Comprehensive Guide to Fire Exit Signs: Regulations, Maintenance, and Placement

  • By Aaron Houlston
31Jul
Comprehensive Guide to Fire Exit Signs: Regulations, Maintenance, and Placement

Fire exit signs are crucial components of any building's safety measures. They guide occupants to safety during emergencies, ensuring a swift and orderly evacuation. This comprehensive guide delves into key aspects of fire exit signs, including regulations in the UK, the importance of regular checks, the need for illumination, and the correct placement of fire door signs. We will also provide references to authoritative UK sources to help you stay compliant with legal requirements.

Fire Exit Signs Regulations in the UK

In the UK, fire exit signs are governed by several regulations designed to ensure the safety of building occupants. The primary regulations include:

  1. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996: These regulations mandate that all workplaces must have clear and visible fire exit signs to guide employees and visitors to safety. You can read more about these regulations on the UK Government's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

  2. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: This order requires that all non-domestic premises have appropriate fire safety measures, including signage, to ensure the safe evacuation of occupants. Detailed information about this order can be found on the UK Government's legislation website.

  3. BS ISO 3864-1:2011 and BS EN ISO 7010:2012: These standards specify the design, color, and pictograms used in safety signage, ensuring consistency and recognizability. The British Standards Institution (BSI) provides detailed guidelines and standards, which can be accessed via the BSI Group website.

Key Requirements:

  • Visibility: Fire exit signs must be clearly visible at all times, even in the event of a power failure. This means they should be positioned where they are not obstructed and are well-lit.
  • Design: Signs should conform to the standardized design, typically featuring a green background with a white pictogram and directional arrow. The consistency in design helps in quick recognition.
  • Placement: Signs should be strategically placed to guide occupants along the escape route to the nearest exit. This includes above doors, along escape routes, and at decision points where the route may change direction.

How Often Should Fire Escape Routes Be Checked?

Regular checks and maintenance of fire escape routes are crucial to ensure they remain clear and functional in an emergency. The frequency of these checks depends on the building type and occupancy, but general guidelines include:

  1. Daily Checks: Ensure that escape routes are free from obstructions and that all doors and passageways are accessible. This involves a quick walkthrough to confirm that no items are blocking the paths and that doors are not locked or difficult to open.

  2. Weekly Checks: Verify that all fire exit signs and emergency lighting are operational. Test the functionality of illuminated signs and replace any faulty bulbs or batteries. Ensure that fire doors close correctly and are not wedged open.

  3. Monthly Checks: Conduct a more thorough inspection of escape routes, including the condition of doors, locks, and signage. Check for wear and tear that might affect their performance during an emergency.

  4. Annual Inspections: Perform a comprehensive review of all fire safety measures, including a detailed assessment of fire exit routes and signs by a qualified fire safety professional. These inspections should align with the Fire Risk Assessment requirements outlined by the HSE.

Regular checks help to identify and rectify any issues promptly, ensuring that escape routes are always ready for use.

Do Fire Exit Signs Need to Be Illuminated?

Yes, fire exit signs must be illuminated to ensure visibility in all conditions, including during power outages. There are two primary types of illuminated fire exit signs:

  1. Internally Illuminated Signs: These signs have built-in lighting, typically using LEDs, which are energy-efficient and provide consistent illumination. They require a power source and often include a battery backup to ensure functionality during power failures.

  2. Photoluminescent Signs: These signs absorb ambient light and glow in the dark, providing visibility in low-light conditions without the need for electricity. They are an excellent backup option but should be used in conjunction with electrically illuminated signs for maximum safety.

Illuminated fire exit signs are essential for guiding occupants to safety, particularly in smoke-filled or dark environments where visibility may be compromised. The requirement for illumination is outlined in the BS EN 1838:2013, which specifies the lighting requirements for emergency escape.

Where Should Fire Door Signs Be Fitted?

Fire door signs are essential for indicating the location and purpose of fire doors, which play a critical role in containing fires and providing safe escape routes. Proper placement of these signs is vital for ensuring they are easily visible and understood. Here’s where fire door signs should be fitted:

  1. On the Door Itself: Signs should be placed on the fire door, typically at eye level, to indicate its function. Common signs include "Fire Door Keep Shut," "Fire Door Keep Locked," and "Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear."

  2. Adjacent Walls: Additional signage can be placed on the wall next to the fire door to provide further instruction or information.

  3. Both Sides of the Door: Ensure that signs are visible on both sides of the door, particularly for doors that can be accessed from multiple directions. This ensures clarity from any approach.

  4. Escape Routes: Place directional fire door signs along escape routes to guide occupants towards the nearest fire door. This helps in maintaining a clear and recognizable path to safety.

Conclusion

Fire exit signs are a crucial element of fire safety, providing clear guidance for safe evacuation during emergencies. Adhering to UK regulations, regularly checking escape routes, ensuring signs are illuminated, and correctly placing fire door signs are all essential steps in maintaining a safe environment.

By following these guidelines, building owners and managers can ensure they are fully compliant with safety regulations and prepared for any emergency. For more information on fire safety products and services, or to purchase high-quality fire exit signs, contact us today.

For further reading and detailed guidelines, refer to the following sources:

Keywords: Fire Exit Signs, Fire Exit Signs Regulations UK, Fire Escape Route Checks, Illuminated Fire Exit Signs, Fire Door Sign Placement

Feel free to reach out with any further questions! 

Please note: All information provided within this blog is educational and informational and forms a guide. We always recommend you consult a fire safety officer on any fire regulation matters that you are unsure of.