Fire door signs play a crucial role in protecting people and property. Whilst it is easy to take them for granted, the messages they provide can be a vital difference between life and death in the event of a fire. In this article we explain their various messages, sign materials and where to fit these important fire signs.
Why are fire door signs important?
Fire door signs play an important role in the safeguarding of people’s lives in the event of a fire or serious incident. Available in standard and as Glow In the Dark Fire Door Signs, Fire Door signage should feature the applicable messages to inform people who live, work or are visiting the building, that the door should remain clear, closed, shut at all times. As part of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005, a risk assessment must be carried out by a responsible person, with part of this assessment including checking that all fire safety measures are being met and maintained. This also includes checking that fire safety door signage is installed correctly.
What messages are on fire door signs?
Fire door signs (with a blue background) are classed as mandatory signage, and must provide basic instructions on what people need to do to uphold safety regulations. Blue fire door safety signs are usually affixed directly to fire doors to display guidance on how they should be used. These might include instructions to:
- Ensure that the fire door is kept shut (or closed), as this helps to contain smoke and flames in the event of a fire.
- Keep the door clear, ensuring that items such as rubbish, bins, goods and other obstructions are not in a position to obstruct emergency evaucation.
- Lock the door to ensure they are not left open, typically used for cupboards and service ducts.
- Automatic Fire Door closure systems may close during an emergency
Fire door signage can also be available with a green background to the sign, with messages typically associated towards using a final exit door:
- Push, Push to Open, Push Bar to Open
- Turn to Open
- Pull to Open
- Slide to Open
What height should a fire door sign be installed at?
Fire door signs should for the most part be installed at eye level, with a good suggestion being around 1.5m above floor level to allow them to be seen by everyone, regardless of their height. Fire door signage should also comply with ISO 7010 (which relates to the graphic symbols used on safety signs) and for us here in the UK, current UK fire legislation.
Typical sizes for fire door signs are 76x76mm, 100mm x 100mm or 200 x 200mm.
How do you install a fire door sign?
How a fire door sign is installed will depend on the type of sign material and type of door the sign will be installed onto:
- Aluminium: often available with a self-adhesive backing, or drilled hole options to use small screws.
- Rigid plastic: available in a self-adhesive backing, or various glues/silicones to affix, or drillable to use screw fixings (take care to avoid fracturing in overtightening screws).
- Self-Adhesive Vinyl Stickers: PVC Vinyl stickers are supplied with an easy to apply self-adhesive backing.
What are the most common types of fire door signs?
There are many different types of Fire Door Signs available, Your building layout and circumstances will dicate the messages most sutable for your environment. This said; the following are 4 of our most frequently sold fire door signs:
Fire Door Keep Shut
The Keep Fire Door Shut sign is the most commonly used sign for fire doors. This sign should be installed on each side of a self-closing fire door that is used for the passage of people. Fire doors should always be kept shut, as leaving it open restricts its ability to prevent the spread of flames and smoke.
Fire Door Keep Locked
The Fire Door Keep Locked sign is ideal for fire doors that aren’t frequently in operation and that are not used by people. For example, store cupboards, service ducts and riser doors often feature this sign. These types of doors do not often feature an automatic closer, so the lock keeps the door firmly closed in a fire scenario.
Fire Door Keep Clear
The Fire Door Keep Clear sign conveys a message to keep the door clear from obstructions to allow safe passage during any emergency situations.
Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear
Some building corridors will feature fire doors that are allowed to remain open during normal use. This type of fire door typically uses a door closer that is linked to a fire alarm system, which forces the door to close automatically when the alarm sounds. The Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear sign is used to inform people that the door could close suddenly, so it is advisable to keep clear.
Summary
Fire door signs will not only help to keep people safe, but it is a mandatory legal requirement for all non-domestic properties, such as public buildings, commercial properties, businesses and factories. Conducting a fire risk assessment will enable you to determine where the type of sign you need to use, where they should be installed and the most suitable type of material to use. You should also take time to find a professional and reliable signage supplier that can meet the requirements of your building, whilst ensuring the signage meets current UK fire safety regulation standards.
