All
signs conforming to BS5499-1 : 1990 and BS5499-4 : 2000, used
in conjunction with a formal risk assessment, satisfy all
requirements under Building, Fire Precaution, and Health &
Safety at Work Regulations and Legislation.
Safety Signs
Fire
safety signs are divided into seven main categories:
Escape
Route Signs
For an escape route signing system to be effective,
it is recommended that from any place within
the building occupants should have sight of
a sign or series of signs (Exit or Fire Exit),
which leads them to a place of safety. This
recommendation is laid down to fulfill the obligations
of employers, managers or occupiers, to ensure
that personnel and visitors are aware of their
immediate escape route. This obligation is a
requirement under Fire Precaution and Health
and Safety at Work Regulations and Legislation.
Escape
Equipment Signs
To ensure a safe, efficient and effective escape
from a building, it is recommended that all
doors within a means of escape containing emergency
devices, are clearly marked with the appropriate
operating instructions.
Fire
Fighting Equipment and Location Signs
Part of a formal risk assessment is ensuring
that all fire fighting equipment can be easily
located, when required. The risk assessment
should also ensure that the equipment located
displays the correct classes of fire for safe
and effective use. The use of appropriately
displayed signs at the fire point will make
a positive contribution to the framework of
Fire Safety Management.
Mandatory
Fire Action Notice Signs
It is recommended that the actions to be taken
in the event of a fire are displayed in conspicuous
locations throughout the building. An example
of this is at fire alarm call points, as the
primary action in the event of a fire is to
raise the alarm and summon the Fire Brigade.
Mandatory
Door Instruction Signs
The use of mandatory door instruction signs
is recommended to support the principles of
good fire safety management and emergency planning
procedures. The protection of escape routes
from the influx of smoke, or the spread of fire,
is almost totally dependent upon the quality
of confinement.
Prohibition
Signs
The prevention of a fire, and the safety of
personnel, is fundamental in supporting good
fire safety management. The display of prohibition
signs can assist in the prevention of any activity
which is likely to cause risk or injury. It
is recommended that these signs are displayed
in conspicuous positions throughout the building.
Hazard
Warning Signs
The identification of risk to personnel is fundamental
to the fire risk assessment. The display of
appropriate prohibition or mandatory signs will
endorse the best practice in Fire Safety Management.
