Illuminated Fire Exit Signs

Is it a legal requirement to have a fire exit sign?

Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) employers, building owners, landlords, the common areas of a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), and managers of non-domestic premises have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone who uses their premises, including employees, visitors, and members of the public. This includes implementing appropriate fire safety measures, such as providing clear fire exit signage showing the most direct route to the nearest fire escape.

Failure to comply with fire safety regulations, including the provision of proper fire escape signs, can result in enforcement action by the relevant authorities, including fines or even imprisonment.

Do fire exit signs need to be illuminated?

Fire exit signs must always be visible, illuminated either by an external light source or by their own internal light source, guaranteeing the directional graphics on the sign can be seen. The legal viewing distances of fire exit signs is defined in BS5266 pt7 and EN1838.This ensures that even during a power outage, exits are clearly marked and easily identifiable. Regular maintenance and checks should be conducted to ensure all fire exit signs are functional and compliant with safety standards, further enhancing the effectiveness of emergency evacuation procedures.

Where should illuminated signs for fire doors be located?

Fire escape signs are typically installed above doors, along corridors, and at strategic points throughout a building to ensure maximum visibility and effectiveness. It is crucial that they are easily visible from various locations so that occupants of a building can evacuate the premise swift and easy following a clear route. Our range of fire exit signs include wall-mounted, ceiling recessed and hanging fire escape signs. Fire exit signs are in place to prevent any confusion and guarantee the quickest means of escape during an emergency. For further information on the location of fire exit signs take a look at our blog on viewing distances for fire exit signs.

Types of illuminated fire exit signs

There are three types of fire exit signs, each designed for specific areas within a building. Selecting the appropriate signage is crucial for ensuring maximum visibility and aiding significantly during an evacuation.

Wall mounted fire exit signs are fixed directly on to walls which makes them ideal for high traffic areas, for example hallways and near exit doors.

Ceiling recessed fire exit signs provide a seamless look and are therefore advised for more modern interiors, they blend in with the building whilst providing clear guidance. They are often used within spaces with lower ceilings of where wall space in limited.

Hanging fire exit signs are suspended from the ceiling, effective in large, open areas such as warehouses or entrances. They are visible from multiple directions which makes them ideal for spaces which expansive are often crowded.