What Colour Would You Expect Fire Equipment Signs to Be?

Across the UK in 2023, there were more than 15,000 non-dwelling fires, including instances within commercial spaces and workplaces. To reduce the risk of instances happening in the first place and also minimise the impact they do have if fires occur, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines key information. This includes stating what colour the fire equipment signs should be that are placed close to essential tools and access routes. 

There are a few different colours in rotations for fire safety signs, which can cause confusion for some. As experts in safety signage, we will be sharing our advice in this article for what colour fire equipment signs should be. We will also explain the rationale for this and supporting rules that all site managers must be aware of.

Why Are Fire Safety Signs Required?

Adding fire safety signs is essential within all workplaces to ensure that risks are reduced. The correct placement of these messaging points ensures that companies are also meeting their site insurance instructions, meaning they are covered at all times. 

Fire safety signs are essential for making individuals aware of danger, directing them should an incident occur, and helping safety novices act correctly in the event of a fire. Adding signs to fire safety equipment ensures quick responses and helps the user interact with the item correctly. These signs are intended to protect and direct everyone on site.

What Colour Should Fire Equipment Signs Be?

Now, for the reason you have chosen to read this article, what colour should fire equipment signage be? The answer is red and white. 

Before the 1990s, all fire signs were either green or red, regardless of the instructions that they were related to. This also included text-to-share messaging. However, in recognition of the need to enhance safety and also ease of understanding fire signage, designs were advanced to include a range of colours as well as combinations of text plus images. Upon this evolution of safety, all fire equipment signs were left in red with white characters and wording to make it simple for users to understand where these essential products are kept onsite. Examples of this include fire alarm signs and fire extinguisher indicators. Any equipment relating to fire safety will be illustrated with these colours. 

There are also a few other sign colours in circulation that still relate to fire safety but not equipment. Yellow signs are used to indicate dangerous substances, and they are used as fire signage if the item is flammable. When it comes to outlining any site rules for fire safety processes, such as meeting points or who is in charge in an emergency, these signs are blue. 

Another sign colour that is important in the event of a fire is green, which is used to show access points that should be used in the case of an emergency. Finally, employees and visitors must also pay attention to white signs with red circles as they are prohibited fire signs. This shows what not to do in the event of a fire and is often located close to red equipment signs as instructions for how to correctly interact with safety tools. 

Why Is It Important That Fire Equipment Signs Are Always The Same Colour

One of the reasons that the UK chose to make changes to fire safety signage was to improve how they are interacted with. Even if people don’t understand the exact meanings of each colour, there will still likely be a mental link between the colour and a type of instruction. Red is a colour which denotes action and danger making it ideal to associate with safety equipment that has a pivotal part to play in reducing the impact of a fire. 

Some other reasons that fire equipment signs should always be red are as follows:

Universal Understanding

When understanding the importance of factors like directive fire exit signs, it's essential to consider who will be interacting with them. A great example of this is the value of multi-hazard construction signs in risk management. These signs effectively communicate all risks at play in a space ensuring that everyone, no matter their language or level or understanding, has an idea of how they must act. 

As red is a sign of activity, it's used across the world in similar situations such as being associated with fire safety equipment. Therefore, using it for all tools such as alarms and safety accessories is important. Our fire sign points are available with blank boxes also which is an example of ways to modify this universal sign to the site it is being used within. When someone sees red, they know it represents something important to pay attention to.

Clear Indicator Of Equipment

Red is a bold colour that is not used on signs other than ones relating to equipment and access channels. This means having a red sign visible is a great way to direct individuals in the case of an emergency to reduce risk levels.

Effective Site Maintenance 

Signs for fire alarms and other pieces of fire equipment should also always be red to ensure good site maintenance is carried out. Even though all accessories are noted on risk management maps, having them supported by bold red signs ensures that attention is constantly being paid to their current state. This means that items are kept in perfect working order so that they never fail should an emergency situation arise. 

What Rules Should Fire Equipment Signs Adhere With?

As well as ensuring the correct red signage is used for fire equipment, the following rules should also be adhered with when positioning signs around a building.

• Fire equipment must always be supported by the correct signage as without this, users may be unaware of what items are ideal for use in the case of a fire. 

• Information signs should also be located close to direct activities. An example of this is having a list of what different types of fire extinguishers can be used for. 

• Equipment and fire safety signs need to be photoluminescent as this ensures they can still be clearly seen even if a building is filled with smoke, causing low visibility. Fire exit signs should also be illuminated for the same reasons.

• Fire assembly signs are mandatory, so proper placement of them around a building is important. 

• Fire equipment and signs should be available in every room and all open spaces within a commercial building. 

• Signs should always be positioned at a suitable height to ensure they are visible to all people. 

• All employees and visitors to the site should already be aware of the location of fire equipment. The signs should not be relied on as an educational source of information but instead a reminder. 

• All fire equipment signs must include text and images to clearly outline what the item is (i.e a fire hose or extinguisher).

• All equipment must be regularly maintained and safety checked to ensure it will be suitable for use in case of an emergency. 

How To Buy Professional Fire Equipment Signs?

Choosing fire equipment signs is an essential consideration that every site owner or manager must plan for. Without these, the effects of a fire could be catastrophic, plus insurance is not likely to cover a site. 

We sell a range of high-quality fire equipment signs which are designed to make the intended impact in the event of an emergency. All are made from durable materials and available in a range of different options and sizes to ensure that every site can find the information guidance they require. By shopping from a trusted supplier, you can have peace of mind in knowing that anyone on site is being supported by the correct signage should an incident occur. Shop our collection now to take control of your fire equipment safety.