Fire Safety Signs - Requirements
In addition to the requirements for signs and their maintenance in the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997, further requirements on signs are set out in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.
A 'fire safety sign' is a sign (including an illuminated sign or an acoustic signal) which:
- provides information on escape routes and emergency exits in case of fire;
- provides information on the identification or location of fire-fighting equipment; or
- gives warning in the case of fire.
The employer must, where determined by his risk assessment(s) as necessary to comply with the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 or any other relevant fire or health and safety legislation:
- provide and maintain, or ensure there is provided and maintained, any appropriate fire safety signs;
- ensure that fire safety signs meet special requirements as regards shape, colour and location;
- ensure that fire safety signs meet general requirements as regards size, permanence and other characteristics;
- ensure that employees fully understand the meaning of fire safety signs and are trained in the measures to be taken in connection with them.