The Fire Safety Order 2005: 2026 Signage Requirements & Updates

For a full overview of legal requirements, see our core guide on UK Safety Sign Regulations: Comprehensive Guide 2026.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) is the primary piece of legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales. Since its inception, several amendments have strengthened requirements, most notably the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

By 2026, new regulations regarding Residential Evacuation Plans and high-rise wayfinding have made fire safety signage a critical priority for Responsible Persons (RPs).

[!IMPORTANT] Buying for a large project? Open a Trade Account for exclusive pricing, or request a bulk quote for Fire Safety Signs today.

The Role of the Responsible Person (RP)

Under the Fire Safety Order, every business or multi-occupied building must have a "Responsible Person." This individual is legally required to:

Conduct a Fire risk Assessment (FRA).
Implement adequate fire safety measures, including safety signage.
Ensure that signage is maintained and clearly visible at all times.

Core Signage Requirements under the RRO

The Order mandates several specific categories of signage that must meet BS EN ISO 7010:2020 standards:

1. escape route Signage

All emergency exits and the routes leading to them must be clearly marked.

Placement: Signs should be placed at every change of direction or where an exit is not immediately visible.
Lighting: In the event of power failure, signs must remain visible via emergency lighting or photoluminescent materials (minimum PSPA Class C).

2. Fire Fighting Equipment Identification

Every piece of fire-fighting equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, alarm call points) must be identified with a red and white fire equipment sign.

Standard: Signs must include the relevant ISO 7010 symbol.
ID Signs: Fire extinguisher ID signs must display the type of fire the extinguisher is suitable for (e.g., CO2, Water, Foam).

3. Fire Action Notices

A mandatory sign that explains what to do in the event of a fire, including the location of the assembly point.

Location: Usually placed next to fire alarm call points and at main entrances.
Content: Must be specific to the building's unique evacuation strategy.

2025/2026 Residential Updates (England)

Following the Grenfell Tower inquiry recommendations, the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 have introduced new burdens for building managers of high-rise residential buildings (11m+ or 18m+).

[!TIP] Need compliant signage? Explore our full range of professional Fire Safety Signs for next-day UK delivery.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) - Effective April 2026

New signage requirements have been introduced to support PEEPs:

Assisted Evacuation Points: Locations where vulnerable residents wait for assistance must be clearly marked.
Evacuation Lift Identification: Specialised signage for lifts that are safe to use during a fire evacuation (specifically those meeting BS 9991 or BS 9999).

High-Rise Wayfinding (18m+ Buildings)

It is now a legal requirement to provide:

floor identification Signs: Large, clear signs identifying each floor in protected stairways.
flat indicator signs: Signs next to landings indicating which flats are located on that floor (e.g., "Flats 1-10").
Visibility: These must be legible in low light and smoke conditions, often requiring photoluminescent backing.

Maintenance and Auditing

The RRO requires fire safety signage to be "maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair."

The 2026 Audit Checklist

Bi-Annual Inspections: Check for physical damage, fading, or peeling.
Luminance Testing: For photoluminescent signs, ensure they still meet the required decay times.
Obstruction Checks: Ensure warehouse racking, office furniture, or seasonal decorations have not obscured critical fire exit signs.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Fire Safety Regulator has increased enforcement activities for 2026. Consequences for inadequate fire signage include:

Alterations Notices: Where the regulator identifies serious deficiencies.
Enforcement Notices: Legal orders to fix signage within a specific timeframe.
Unlimited Fines: For serious breaches where safety is compromised.
Prison Sentences: Up to two years for responsible persons in cases of extreme negligence.

Conclusion

Fire safety signage is not a "fit and forget" requirement. The 2025/2026 updates represent a shift toward more inclusive and robust evacuation strategies. Ensuring your building meets the latest Fire Safety Order requirements is essential for legal compliance and, more importantly, the protection of life.

For expert assistance in auditing your building's fire safety signage against the 2026 standards, contact our specialist team today.

For full regulatory compliance data, download our Technical Data Sheets for Fire Safety Signs.

Up Next

Continue your journey by exploring our detailed guide on The Building Safety Act 2022: Signage and the Golden Thread.