Fire Exit Signs

Fire Exit Signs should be clearly positioned along escape routes, above doors, and in any areas where the direction of an exit might be unclear. According to UK Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must ensure that fire exit routes are properly indicated with clear signage to aid safe evacuation in an emergency.

Fire Exit Signs reduce confusion and panic by clearly guiding people towards the nearest escape route during an emergency. In workplaces, public buildings, and high-risk environments, they improve safety by ensuring staff and visitors can quickly locate the safest exit, reducing the risk of injuries caused by smoke inhalation, falls, or getting trapped.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all non-domestic buildings to have appropriate fire safety signage, including fire exit signs, to ensure a safe evacuation. Employers and building owners are responsible for conducting a fire risk assessment and installing the correct signage in accordance with BS 5499 and ISO 7010 standards.

Most commercial and public buildings are legally required to display Fire Exit Signs, particularly where the exit route is not immediately obvious. However, small premises with a single, clearly visible exit may be exempt. Conducting a fire risk assessment will determine whether signage is necessary.

Fire Exit Signs come in a variety of formats, including photoluminescent signs that glow in the dark, directional arrows for guiding people along escape routes, and combined signs that include running man symbols and emergency lighting compatibility. Choosing the right type ensures visibility even in power outages.

Fire safety signs should be regularly checked as part of routine fire risk assessments. They must remain visible, undamaged, and compliant with current regulations. If signs become faded, obstructed, or illegible, they should be replaced immediately.