Missing or incorrect fire safety signage — putting it right

The signs a typical premises needs

• Escape route direction signs at every change of direction and at intersections.
• Final exit identification at each exit door.
• Fire equipment ID signs above extinguishers and call points.
• Fire door signage — 'Fire door keep shut' or 'keep locked' as appropriate.
• Fire action notices at call points and assembly point signage outside.

Why old signs get flagged

Text-only signs without a pictogram, signs that have faded to near-white in sunlight, and signs pointing to routes that were altered during a refit are the three findings we record most. A sign that points the wrong way after a layout change is worse than no sign at all.

Walk it like an unfamiliar visitor

The practical test is to start at the least familiar part of the building and follow the signage to a final exit without local knowledge. If you have to guess at any point, a sign is missing. Do the same walk imagining the lighting has failed and only the emergency luminaires are on.

Included in the assessment

Signage findings come out of the fire risk assessment site visit with photographs and locations, so the remedy is a defined list rather than a vague instruction to improve signage.