Fire Safety Signs Hertfordshire
What is a fire safety sign? A fire safety sign* is defined as a sign which:
-
- Provides information on escape routes and emergency exits in case of fire
- Provides information on the identification or location of fire-fighting equipment
*The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
Fire Guard Services audit, supply and install all types of fire safety signs, including:
-
- Green emergency escape routes, doors and fire exits
- Red location and identification of fire-fighting equipment, including extinguishers
- Fire action instructions
- Fire hazard warnings signs and mandatory information
- Fire point
- Assembly point
-
Fire Safety Signs – Location and Maintenance
The responsibility for the provision of fire safety signs is the duty of the “person responsible”, as stated in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
A fire risk assessment will help determine which safety signs should be used and where they should be located
Fire safety signs that contain symbols or pictograms that conform to BS5499 requirements will meet the requirements of these Regulations. Fire signs that include only text (for example “Fire Exit”) are not acceptable, although text used in pictograms is acceptable.
All fire signs must be:
- Properly maintained and serviced
- Fixed securely
- Clean and clear
- Large enough to be seen
- Photo luminescent, if necessary
Fire Exit Signs
A fire exit is a specific route that people should use to leave a building in the event of a fire.
- All exits, including emergency exits and exits not in normal use, should be clearly indicated and give a sense of security in the event of an emergency
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work and Fire Precautions (Workplace) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 recommends that people should be able to easily identify the nearest safe escape route from anywhere on the premises
- Fire exit signs must be displayed directly above an exit opening. When this is not possible, a position must be chosen that is clearly visible and least likely to be obstructed or obscured by smoke
- Fire exit signs that include a directional arrow must be used at suitable points along an escape route
- In multiple-occupant buildings, it is normally the owner who has responsibility for displaying fire signs in common areas, such as stairways
- In certain circumstances, supplementary signs are required to increase the visibility of the escape routes provided
If natural light is poor within the building, adequate illumination (including emergency lighting) will be required.
Fire Extinguisher Identification Signs
The Fire Precaution and Health and Safety at Work Regulations and Legislation recommends that all fire extinguishers are clearly marked and easily accessible at all times. Clear fire extinguisher signage guarantees that you are compliant.
All employees should be trained to be able to identify the contents of extinguishers and the type of fires they are appropriate for. Clear fire extinguisher signage can help staff to use the correct extinguisher in the event of a fire.
Fire Fighting Equipment Location Signs
These fire equipment signs inform staff of the location of fire-fighting equipment.
These signs are essential to enable staff to identify the whereabouts of fighting equipment.
Fire safety signs, used in the most appropriate locations, can contribute to an effective fire safety management policy.
Hazard Warning and Information Signs
Sited in the correct positions, these hazard warning and information signs can help employers create a safer working environment, by clearly highlighting:
- Potential fire risks
- Restricted areas
- Forbidden and restricted activities
Fire Guard Services can provide you with a fire signage audit and full survey report to ensure you are in compliance with all relevant fire safety legislation.
Fire Safety Accreditations and Experience
Our fire risk assessors have the following accreditations, experience and association memberships:
- Alcumus SafeContractor accredited
- IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety & Health) qualified
- FPA (Fire Protection Association) trained
- IFE (Institute of Fire Engineers) members
- Members of the British Fire Consortium
- 10+ years Fire Brigade experience
As a one-stop-shop for fire safety and protection, we can provide all the fire safety products, equipment or services you require throughout Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including:
- Fire risk assessments
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire alarms
- Smoke detection
- Emergency lighting
- Fire warden training courses
- PAT testing
- Fire safety consultancy
- Weekly fire alarm testing
- Monthly emergency light testing
- Flick testing
- Supervision of fire drills
For more information on fire safety sign audits, get in touch – our friendly, knowledgeable staff are waiting for your call.