signage complies with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fire safety legislation is subject to change. You should consult a qualified fire safety professional or solicitor before making decisions based on this content. London City Fire accepts no liability for reliance placed on the information in this article.