Having the right fire signage is more than just a legal obligation on construction and commercial sites in the UK; it’s crucial for safeguarding lives and minimising risks during emergencies. Understanding the requirements from fire extinguisher signs to glow-in-the-dark fire exit signs, along with legal standards and optimal placement, is key for every site manager.

What Is Fire Signage?

Fire signage refers to safety signs used to indicate fire safety equipment, fire escape routes, emergency procedures, and assembly points. These signs ensure fast, effective evacuation and access to fire-fighting tools during an emergency.

What Category Are Fire Signage?

Fire signage in the UK falls under four main categories:

1. Mandatory signs – Usually blue circles, these indicate actions that must be taken, such as a mandatory fire door sign (e.g., “Fire door keep shut”).

2. Warning signs – Yellow triangles that alert people to potential hazards (e.g., “Warning: Flammable materials”).

3. Prohibition signs – Red circles with a slash, used to prohibit actions (e.g., “No smoking”).

4. Safe condition signs – Green rectangles, indicating emergency exit signs, fire assembly points, or first aid stations.

What Fire Safety Signage Do I Need Legally in the UK?

According to UK law, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all sites are required to display fire signage that is:

• Clear, visible, and compliant with BS EN ISO 7010 standards.

All fire signs should be placed in areas where there is a potential fire risk, near emergency equipment, or along evacuation routes.

All sites must display:

• Fire extinguisher signs clearly show where extinguishers are located and the types of fires they should be used on (CO₂, foam, etc.).

• Fire point signs need to indicate the central locations of fire-fighting equipment.

• Fire action notices are required to outline the step-by-step instructions in case of a fire.

• Emergency exit signs and fire exit signage are needed to mark the safe exit routes, including photoluminescent fire exit signs for visibility in darkness or smoke.

• Fire assembly point signage is necessary to show where people should gather after evacuation.

• Mandatory fire door signs are required to instruct occupants to keep fire doors shut or indicate automatic closures.

What Height Should Fire Safety Signage Be?

Fire safety signs should be positioned at a height that is easily visible, typically between 1.7m and 2.0m from the floor, taking into account the distance from which people will view them and the layout of the area. For signs mounted on walls, they should be at eye level. Overhead signs, such as those indicating emergency exits, should be installed above doors or along the ceiling of the evacuation route. These signs must not be obstructed and are well-lit, or made to glow in the dark for use in low-light conditions.

What is a Mandatory Fire Door Sign?

A mandatory fire door sign is a blue circular sign that provides a specific instruction regarding a fire door. Common examples include:

• “Fire door keep shut” sign

• “Fire door keep locked” sign

• “Automatic fire door keep clear” sign

These signs are legally mandated on fire doors to guarantee safety and compliance.

What Signage Is Required for a Fire Assembly Point?

It’s important to have at least one fire assembly point sign placed in a spot that’s easy to see, where employees, contractors, or the public are likely to meet during an emergency.

The sign should:

• Feature a green background with white symbols and/or text.
• Be set at eye level or higher for better visibility.
• Include arrows if necessary to direct people to the right location.

How to Improve Fire Visibility on Site with Defender

At Defender, we only supply compliant, high-visibility fire safety signs designed for construction, industrial, and commercial environments. Within our fire signage range, we stock:

• Fire Exit Signage that clearly marks all exit routes to ensure safe evacuation.

• Fire Door Signage to indicate fire doors and mandatory actions to maintain fire safety integrity.

• Fire Equipment Signage to highlight locations of fire extinguishers, hoses, and other firefighting equipment.

• Photoluminescent Signage to ensure visibility of critical signs even in low-light or smoke-filled conditions.

Need help staying compliant? Our safety experts can conduct site reviews and recommend the exact fire equipment, signs and layout you need to meet UK fire safety standards.

Don’t risk fines or safety lapses; ensure your site is fully covered with certified fire signage. Contact Defender today for expert guidance and rapid delivery.