Need Fire Door Signs? Get it Right First Time
This guide helps you choose the correct fire door signage to keep your building safe and compliant.
- Typical signs needed: 3-10
- Time to read: 8 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
What Fire Door Signs Do I Actually Need?
Fire doors are crucial for containing fires, and clear signage is essential. The specific signs you need depend on the door's function and location. Here's a breakdown:
You'll almost always need fire door keep shut signs. These are the most common and remind people to close the door after use. You might also need automatic fire door signs if the door closes automatically. If the door leads to a fire escape route, ensure you have appropriate fire exit signs nearby to guide people to safety. If the door is also an access point, consider a fire door release sign if it has a specific release mechanism. For doors that need to be kept clear at all times, use a fire door keep clear sign.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Door Keep Shut Signs | 1-3 per door | One on each side, plus one at eye level on the door itself. |
| Automatic Fire Door Signs | 1 per door | Place on the door itself. |
| Fire Door Keep Clear Signs | 1 per door | Place on or adjacent to the door. |
| Fire Door Release Sign | 1 per door | Place next to the door release mechanism. |
Quick Tip: For high-traffic areas, consider more durable materials like brushed aluminium or stainless steel.
Now let's consider sign sizes and materials.
What Size and Material Should My Fire Door Signs Be?
Choosing the right size and material ensures your signs are visible and durable. Consider viewing distance and the environment when making your selection.
For most fire door signs, a size of 150x200mm or 200x300mm is sufficient. If the viewing distance is greater than 10 metres, opt for larger sizes like 300x400mm. For materials, rigid plastic is a good all-around choice for internal doors. Self-adhesive vinyl is suitable for smooth surfaces. For high-traffic areas or external doors, consider aluminium or photoluminescent materials for better visibility in low light. Don't forget fire action notices near fire doors to provide clear instructions in case of a fire.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Door Keep Shut Signs | As above | 150x200mm (up to 10m viewing), 200x300mm (10-20m viewing), Rigid Plastic or Self-Adhesive |
| Fire Action Notices | 1 per fire door location | A4 size, Rigid Plastic |
Quick Tip: Photoluminescent signs are excellent for emergency situations, as they glow in the dark even if the power is out.
Let's look at where to position your fire door signs.
Where Should I Place My Fire Door Signs?
Proper placement ensures your signs are easily visible and understandable. Aim for consistency and clear lines of sight.
Mount fire door keep shut signs at eye level (around 1.5-1.7 metres from the floor) on both sides of the door. If the door has a closing mechanism, place a sign directly on the door itself. For fire action notices, position them near the fire door in a prominent location. Ensure that signs are not obstructed by furniture or other objects. If the door is part of a fire exit route, make sure the fire exit signs are clearly visible leading towards the final exit.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Door Keep Shut Signs | As above | Eye level on both sides of the door, and on the door itself. |
| Fire Action Notices | As above | Near the fire door, unobstructed. |
| Fire Exit Signs | As needed | Along the fire exit route. |
Quick Tip: Use a spirit level to ensure your signs are mounted straight for a professional look.
Ready to create your buying checklist?
Complete Buying Checklist
Use this checklist when ordering your fire door signs to ensure you have everything covered:
Fire Door Signage
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Door Keep Shut Signs | 3-6 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic/Self-Adhesive |
| Automatic Fire Door Signs | 1-2 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic/Self-Adhesive |
| Fire Door Keep Clear Signs | 1-2 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
| Fire Action Notices | 1-2 | A4 | Rigid Plastic |
Estimated Total: 6-12 signs, approximately £50-£150
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fire door keep shut sign on both sides of the door?
Yes, it's best practice to have a fire door keep shut sign on both sides of the door to remind people to close it regardless of which direction they're approaching from. Also, placing one directly ON the door is a good idea.
What if my fire door has a complex opening mechanism?
In this case, you'll need a fire door release sign that clearly explains how to open the door in an emergency. Place it directly next to the release mechanism for easy visibility.
Ready to Order?
You now have a clear understanding of the fire door signs you need, their sizes, and placement. Shop our range of high-quality signs to ensure the safety of your premises.
Buying for a large project? Open a Trade Account for exclusive pricing, or request a bulk quote today.
Shop These Products
Add the signs mentioned in this guide directly to your basket
Fire Door Keep Shut Symbol - Safety Sign
Fire Exit Keep Clear - Safety Sign
Push Bar To Open - Safety Sign
Need larger quantities or custom signs? Request a trade quote