Setting up your premises? Make sure you have enough fire exit signs.
This guide will help you determine the correct number, size, and placement of fire exit signs for your building.
- Typical signs needed: 5-20
- Time to read: 8 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
How many fire exits do I have?
The number of fire exits directly impacts the number of fire exit signs you'll need. Start by identifying all designated fire exits in your building. Remember to include all floors and areas.
For each fire exit, you'll need at least one sign indicating its location. In larger spaces, you may need multiple signs leading to the exit. Consider the following:
- Exit Doors: Every designated fire exit door requires a sign.
- Changes in Direction: If the exit route involves turns or changes in direction, place signs at each point to clearly indicate the path.
- Long Corridors: In long corridors, place signs at regular intervals (e.g., every 15-20 metres) to reassure people they are on the right path.
- Stairwells: Each level of a stairwell needs a sign indicating the exit direction.
Don't forget to account for any obscured views or potential obstacles that might block the visibility of a sign.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 1 per exit door + directional signs | Photoluminescent for visibility in darkness |
Quick Tip: Walk the exit routes yourself to identify any confusing areas where additional signage is needed.
Now, let's look at the size of sign you need.
What size fire exit sign do I need?
The size of your fire exit signs depends on the viewing distance. The further away someone needs to see the sign, the larger it needs to be. Here's a general guide:
- Up to 20 Metres Viewing Distance: 300mm x 100mm is usually sufficient.
- 20-30 Metres Viewing Distance: 450mm x 150mm is recommended.
- Over 30 Metres Viewing Distance: 600mm x 200mm or larger may be necessary. Consider projecting signs for long distances or large open areas.
For stairwells, you'll want to ensure the signs are easily visible from each step. If you have disabled access requirements, consider larger sizes to improve visibility for those with visual impairments.
Remember, it's better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly larger size if you're unsure. Clear visibility is crucial in an emergency.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 300x100mm fire exit signs | As needed | For viewing distances under 20m |
| 450x150mm fire exit signs | As needed | For viewing distances between 20-30m |
| 600x200mm fire exit signs | As needed | For viewing distances over 30m |
Quick Tip: Print out a sign at different sizes and tape it to the wall to test visibility from various distances.
Let's consider placement and materials.
Where should I put my fire exit signs?
Proper placement is key to ensuring your fire exit signs are effective. You'll also want to choose the right materials for the environment.
- Mounting Height: Aim for a mounting height of around 2 metres from the floor. This ensures the signs are visible above head height but not too high to read easily.
- Above Doors: Place a sign directly above each fire exit door.
- Along Exit Routes: Use directional signs to guide people along the exit route. Place these at changes in direction and at regular intervals along corridors.
- Materials:
- Rigid Plastic: Suitable for most wall-mounted applications. Durable and easy to clean.
- Self-Adhesive Vinyl: Ideal for doors and smooth surfaces.
- Photoluminescent: Essential for areas where lighting may fail during a fire. These signs glow in the dark, making them visible even in blackout conditions.
Consider using fire door keep shut signs on all fire doors to maintain the integrity of the fire compartmentation.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid plastic fire exit signs | As needed | For wall mounting |
| Self-adhesive vinyl fire exit signs | As needed | For doors and smooth surfaces |
| Photoluminescent fire exit signs | As needed | For all fire exits and escape routes |
| Fire door keep shut signs | 1 per fire door | To maintain fire safety |
Quick Tip: Check for obstructions like shelving or equipment that might block the view of your signs and adjust placement accordingly.
Ready to create your buying checklist?
Complete Buying Checklist
Use this checklist when ordering your fire exit signs to ensure you have everything you need:
Fire Safety
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 5-20 | 300x100mm / 450x150mm | Photoluminescent |
| Fire door keep shut signs | 2-5 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
Estimated Total: 7-25 signs, approximately £150-500
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fire exit signs even if my building is small?
Yes, even small buildings require clearly marked fire exits. At a minimum, you'll need a fire exit sign on each exit door. Consider directional signs as well if the exit route isn't immediately obvious. Photoluminescent signs are always recommended for enhanced safety.
What if I have a disabled employee or visitor?
Ensure your fire exit signs are accessible to everyone. This might mean using larger signs with clear, high-contrast lettering. Consider tactile signs for visually impaired individuals. Also, ensure that exit routes are accessible for people with mobility issues. You may need to install disabled access signs to indicate accessible routes.
Ready to order?
You now know how to determine the number, size, and placement of fire exit signs for your premises. Shop our range of high-quality signs to ensure the safety of your employees and visitors.
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 Exit - Left - Safety Sign
Fire Exit - Right - Safety Sign
Push Bar To Open - Safety Sign
Fire Exit Keep Clear - Safety Sign
Need larger quantities or custom signs? Request a trade quote