Make Your School a Safer Place for Students and Staff
This guide helps you identify and purchase the essential safety signs to comply with regulations and create a secure learning environment.
- Typical signs needed: 30-75
- Time to read: 8 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
Fire Safety Signs: Are You Covered?
Fire safety is paramount. You'll need clear and visible signage to guide students and staff in case of an emergency. This section covers the essentials for a safe evacuation.
You'll need fire exit signs at every designated exit point. Ensure these are photoluminescent so they're visible even in low light. Don't forget fire door keep shut signs on all fire doors, and fire action notices outlining the school's fire evacuation procedure. Finally, clearly mark your assembly point signs so everyone knows where to gather after evacuating.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 15-50 | Photoluminescent, above every exit. Consider 450x150mm for longer viewing distances. |
| Fire action notices | 5-15 | Near fire alarm points, in classrooms, and in communal areas. A3 size recommended. |
| Assembly point signs | 1-4 | At the designated assembly point(s). 600x400mm is easily visible. |
| Fire door keep shut signs | As needed | Apply to both sides of all fire doors. Self-adhesive vinyl is ideal. |
Quick Tip: Consider a large, centrally located fire action notice near the main entrance for visitors.
Next, let's ensure your safeguarding measures are clearly displayed.
Safeguarding Signs: Making Safety Visible
Safeguarding is a top priority. Displaying appropriate signs helps create a safe and secure environment for everyone on school grounds. Key areas include visitor management and promoting a culture of safety.
You'll need clear visitor reception signs directing visitors to the appropriate area. Consider safeguarding signs with key contact information and reporting procedures. Mandatory signs can also reinforce safety protocols, such as requiring visitors to sign in. Displaying no smoking signs at entrances is also essential.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor reception signs | 2-4 | At main entrances and reception areas. 400x300mm is a good size. |
| Safeguarding signs | 3-6 | In reception, staff rooms, and high-traffic areas. A4 size is sufficient. |
| No smoking signs | At entrances | Ensure compliance with smoking regulations. 200x150mm is standard. |
Quick Tip: Place safeguarding signs at child-eye level in relevant areas.
Let's move on to the specific sign requirements for science labs and DT workshops.
Science Labs & DT Workshops: Specific Hazard Signage
These areas present unique hazards and require specific signage to protect students and staff. Clear warnings and mandatory PPE instructions are crucial.
Each lab and workshop requires warning signs to highlight specific hazards, such as flammable materials or electrical risks. PPE mandatory signs are essential to ensure students and staff wear the correct protective equipment, such as safety goggles or gloves. You'll also need prohibition signs to restrict access to dangerous equipment or areas. Specific chemical hazard signs may also be needed, depending on the substances used.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warning signs | Per lab | Identify specific hazards (e.g., flammable, corrosive). 300x200mm is standard. |
| PPE mandatory signs | Per lab | Specify required PPE (e.g., goggles, gloves). Place at entry points. |
| Prohibition signs | As needed | Restrict access to dangerous equipment or areas. 300x200mm is standard. |
Quick Tip: Regularly review and update hazard signage to reflect changes in lab procedures and equipment.
Now, let's consider the signage needs for kitchen and dining areas.
Kitchen & Dining Areas: Hygiene and Safety
Kitchens and dining areas require signage focusing on hygiene, food safety, and potential hazards like hot surfaces. These signs help maintain a clean and safe environment for food preparation and consumption.
You'll need mandatory signs reminding staff to wash their hands. Warning signs should highlight potential hazards such as hot surfaces or slippery floors. Prohibition signs may be needed to restrict access to certain areas or equipment. First aid signs should also be visibly displayed.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory signs | 1-2 | "Wash Hands" signs near sinks. 300x100mm is suitable. |
| Warning signs | As needed | Highlight hot surfaces, slippery floors. 300x200mm is standard. |
| First aid signs | 1-2 | Clearly indicate the location of first aid equipment. 150x150mm is sufficient. |
Quick Tip: Use durable, easy-to-clean materials for kitchen signage.
Finally, let's address the signage needs for your playground and external areas.
Playground & External Areas: Keeping Outdoor Spaces Safe
Outdoor areas require signage to promote safety, guide visitors, and highlight potential hazards. Clear and durable signs are essential for these high-traffic areas.
You'll need safe condition signs to indicate first aid points or designated play areas. Warning signs should highlight potential hazards such as uneven surfaces or restricted access areas. Prohibition signs may be needed to prevent access to construction zones or other dangerous areas.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safe condition signs | As needed | Indicate first aid points, play areas. 400x300mm is a good size. |
| Warning signs | As needed | Highlight uneven surfaces, restricted areas. 300x200mm is standard. |
Quick Tip: Use weather-resistant materials for all outdoor signage.
Now that you know what signs you need, let's put together your school sign package.
Complete Buying Checklist
Use this checklist when ordering to ensure you have everything you need:
Fire Safety
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 15-50 | 300x100mm | Photoluminescent |
| Fire action notices | 5-15 | A3 | Rigid Plastic |
| Fire door keep shut signs | As Needed | 200x100mm | Self-Adhesive Vinyl |
Safeguarding
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor reception signs | 2-4 | 400x300mm | Rigid Plastic |
| Safeguarding signs | 3-6 | A4 | Rigid Plastic |
Labs & Workshops
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPE mandatory signs | Per Lab | 300x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
| Warning signs | Per Lab | 300x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
Estimated Total: 30-75 signs, approximately £300-700
Frequently Asked Questions
What size fire exit sign do I need?
300x100mm is standard for viewing distances up to 20 metres. If the sign needs to be seen from further away, consider a larger size such as 450x150mm or even larger. Always ensure the sign is clearly visible and legible from all relevant vantage points. See our Fire Exit Signs: How Many? guide for more detail.
What material should I choose for my safety signs?
For internal signs, rigid plastic is a durable and cost-effective option. For fire exit signs, photoluminescent material is essential to ensure visibility in low-light conditions. For external signs, choose weather-resistant materials such as aluminium or durable plastic. Self-adhesive vinyl is suitable for applying signs to doors or smooth surfaces. See our Choosing Sign Material guide.
Ready to order?
You now have a clear understanding of the safety signs required for your school. Browse our selection and create a safe and compliant environment for your students and staff.
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
Fire Action - EEC - Safety Sign
First Aid - Safety Sign
Assembly Point - Safety Sign
No Smoking Vertical - Safety Sign
Need larger quantities or custom signs? Request a trade quote