Definition
Fire Safety Signage
Fire safety signage refers to all mandatory signs in buildings communicating fire safety information — including emergency exit signs, fire action notices, fire door keep-shut signs, and fire extinguisher identification signs. Signs must conform to the symbols and colours specified in BS ISO 7010 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, and must be kept legible and unobstructed at all times.
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- BS ISO 7010Graphical symbols — safety colours and safety signs — standardises pictograms for all fire safety signs used in the UK
- Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996Requires employers to use the prescribed pictogram format for fire safety signs and to maintain signs in good condition
- BS 5266-1:2016Includes requirements for illuminated escape route signage as part of the emergency lighting system
Related Terms
- Means of EscapeGeneral Fire SafetyMeans of escape are the designated routes — corridors, stairways, emergency exits, and final exit doors — by which building occupants can evacuate safely in a fire without obstruction. Adequate means of escape must be provided in all non-domestic premises under Approved Document B and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and must be identified and assessed in the fire risk assessment.View definition
- Emergency Exit SignEmergency LightingAn emergency exit sign is a self-illuminated or externally lit sign displaying the internationally recognised green running-man pictogram (BS ISO 7010 E001/E002) to indicate the direction of emergency escape routes and final exits. Signs must be visible from all points on the escape route, illuminated by the emergency lighting system, and maintained in accordance with BS 5266-1 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.View definition
- Assembly PointGeneral Fire SafetyAn assembly point is a pre-designated location outside a building where occupants gather following an evacuation, enabling the fire warden to account for all staff, contractors, and visitors before the fire and rescue service arrives. Assembly points must be clearly signposted, identified in the fire emergency plan, and positioned away from the building and clear of vehicle access routes.View definition
- Fire WardenGeneral Fire SafetyA fire warden (also called a fire marshal) is a designated person trained to assist with fire safety procedures in a workplace — including conducting evacuation drills, checking escape routes are clear, accounting for occupants at the assembly point, and supporting the responsible person in maintaining fire safety day-to-day. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to appoint a sufficient number of competent, trained fire wardens.View definition
- Fire DrillGeneral Fire SafetyA fire drill is a planned practice evacuation of a building conducted to test emergency procedures, familiarise occupants with evacuation routes and assembly points, and assess fire warden performance. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 9999, fire drills should be held at least annually — more frequently for high-risk or high-turnover premises — and outcomes, including evacuation times and any failures, must be recorded.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire safety signage refers to all mandatory signs in buildings communicating fire safety information — including emergency exit signs, fire action notices, fire door keep-shut signs, and fire extinguisher identification signs. Signs must conform to the symbols and colours specified in BS ISO 7010 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, and must be kept legible and unobstructed at all times.
Requirements for fire safety signage in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Safety Signage and Means of Escape are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire safety signage. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.