Signage Regulations

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Guidelines for an effective signage system

All signs conforming to BS5499-1 :1990 and BS5499-4 :2000, used in conjunction with a formal risk assessment, satisfy all requirements under Building, Fire Precaution and Health & Safety at Work Regulations and Legislation.

Fire safety signs are divided into seven main categories:

1.Escape Route: Exit and Fire Exit Signs
2.Escape Equipment: Door Mechanism and Location Signs
3.Fire Fighting: Equipment and Location Signs
4.Mandatory Notice:  Fire Action Signs
5.Mandatory Instruction: Door Signs for Fire Safety Management
6.Prohibition: Fire Prevention and Unsafe Social Activity Signs
7.Hazard Warning: Risk Identification
Escape Route Signs (see next section)
For an escape route signing system to be effective, it is recommended that from any place within the building occupants should have sight of a sign or series of signs (Exit or Fire Exit), which leads them to a place of safety. This recommendation is laid down to fulfill the obligations of employers, managers or occupiers, to ensure that personnel and visitors are aware of their immediate escape route. This obligation is a requirement under Fire Precaution and Health and Safety at Work Regulations and Legislation.
Fire Fighting Equipment and Location Signs
Part of a formal risk assessment is ensuring that all fire fighting equipment can be easily located, when required. The risk assessment should also ensure that the equipment located displays the correct classes of fire for safe and effective use. The use of appropriately displayed signs at the fire point will make a positive contribution to the framework of Fire Safety Management.
Escape Equipment Signs
To ensure a safe, efficient and effective escape from a building, it is recommended that all doors within a means of escape containing emergency devices, are clearly marked with the appropriate operating instructions.
Mandatory Fire Action Notice Signs
It is recommended that the actions to be taken in the event of a fire are displayed in conspicuous locations throughout the building. An example of this is at fire alarm call points, as the primary action in the event of a fire is to raise the alarm and summon the Fire Brigade.
Mandatory Door Instruction Signs
The use of mandatory door instruction signs is recommended to support the principles of good fire safety management and emergency planning procedures. The protection of escape routes from the influx of smoke, or the spread of fire, is almost totally dependent upon the quality of confinement.
Prohibition Signs
The prevention of a fire, and the safety of personnel, is fundamental in supporting good fire safety management. The display of prohibition signs can assist in the prevention of any activity which is likely to cause risk or injury. It is recommended that these signs are displayed in conspicuous positions throughout the building.
Hazard Warning Signs
The identification of risk to personnel is fundamental to the fire risk assessment. The display of appropriate prohibition or mandatory signs will endorse the best practice in Fire Safety Management.


 
 
Escape Route Signs

(meaning and use of graphical symbol with directional arrow)
 
Sign
Meaning as viewed from in front of the sign
Examples of location
1. Progress down to the right (indicating change of level).
1. On wall or suspended at head of stairs or ramp.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.
1. Progress up to the right (indicating change of level).
2. Progress forward and across to the right from here (when suspended within an open area).
1. On wall or suspended at foot of stairs or ramp.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.
4. Suspended in open areas.
1. Progress down to the left (indicating change of level).
1. On wall or suspended at head of stairs.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.
1. Progress up to the left (indicating change of level).
2. Progress forward and across to the left from here (when suspended within an open area).
1. On wall or suspended at foot of stairs or ramp.
2. On half landing wall of stairs.
3. Suspended at change of level.
4. Suspended in open areas.
1. Progress forward from here (indicating direction of travel).
2. Progress forward and through from here; when sign is sited above a door (indicating direction of travel).
3. Progress forward and up from here (indicating change of level).
1. Suspended in corridor leading to door.
2. Suspended in front of door.
3. Positioned above door.
4. Suspended in open areas.
5. Suspended at foot of stairs or ramp.
1. Progress to the right from here (indicating direction of travel).
1. On corridor walls.
2. Suspended adjacent and left of the exit.
3. Suspended at change of direction.
1. Progress to the left from here (indicating direction of travel).
1. On corridor walls.
2. Suspended adjacent and right of the exit.
3. Suspended at change of direction.
1. Progress down from here (indicating change of level).
1. Suspended at head of stairs or ramp.
2. Suspended at change of level.




The quality signs that E&J Fire and Security Ltd Install


JALITE AAA photoluminescent safety products have been optimised using the latest unique technology to provide the following key features:
  • Exceptional high brightness within the first few minutes!
  • Incredibly conspicuous signs and notices that can be clearly seen and read in total darkness - ideal for use within life-saving applications!
  • Excellence in performance - JALITE AAA material stays brighter for longer than P.S.P.A. Class A materials: expect 3-4 times the luminance performance!
  • Improved material technology - incredibly improved aging and weathering performance!
  • Major improvements in material physical properties - resulting in a better quality longer lasting product!


Compare the difference:   2 Mins  :  10 Mins  :  30 Mins :  60 Mins :

JALITE AAA
Class A

Outstanding Performance
The graph below shows that in the critical period following power failure, JALITE AA products - even after short periods with low activating light levels - provide properties far beyond anything yet seen in photoluminescence for safety applications. 



Three times the luminance performance of P.S.P.A. Class A!
P.S.P.A. (Photoluminescent Safety Products Association) classifies materials into specific groups, according to their luminance performance criteria. Class A is recommended as the minimum for safety products. 

Exceeds DIN 67 510 Part 4!
DIN (Deutsche Norm) the European specification and requirements for luminance performance criteria and standards is covered by DIN 67 510 parts 1-4.

Exceeds IMO A.752(18)!
IMO (International Maritime Organization) A.752 (18) specifies the minimum luminance performance for the marine environment.

 

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