The procedures and measures needed to reduce the risk of fire incident includes the regulation of fire door signs. Whilst they are often an overlooked part of the process they are no less important, and there are also certain legal requirements that should be followed. In this article, we take a specific look at fire door sign height guidelines to give you more information about how they should be installed.
What are the fire door sign height regulations?
There are actually no specific fire door sign height regulation specified relating to the installation height of a Fire Door Safety Sign. This is because door, ceiling and building dimensions vary, which influences where fire door signs are installed. Instead, it is recommended that fire door signs are installed at a level that most people will be able to see easily without an obstruction.
How do you install fire door signs on a door?
Fire door signs should be installed at eye level, as this makes it easier for people to see them in an emergency. Most door signs are positioned around 1.5m to 2m off the ground, as this ensures the messaging can be seen at a reasonable eye level.
Do you have to install fire door signs on both sides of the door?
Fire regulations state that Fire Door Signs should be installed on both sides of a fire door. The height of signs should be as close to each other as possible.
Where should fire door signs be located?
Aside from the height, there are several other guidelines that should be followed when installing fire door signs. This includes:
Language and symbols:
Appropriate text, along with clear and internationally recognised symbols should be used. Consideration should also be given to the visually impaired and for non-English speakers.
Illumination:
You may need to install emergency lighting or illuminated signs in areas with low lighting conditions. Depending on their 'charge' photoluminescent signs may be suitable for short periods.
Line of sight:
Fire door signs should be clearly visible and not obstructed by fixtures, objects or decorations.
Positioning:
Fire doors signs should be installed on both sides of the door to ensure they can be clearly identified in an emergency situation.
Consistency:
The design of fire door signs installed on your premises should ideally be consistent in appearance, providing clarity and helping to avoid any unintended confusion.
What are the most common types of fire door signs?
Some of the most common types of fire door signs include:
Keep Fire Door Locked
The Fire Door Keep Locked sign is often used for riser doors and store cupboards, which is why is often installed fire doors that are rarely used. These types of doors tend not to feature a riser, but it will feature a lock that will keep it firmly closed in an emergency.
Keep Fire Door Shut
The Fire Door Shut sign is one that will likely feature on most fire doors. For installation, it should be installed on both sides of a self-closing door that allows people to pass through.
Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear
Not all fire doors will remain shut when not in use. Some doors that feature a closer linked to a fire alarm system are used as normal, automatically closing when the alarm is triggered. The Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear sign reminds people that they should keep clear if the door is triggered to close in the event of a fire or emergency. The sign is sometimes used on fire doors with free swing door closers (in care homes, for examples)
Keep Locked Shut
The Keep Locked Shut sign is a reminder that the door needs to be kept locked shut.
Summary
Whilst there are no exact fire door sign height regulations, installing them at around 1.5m from floor level should ensure that most people will be able to see the information in an emergency. The signs should be clearly designed and worded and on view without obstruction and supported by a lighting system that will keep them illuminated in all types of scenarios, to ensure the safety of people looking to exit the building.
