{"id":2143,"date":"2023-08-11T10:49:55","date_gmt":"2023-08-11T10:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chilman.com\/?p=2143"},"modified":"2024-02-02T08:46:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-02T08:46:33","slug":"fire-safety-signs-and-what-they-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chilman.com\/fire-safety-signs-and-what-they-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Safety Signs and What They Mean"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most business owners are aware of the importance of a fire warning sign, but there\u2019s more to safety and emergency regulations than meets the eye. In the case of a fire, every second counts and can be the difference between a safe evacuation and absolute chaos.<\/p>\n

To help you better understand fire safety signs and what they mean, we\u2019ve outlined all of the information you need to know as a responsible business owner.<\/p>\n

Importance of Fire Safety Signs<\/h2>\n

Fire safety signs play a huge role in keeping people and property safe. These signs are mandated by laws like the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and help to warn people about hazards, guide them through emergency routes and communicate preventative measures.<\/p>\n

While every property (including residences and businesses) will usually be required to have certain signs in accordance with their\u00a0fire risk assessment<\/a>, the types of signs you will find can vary. Generally, they are placed to prevent fires by raising awareness about risks and by discouraging dangerous activities.<\/p>\n

During emergencies, fire safety signs can help to facilitate the right actions to take. They also make people aware of where emergency exits and equipment like\u00a0fire extinguishers<\/a>\u00a0are located.<\/p>\n

Types of Fire Safety Signs<\/h2>\n

In order to keep both the people and your property safe, it\u2019s important to know the different types of fire safety signs that are needed. The following types of signage include:<\/p>\n

Escape route signs<\/h3>\n

These signs are positioned above doors, hallways and stairwells. They help to guide people towards the quickest and safest exit.<\/p>\n

Emergency exit signs<\/p>\n

You can find emergency or fire exit signs and emergency release signs on doors with security and fire safety mechanisms (like a fire door, for instance). These signs include instructions on how to work these mechanisms.<\/p>\n

Fire exit signs are essential to have in order to help get large numbers of people to safety in the event of an emergency. By having these signs up, it also allows people to learn the main escape routes so that if an emergency does occur, they already know the right routes to safety.<\/p>\n

Fire alarm and equipment signs<\/h3>\n

These signs are incredibly important for helping people locate and identify the closest fire extinguisher,\u00a0fire alarms<\/a>\u00a0or the fire alarm call point, and other fire-fighting equipment. Since these signs are usually red, they draw attention to themselves and usually ensure that even panicked individuals can effectively respond to the risk of a fire.<\/p>\n

Safe condition signs<\/h3>\n

In compliance with the relevant health and safety legislation standard BS 5499, these green signs mark off the location and instructions for first aid equipment. This includes evacuation chairs and accommodations for individuals with special needs.<\/p>\n

Fire muster point sign<\/h3>\n

Also known as fire assembly point signs, a fire muster indicates designated areas and zones where people should assemble in the event of a fire. These signs are similar to a safe condition sign in that they are green and white signs that indicate safety. I<\/p>\n

Mandatory signs<\/h3>\n

Mandatory signs are usually blue and white and help to avoid fires by explaining appropriate behaviours to use in certain areas. They are usually placed on doors and explain appropriate actions, like keeping the fire door shut, which ensures that people are adhering to safety protocols.<\/p>\n

Hazardous materials signs<\/h3>\n

These signs are usually in place to warn people about increased fire risks and are often near storage areas that contain flammable materials like oils or gases. The main purpose of these signs is to help draw attention to potential hazards, ensuring that people are aware of these when entering a certain area helping them to act with caution in mind.<\/p>\n

Prohibition signs<\/h3>\n

Red and white prohibition signs explain what actions to avoid in emergency situations to reduce fire risks. They will usually be positioned where they are necessary, and prohibit certain actions like smoking or using elevators during a fire.<\/p>\n

Understanding Fire Safety Signage<\/h2>\n

Colour Codes and Symbols<\/h3>\n