Fire Safety & Awarness

Fire Safety Signs and Symbols

Ricky Kambray
Ricky Kambray

Fire safety signs and symbols are important for a number of reasons. They provide information about potential fire hazards, as well as what to do in the event of a fire. By understanding the different signs and symbols, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm.

In this article, we will take a look at the different types of fire safety signs and symbols, what they mean, and why they are so important.

Firefighters trying to control a fire by using a fire extinguisher

 

What are the signs and symbols of fire safety and what do they mean?


If you have ever been in a situation where you need to evacuate due to a fire, it is important to be aware of these symbols so that you can take appropriate action.
In UK, there are a few different signs and symbols of fire safety. One of the most common is the red triangle. Fire extinguishers and other pieces of equipment usually has this symbol. It indicates that the item is for use in case of fire.

Another common sign is the white horse with a red background. This symbol is often seen 0n firefighters’ uniforms and vehicles. It represents strength and bravery, two qualities that are essential for fighting fires.
The third sign is the green man, which is often seen on exit doors in buildings. This symbol tells people that they can safely leave the building through this door in case of an emergency.

These are just a few of the most common signs and symbols used in UK to indicate fire safety. If you’re ever unsure about what a particular sign or symbol means, be sure to ask a member of staff or someone who is familiar with the area.

Two firefighters trying to control fire by using fire extinguisher

 

Why are Fire Safety Signs and Symbols Important?

Fire safety signs and symbols are essential in any workplace or public building. They provide clear guidance on what to do in the event of a fire and can help to prevent injuries and fatalities.

There are four main types of fire safety signs: evacuation, first aid, hazard and Prohibition.

  • Evacuation signs show you the safest route out of a building in the event of a fire.
  • First aid signs indicate where you can find first-aid equipment such as fire blankets and extinguishers.
  • Hazard signs identify potential hazards that could cause a fire, such as electrical equipment or flammable materials.
  • Prohibition signs tell you what you should not do in order to avoid starting a fire, such as smoking or using naked flames.

What are the 7 Categories of Fire Signs and Symbols?

A firefighter pouring water on the fire to control fire

There are seven different categories of fire signs and symbols in the United Kingdom and those are prohibition signs, mandatory signs, warning signs, safe condition signs, fire exit signs, fire equipment signs, and supplementary information signs. Each type of sign serves a different purpose in keeping people safe in the event of a fire.

Prohibition signs:

Prohibition signs are used to indicate activities that are not allowed in an area due to fire safety concerns. These signs must be easily visible so that people are aware of the dangers involved in certain activities. Some common prohibition Signs include “No Smoking” and “Do Not Use Elevators In Case Of Fire”.

Mandatory signs:

Mandatory signs are used to indicate the actions that must be taken in order to ensure safety in an area. These signs must be clearly visible and easy to understand so that people know exactly what they need to do in the event of a fire. Some common mandatory signs include “Keep Doors Closed” and “Use Stairway In Case Of Fire”.

Warning signs:

Warning signs are used to caution people about potential dangers in an area. These signs must be eye-catching and easy to understand so that people are aware of the risks involved in certain activities. Some common warning signs include “Caution: Wet Floor” and “Danger: High Voltage”.

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Safe Condition Signs:

Safe condition signs are used to indicate areas that are safe to enter or use. These signs must be clearly visible so that people know when it is safe to enter an area. Some common safe condition signs include “Exit” and “Safe Haven”.

Fire exit signs:

Fire exit signs are used to indicate the route that should be taken in order to safely exit a building in the event of a fire. These signs must be clearly visible and easy to follow so that people can evacuate quickly and safely.

Every company should have well-trained people to prevent fires and lead safe evacuations in case of a fire. We call them fire wardens or fire marshals. To figure out how many fire wardens you should need in your workplace, check our blog for the right guidance.

Fire equipment signs:

Fire equipment signs are used to indicate the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other safety equipment. These signs must be clearly visible so that people know where to find the equipment they need in the event of a fire.

Supplementary information signs:

Supplementary information signs are used to provide additional information about an area or situation. These signs can be helpful in providing instructions on how to use fire safety equipment or how to evacuate a building safely. Some common supplementary information signs include “In Case Of Fire, Use Stairway” and “Fire Extinguisher located at end of the hallway”.

SignPurposeColourShapeExamples
Prohibition signsNo SmokingRED with a white background red band and crossbar.Circularimage
Mandatory signsFire Door Keep Fire ShutBLUE with symbol or text in whiteCircularimage
Warning signsDanger Fire RiskYELLOW with black symbol or textTriangularimage
Safe Condition SignsFire ExitGREEN with white symbol or textRectangularimage
Fire exit signsFire ExitGreen with White Arrow pointing a door or textRectangularimage
Fire equipment signsFire Hose ReelRed with white symbols or textRectangular or Circleimage
Supplementary information signsDirectional ArrowGreen, Red, Yellow, with White or Black TextRectangularimage

Creating a safe environment for people is crucial in any building or public space. Fire protection signs and symbols are one way to help ensure that people are aware of the dangers involved in certain activities and know how to safely evacuate a building in the event of a fire. By understanding the different types of fire safety signs and their meanings, you can create a safer environment for yourself and those around you.

As you know, fire safety signs are very important. They help to keep people safe in the event of a fire and can also help to prevent fires from happening in the first place. But what do all of those different colours mean? Here is a quick guide to understanding fire safety signs:

What do Green Fire Safety Signs Mean?

Green fire safety signs indicate the location of exit routes. These signs should be placed in an easily visible location so that everyone knows where they need to go in the event of a fire. Green signs should also be used to indicate the location of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

What do Blue Fire Safety Signs Mean?

Blue fire safety signs are used to indicate the location of water sources. This is important because water can be used to extinguish a fire. Blue signs should also be used to indicate the location of fire hoses and other firefighting equipment.

What do Red Fire Safety Signs Mean?

Red fire safety signs are the most important type of sign. They indicate the location of fire hazards and should be placed in an easily visible location so that everyone knows where to avoid in the event of a fire. Red signs should also be used to indicate the location of emergency exits and alarm systems.
Remember, these signs are there to help keep you safe so it is important that you know what they mean!

various tools and equipment for firefighters

 

Fire Action Notice Sign Used For

In the event of a fire, it is crucial that everyone in the building knows what to do. A Fire Action Notice is a sign that tells people what to do in the event of a fire. They are usually found near exits and firefighting equipment. They help to ensure that everyone knows how to safely evacuate a building and how to use firefighting equipment.

There are different types of fire safety signs and symbols, so it is important to familiarise yourself with them before a fire breaks out. By doing this, you can be sure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

Specific purposes require the use of different types of fire action notice signs. Typically, exit signs are the most common type placed near exits and stairwells to help people find their way out in case of an emergency. They may also appear in other areas where there is a potential for a fire to start, such as near flammable materials or heat sources.

Other types of fire action notice signs include those that indicate the location of fire extinguishers, hose reels, and other fire-fighting equipment. These signs are typically found in public buildings, such as schools and hospitals. They help people to find the right equipment quickly in case of an emergency.

Installing the appropriate fire safety signs on commercial premises can literally save lives, and it is a legal requirement according to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005 and The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Therefore, anyone in charge of a commercial premise must ensure that these signs are properly installed.

Knowing fire safety signs is just a small part of staying safe. Whether you’re a worker or employer, it’s crucial to learn about other safety stuff, too, like asbestos, working high up, COSHH, PPE, electricity, and more. The “Working Safely” course teaches all of these things, making sure you’re ready for any work-related emergencies.

Conclusion

It is important to be familiar with fire safety signs and symbols so that you can quickly identify an emergency situation and take appropriate action. By understanding the meaning of common signs and symbols, you can help keep yourself and others safe in the event of a fire. Thanks for taking the time to learn about fire safety!
If you have any questions about fire safety or want to learn more, please contact your local fire department. They will be happy to help you out! Stay safe!

P.S. – Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home evacuation plan! These are two key things that could save your life in a fir

FAQ

Which Fire Safety Signs are Needed for Fire-Fighting Equipment?

Fire-Fighting Equipment are used to indicate the location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other safety equipment. These signs must be clearly visible so that people know where to find the equipment they need in the event of a fire.

Which Fire Safety Signs are Needed for Emergency Exits?

Fire exit signs are used to indicate the route that should be taken in order to safely exit a building in the event of a fire. These signs must be clearly visible and easy to follow so that people can evacuate quickly and safely.

Why is the Fire Exit Sign Green?

The safety industry often associates the color green with safety because it stands out against a backdrop of flames and smoke, making it an ideal choice for fire exit signs. The ISO 3864-1995 international standard specifies that exit signs should illuminate and display the word “EXIT” in either English or the local language.

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Ricky Kambray

Hey this is Ricky Kambray an award-winning first-aid trainer with over 20 years of healthcare and teaching expertise. Highly certified general nurse regularly appears in the press discussing accident prevention and first aid advice.