Fire Action Notice Signs

What is a Fire Action Notice?

A Fire action notice (or often referred to as Fire action sign) provides simple clear instructions to staff and visitors on the action to take if anyone working in - or visiting a building - encounters a fire on the premises.

There are various types of Fire Action Notice signs, designed to suit various sized organisations and building layouts. The sign layout typically contains a number of steps to follow in the event of an emergency (eg; 1-2-3), and has "steps or sections" to the sign that are usually separated using clear blocks of colour with simple instructions what to do in the event of a fire.

One of the biggest dangers in the workplace is Fire (especially for those who work around flammable or explosive substances), so like other Fire Safety Signs - Fire Action Notices are designed to be clear and easily read and usually contain pictograms.

Fire Action Notices state clear instructions and often include the following phrases:

• Operate a Fire Call Point or Sound an Alarm
• Leave the building via the nearest Exit
• Do not use Lifts
• Call the Fire Brigade
• Do not return to the building until instructed to do so
• Report to a Fire Assembly point

Fire Action Notices are usually available in a range of materials, most typically printed on hard plastic or vinyl self-adhesive stickers. They are also are available in photo-lumeniscent (Glow in the dark) materials which help to provide increased visibility in darkened or smoke filled environments.

Some Fire Action Sign variations contain writable sections on the sign - these can be filled in to suit your organisation (such as where your Fire Assembly Point is located or the number to call the Fire Brigade).

Where should Fire Action Signs be located?

In reality, signs such as Fire Action Notices are often only read in the case of an Emergency - hence the simple multi-step instructions with clear colour and icons.

• A basic principle for the display of fire action notices is that all visitors and staff within the building should be able to see at least one fire action sign on their way to their destination.
• They should be fitted between 1.2m to 1.8m from the floor and at important locations throughout the building, especially above fire alarm call points or near communal and reception areas which will offer the greatest opportunity for them to be noticed by staff and visitors

Fire Sign Standards and the Codes explained

The BS 5499 (British Standards) series of standards were the foundation for best practice safety sign use throughout the UK. However most of the BS 5499 standards have now been superseded by BS EN ISO 7010 which was introduced in 2011. Its aim was to bring about consistency in safety signage internationally. It replaced the previous BS5499-5 standard.

British Standards are not law - they are codes of practice generally affecting only new products as opposed to those previously produced. In some cases it is possible for standards to be given a type of legal status when they are referred to within legislation or government-issued guidance and Approved Codes of Practice.

Do you need a Fire Action Notice?

Under the Fire Safety Regulatory Reform (order 2005), it is a legal requirement that all occupants of a building must be informed of the fire safety instructions, and an effective solution is the display fire action signs within it.

If you are responsible for running a commercial premises you should use Fire Action Signs and they fall under the standard of “Best Practice Guidelines”.