Fire Door signs are seen dotted throughout public buildings throughout the UK. They might not be the prettiest form of decor but do play an important role in maintaining the safety of staff, visitors, clients and customers in your business. But what purpose do fire door signs serve - and why do we need them? In this article we’ll cover the most common signs and their purpose.
Fire door, keep shut
One of the most popular Fire Door signs is the Fire Door Keep Shut Sign. To remain complaint with current legislation every fire exit door must have a “Fire door, keep shut’ sign or similar. You may also have to use another sign to instruction people how to how operate the door. For example, ‘Push bar to open’ ensures the door can be opened without further delay being caused in the event of an emergency.
Automatic fire door keep clear
There may be different types of fire doors installed in buildings – some use bars, tabs or open automatically. The Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear Sign reminds people to keep the area in-front of the doors completely clear as it could open automatically. At the same time this signal instructs how the door operates when it is needed. In the event of an emergency the automatic fire door is designed to allow passage through the door in a calm and orderly manner without restriction.
Fire door keep clear
While everyone should be aware of the locations of the fire doors on the premises, it can sometimes be forgotten or overlooked during a busy working day. The Fire Door Keep Clear Sign serves as a reminder of where the fire door is, so it can be clear of any obstruction. It will need to be displayed on both sides of the door to ensure there are no obstructions in the entrance or exit area.
Fire exit - keep clear
If a fire door does not have a sign it may not always be obvious to staff (particularly new staff members) and visitors that it should only be used in emergency situations. Using the Fire Exit Keep Clear Sign clearly informs people not to obstruct the door.
Fire door keep locked
Often used on the final external exit door of the building for security reasons, the Fire Door Keep Locked Sign is a visual reminder that these doors should remain locked. Another popular varient of this sign is the Fire Door Keep Locked Shut Sign.
This door must be kept shut when not in use
A sign to visually remind staff and visitors to shut the Fire Doors when not in use. The This door must be kept shut when not in use sign may often be accompanied by other signs to indicate if the doors are indeed Fire Doors or not.
Push to open
A slighty different type of Fire Door Sign from the typical square or round Blue mandatory signs - this (typically green) Push Bar to Open Sign, or Push to Open Sign provides simple instructions on how to operate the Fire Door mechanisim.
Fire exit
Not exactly a "Fire Door sign", but worth mentioning as Fire Exit Signs are one of the most common types of Fire Signage and can be fitted just above Fire Doors. They are a directional sign that tells people where the nearest fire exit is so they know where to go in the event of a fire or fire drill, which is especially helpful for people unfamiliar with the layout. However, if the location of the fire exit is ‘obvious’ then the sign is not necessarily a requirement. For example, if a small shop only has one door of entry and exit, then everyone will know how to leave.
Fire door sign materials
Fire door signs are available in a range of different materials and sizes. Many of the signs are wall mounted and made from rigid plastic or aluminium materials, and often available in glow in the dark versions so they can be seen in smoke filled or low light conditions.
You can also buy fire door signs that are made from self-adhesive vinyl so they can easily be attached to doors and walls.
What are the laws about fire doors?
Fire doors are covered by two fire safety legislations:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) covers everything to do with fire safety in the UK, while the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 applies only to safety signs. When it comes to signage, there are 4 main applications:
- A Fire Action Notice that details what needs to be done if a fire occurs
- Fire Exit Route Signs, Fire Door Signs, and Fire Assembly Point Signs
- Safety signs that show where fire-fighting equipment is located
- Prohibition and Warning Signs such as ‘No Smoking’ and ‘Danger’ in place
Carrying out a fire risk assessment on the premises will provide clear indications of which signs the location will require.
RRO regulations also state that fire doors should be regularly inspected and maintained at least once a year. This ensures that the doors are working correctly and able to perform their task should a fire break out.
Popular Fire Door Signs
6-Pack Fire Door Keep Shut Signs
Fire Door Keep Shut Door Sign
Fire Door Keep Shut Aluminium Door Sign
Glow In Dark Fire Door Keep Shut Sign
Fire Exit Keep Clear Door Sign
Fire Door Keep Locked Door Sign
Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear Sign
Turn To Open Anti Clockwise Door Sign
Turn To Open Clockwise Door Sign
Close This Door Sign
Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear Aluminium Door Sign
Fire Door Keep Closed Door Sign
Summary
A fire can break out unexpectedly at any time, so you need to be ready to respond quickly to the emergency. Fire door signs enhance the safety of everyone in building, providing simple and clear instructions on what to do if the alarm has been triggered. Carrying out a fire risk assessment will enable you to have a fire drill process in place, and the correct use of fire door signs will add further support and ensure you are legally complaint. In terms of cost, fire door signs are cheap to buy and will ultimately prove invaluable in the long run.
