Posted by Nicky Smol on April 15, 2025 in Other news
When it comes to fire safety in general, Fire Safety Signs are often overlooked. But are these signs really that important for the overall safety? The answer is simple: yes. Because without clear Fire Safety Signage, even the best emergency procedures can fall short.
Studies have shown that people often store information from safety signs subconsciously, and in an emergency, this stored knowledge helps them react quickly and correctly. This is why clear and correct Fire Safety Signage can help people find fire-fighting equipment and locate fire alarms quickly in an emergency situation. Whether in offices, factories, marine environments, or public spaces, the right Fire Safety signs make it easier to make informed decisions when it matters most.
Fire Safety Signs use visual communication to clearly and instantly guide people in emergency situations. During a fire, there is not much time to stop and think—people need visual guidance that is easy to understand and quick to follow. Clear, well-placed signs guide us on where to go, what to do, and what to avoid.
Fire Safety Signage refers to all signs used to communicate fire-related warnings, instructions, and the location of fire-fighting equipment. At T-ISS, we divide these into two main categories: Fire Fighting Signs and Fire Control Signs. Each type plays a specific role in improving safety and supporting emergency response.
Fire Fighting Signs are Safety Signs designed to provide clear and understandable information to guide people to the nearest fire-fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, hoses, or alarms. Fire Fighting Signs use clear symbols by ISO 7010 and use red and white colors.
Fire Control Signs, on the other hand, point to systems or equipment used to manage or support fire protection, rather than to fight the fire directly. Examples include signs for emergency ventilation shut-offs, fire safety control panels, and fire safety plans. These signs are often used by trained personnel or first responders to help control the situation.
Another type of Fire Safety Signage is Fire Door Signage. These signs remind people to keep fire doors closed during an emergency, ensuring the doors can block the spread of smoke and fire as they are meant to. Common examples include messages like “Fire Door Keep Shut”.
Regulations state that fire door signs must be clearly visible on both sides of the door, positioned at eye level, and made from durable materials that can withstand heat, cleaning, and general wear.
Technically, yes—you can create and print your own safety signs. But there’s a catch: Safety Signs have to meet legal and safety standards (see paragraphs below). That means correct use of color, shape, and symbols as outlined in EN ISO 7010 or national regulations.
Signs printed on low-quality materials often don’t hold up over time. They will fade, peel, or become unreadable in an emergency. If you are printing signs in-house, it’s important to use approved designs and materials—or better yet, work with a supplier that specializes in compliant (fire) safety signage, like T-ISS.
In the United Kingdom, Fire safety signage must follow BS 5499 and BS EN ISO 7010. These standards cover how signs should look—colors, shapes, and symbols—and where they should be placed.
Using standardized signs means people can recognize important messages instantly, even if they’ve never been at a specific location before. The British Standards are there to make signage more effective and to help building owners stay compliant with UK safety laws.
In Europe, the go-to standard for fire safety signs is EN ISO 7010. This standard was created to make signage consistent across all EU member states. It outlines specific symbols, colors, and layouts that should be used in all safety signage, including fire safety.
By using the same signs throughout Europe, buildings or other facilities become safer for everyone—including visitors, international staff, or contractors who may not speak the local language. When signs look familiar, people are more likely to respond quickly and correctly.
In the United States of America, Fire Safety Signage must comply with OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.145) and follow ANSI Z535 design standards. These guidelines define the use of colors, symbols, wording, and layout to ensure signs are clear and easy to understand. Red is the designated color for fire safety, and signs should be durable and clearly visible. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), particularly NFPA 170, provides standard symbols to support consistent communication in fire safety signage. Together, these standards help ensure that fire safety signs are recognizable, effective, and compliant with U.S. safety codes.
At T-ISS, we specialize in high-quality Fire Safety Signage that is compliant with all (inter)national rules and regulations. We design Safety Signs for use in marine, offshore, and industrial environments, all over the world. Our signs meet international standards such as EN ISO 7010, ensuring clarity, durability, and universal recognition. Whether you need Fire Fighting Signs or Fire Control Signs, we offer a wide range of solutions made from long-lasting, environmentally friendly materials.
With T-ISS, you can be confident that your Fire Safety Signage not only meets legal requirements but also enhances safety and preparedness in any situation.
