What fire safety signage do I need for my premises?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises in England and Wales—including workplaces, commercial buildings, and residential settings like Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and blocks of flats—are legally required to ensure that occupants can safely exit the building in the event of a fire.

This responsibility extends to ensuring that adequate fire safety signage is installed, particularly in buildings with complex escape routes, such as long corridors, multiple stairwells, or unusual layouts.

Why Is Fire Safety Signage Important?

Fire safety signs are not just a regulatory requirement; they play a vital role in guiding building occupants quickly and safely to an exit during an emergency. In a panic situation, clear, standardized signage can save lives by preventing confusion and ensuring people follow the safest path out of the building.

Fire Safety Signage Standards: BS 5499 and ISO 7010

All fire safety signage in the UK should follow the guidelines outlined in:

British Standard 5499 – This standard outlines the design and use of safety signs, ensuring consistency across premises. It helps to reduce confusion and increase recognition of signs in emergencies.
ISO 7010 – An international standard that ensures consistency in safety symbols across different countries. All signs should use standardized pictograms so they are easily recognized, regardless of language.

By complying with these standards, you ensure your signage is not only legally compliant but also universally understood.

What Types of Fire Safety Signs Do You Need?

The types and placement of fire safety signs depend on the specific layout and risks associated with your building. These should be identified during your fire risk assessment, which is a legal requirement under the Fire Safety Order 2005.

Common fire safety signs include:

Fire Exit Signs

Indicate the route to the nearest emergency exit.
Should be visible from any point in a corridor or large room.
Must be illuminated or photo luminescent if emergency lighting is in place.

Fire Door Signs

Include notices such as “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Fire Door Keep Locked”.
Ensure fire doors remain closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Fire Extinguisher Signs

Clearly mark the location of each fire extinguisher.
Indicate the type of extinguisher and the class of fire it is suitable for.

Fire Alarm Signs

Show the location of fire alarm call points.
Include instructions such as “Break Glass in Case of Fire”.

Fire Assembly Point Signs

Direct occupants to the designated assembly point after evacuation.
Should be placed outdoors in a safe, clearly visible location.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety Signage?

The duty falls on the Responsible Person, as defined under the Fire Safety Order. This could be:

The employer,
The building owner,
Or any other person with control of the premises.

The Responsible Person must ensure that all safety signage is:

Present and correctly positioned,
Maintained in good condition,
Replaced if damaged, missing, or no longer compliant.

Free Fire Safety Signage Checklist

To help ensure your premises are compliant, we’ve created a free downloadable checklist to guide you through what signage you need and where it should be located.

[Download the Fire Safety Signage Checklist here]

Our Fire Safety Signage Solutions

We supply a full range of fire safety signs that are compliant with BS 5499 and ISO 7010 standards, including but not limited to:

✅ Fire exit signs
✅ Fire door signs
✅ Fire extinguisher signs
✅ Fire alarm signs
✅ Fire assembly point signs
✅ Custom signs for specific hazards or instructions

All our signs are made from durable, compliant materials suitable for a wide range of environments, from offices to industrial units to residential complexes.

Need Help? Get in Touch

If you’re unsure about your fire safety signage needs, or if you require assistance with a fire risk assessment, our expert team is here to help.

To get a free copy of our digital signage brochure please get in touch.