FIRE SIGNAGE

The Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 outlined the signs that we have become so familiar with today. However, some signs without text can be confusing if you don’t already know what they mean. Read on as we breakdown the different types of fire signage, explain what they mean. What do the shapes and colours of signs mean? Before jumping into fire signage, here’s a quick introduction to the main types of signs you may come across. Each sign has a specific colour scheme and shape to help people quickly identify them and know what action they need to take. A sign can let us know what we can do, what we can’t do, what we should do, where to find important items and what we should be cautious of. Signboard: a sign which provides information or instructions by a combination of shape, or colour and a symbol or pictogram which is rendered visible by lighting of sufficient intensity. In practice, many signboards may be accompanied by supplementary text. There are a range of other signs that exist which are used in road safety and construction. The above signs are most commonly seen in schools, offices, venues, shops, restaurants and other public spaces. Fire signage is communicated using the same signs everywhere across the UK. But why is fire signage so important? Why is fire signage important? All signs are important and fire signage is especially so because when there is a fire it is paramount that all persons in the vicinity of the fire act as swiftly as possible. In public spaces such as shops people may be unfamiliar with the building. Thoughtfully placed fire signage can help them to quickly identify the best routes to safely exit. If a fire starts in a workplace employees will know the building, but in heightened situations memory can be affected. Fire signs can help them to be quickly reminded of the best way out of the building. When a small fire starts near a person, being able to quickly find a fire extinguisher via a sign can avert a disaster. In essence, fire signage can save lives.

For more information on FIRE SIGNAGE talk to Rapid Fire Supplies