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Fire Action Notices
Explain what people should do when they discover a fire or hear the alarm, including how to raise the alarm, leave the building and reach the assembly point.
View Fire Action NoticesLangstane fire safety guide
Understanding fire safety signs
Fire safety signs help people recognise hazards, locate equipment and find a safe route out of a building during an emergency.
Learn what the main sign types mean, where they are commonly used and what to check during a walk around your premises.
View all fire safety signs
Know what each sign does
Four essential fire-safety sign groups
Your fire-risk assessment should determine which signs are needed and where they should be positioned.
Exit routes, doors and assembly points
Guide people along escape routes, identify final exits and show where to gather after leaving the building. Directional arrows must match the actual route.
View fire exit signsFire equipment signs
Identify equipment such as extinguishers, hose reels and alarm call points so it can be found quickly. Equipment should remain visible and easy to access.
View fire equipment signsWarning, mandatory and prohibition signs
Highlight additional risks and required behaviour. Examples include no-smoking signs, hazard warnings and instructions that a particular action must be taken.
View general safety signs
Avoid confusion
Use signs where they help control or communicate a significant risk.
Too many signs can make the important information harder to identify.
Recognise the visual language
What safety-sign colours and shapes mean
Standard colours and shapes help people understand the purpose of a sign quickly—even before they read the wording.
Prohibition
A red circular border and diagonal bar over a black symbol indicate something that must not be done.
Fire equipment
A red square or rectangle with a white symbol identifies firefighting equipment and alarm points.
Mandatory action
A blue circle with a white symbol shows an action or precaution that must be followed.
Warning
A yellow triangle with a black border and symbol warns of a hazard or source of danger.
Safe condition
A green square or rectangle gives information about escape, first aid or another safe condition.
Check compatibility
When replacing older signage, make sure the complete sign system
uses consistent, current symbols and that directional arrows
accurately describe the escape route.
Walk through your premises
Complete a safety-signage self-audit
Different working zones have different signage needs. Use the audit tool to review outdoor areas, entrances, offices, warehouses, fire exits, first-aid points and visitor routes.
Step 1
Divide the site into zones
Review areas such as car parks, reception, offices, shared spaces, manufacturing areas, warehouses, yards and roof access separately.
Step 2
Check condition and visibility
Look for missing, damaged, faded or obstructed signs. Confirm that signs can be seen from the places where people need the information.
Step 3
Record what needs attention
Note the location, wording, dimensions, quantity and suitable material for every sign that needs replacing or adding.
Important
The self-audit helps identify signage issues, but it does not
replace a suitable fire-risk assessment or advice from a competent
fire-safety professional.
Reduce avoidable risks
Everyday fire-prevention checks
Signs communicate risk, but good housekeeping, maintenance and staff awareness remain essential.
Control combustible materials
Prevent unnecessary build-up of paper, packaging, batteries and other combustible waste.
Store hazardous materials safely
Keep hazardous chemicals in suitable storage and follow the relevant handling instructions.
Check electrical equipment
Avoid overloaded sockets, switch off equipment where appropriate and report damaged plugs, leads or wiring.
Keep access routes clear
Do not obstruct escape routes, fire doors, electrical panels, heating equipment or essential machinery.
Test warning systems
Maintain and test fire alarms and related systems according to your fire-safety arrangements and manufacturer guidance.
Maintain fire equipment
Make sure the equipment identified by your assessment remains accessible, correctly located and properly maintained.
Plan, communicate and practise
What should your fire emergency plan consider?
Your arrangements should reflect your premises, the people who use them and the findings of your fire-risk assessment.
| Your plan should address | What to check |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Policies for controlling ignition sources, fuel and unsafe behaviour |
| Escape routes | Enough clear, direct and properly marked routes and exits |
| Doors and lighting | Emergency doors open easily and emergency lighting is provided where necessary |
| People | Training, evacuation procedures and suitable arrangements for anyone who may need assistance |
| Assembly | A safe, clearly identified meeting point and a method for accounting for people |
| Communication | Clear alarm arrangements, responsibilities and emergency contact procedures |
Review regularly
Update the assessment and emergency plan when risks, layouts,
working practices or the people using the premises change.
Need to update your signage?
Make workplace fire information easier to find
Browse fire-action notices, exit signs, equipment markers and general safety signs for your premises.
Langstane Advice & Guides · www.langstane.co.uk/fire-safety-signs--3
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