Fire safety is essential in all workplaces, with health and safety regulations requiring that all businesses have the correct fire safety signs. These provide clear warnings, directions, and information, doing everything from warning of potential dangers to directing people in the event of a fire.
Fire safety signs explained
There are five main types of fire safety signs. The best location for them can be identified as part of a fire risk assessment in Cheltenham or wherever the business is located.
1. Prohibition signs
The first category of the five types of fire safety signage, prohibition signs tell people what they cannot do in certain areas. They are normally red and white and feature symbols depicting what is prohibited; for example, a no smoking sign is a prohibition sign.
2. Warning signs
These are normally black and yellow triangles and show potential dangers and hazards, which may have been identified by a fire risk assessment Cheltenham. They warn about flammable materials, physical hazards, and dangerous substances. You can learn more about fire safety in the workplace on the HSE website:
3. Mandatory signs
These signs tell people how they must comply with safety legislation and what they must do to stay safe. They are usually blue circles with white symbols or lettering. An example is a sign telling occupants to keep fire doors closed.
4. Escape route and emergency exit signs
These are normally green and white and are essential for guiding people out of an area or building in the event of a fire. These signs should show the location of the closest exit and relevant muster stations.
5. Fire equipment signs
These help people locate equipment such as fire alarms, blankets, hoses, and extinguishers. These signs are typically red and white and are either squares or rectangles.
Fire safety symbols
In addition to understanding signs, knowing what fire safety symbols represent is essential. These include the running man symbol, which directs occupants to emergency exits, and the fire extinguisher symbol.
