You can see fire safety signs in buildings, workplaces and many public areas. If you understand the fire safety signs and meanings, then you can easily keep yourself and other people safe during emergencies.
Today, we will explain the meanings of different colors and symbols of fire emergency signs. Our team will also tell you about the words written on fire signs, plus official fire signage requirements by OSHA.
Fire Safety Symbols with Names
Below is a complete list of fire safety signs, grouped by color, along with their descriptions and what they mean.
Red Fire Safety Signs (Prohibition & Fire Equipment)
| Symbol Name | Symbol Description | Meaning / Use |
| Do Not Panic | Finger pressing button with alert lines | Press alarm calmly, don’t panic |
| Call the Fire Brigade | Phone with red flames | Contact fire services in an emergency |
| Do Not Stop to Collect Belongings | Briefcase with red cross | Leave everything behind during evacuation |
| Do Not Use Lift | Elevator with red slash | Use stairs in emergencies |
| Do Not Return to Building | Person returning with a red slash | Stay outside until cleared to enter |
| No Smoking | Cigarette crossed in red circle | Smoking is prohibited |
| No Open Fire | Matchstick or flame crossed in red circle | Open flames are not allowed |
| AFF Foam | Text “AFF Foam” in red label | Use foam extinguisher for fuel-based fires |
| Dry Powder | Text “Dry Powder” in red label | Use for electrical/liquid fires |
| Foam Spray | Text “Foam Spray” in red label | Use for solids and flammable liquids |
| Water Spray | Text “Water Spray” in red label | Use for Class A (solids) fires |
| CO₂ | Text “CO₂” in red label | Use for electrical or flammable liquid fires |
| Fire Extinguisher | Red box with extinguisher icon | Shows fire extinguisher location |
| Fire Hose Reel | The red icon of a reel | Indicates hose reel for fire use |
| Fire Blanket | A red icon showing a blanket | Fire blanket location |
Blue Fire Signs Indicate Mandatory Actions
| Symbol Name | Symbol Description | Meaning / Use |
| Push Bar to Open | Hand or arrow near a push bar | Push to open emergency door |
| Fire Door Keep Shut | Door icon or text in blue circle | Keep fire door closed at all times |
| Fire Action | Multi-step instruction list in blue | Follow listed steps during fire happens |
| Emergency Telephone | White phone icon in blue circle | Use to contact emergency services |
Green Fire Signs (Safe Condition & Emergency Info)
| Symbol Name | Symbol Description | Meaning / Use |
| Emergency Exit | Running person with arrow | Use this route to escape |
| Fire Assembly Point | People with arrows pointing inward | Gather here after evacuating |
| First Aid | White cross on green | First aid station location |
| First Aiders List | Cross with text area | Shows names of trained first aiders |
| Emergency Shower | Shower spraying water over head | Use to rinse off chemicals |
| Emergency Eyewash Station | Eye with water jets | Wash eyes in case of exposure |
| Drinking Water | Faucet or cup with water | Water is safe to drink |
| Breathing Apparatus | Mask or check mark icon | Wear respirator in this area |
| Stretcher | Stretcher icon | Location of stretcher |
| Designated Smoking Area | Cigarette with green background | Smoking allowed in this area only |
| Site Safety Starts Here | Text sign on green background | Entry point with safety info |
Yellow Fire Signs (Warning Signs)
| Symbol Name | Symbol Description | Meaning / Use |
| Flammable Material | Flame symbol inside a triangle | Material is easily ignitable, fire risk present |
| Explosive Material | Explosion symbol in triangle | Can explode if exposed to heat or shock |
| Pressurized Container | Gas cylinder in triangle | May burst under pressure, so handle with care |
| Toxic Material | Skull and crossbones in triangle | Avoid dangerous or poisonous substance |
| Radioactive Material | Radiation trefoil in triangle | Area or item emits harmful radiation |
| General Danger | Exclamation mark in triangle | Warning: general or multiple hazards present |
Meaning of Different Colors of Fire Safety Signs
Now you are wondering what these red, blue, green & yellow color fire safety signs mean, right? Well, each color affects the brain, and here is a brief explanation of different colors.
Red Fire Safety Signs
Red is globally accepted as the warning indicator. It is generally used to express danger & alarming conditions. And the red color safety signs are used to show the prohibition or restriction of something in that place. Like a “No Smoking” sign prohibits smoking where you are located.
These signs are normally in circle shape with white background color. A black color picture is inside the red circle area with a red cross line. Sometimes, instead of a picture, a text is written on it like a “No Entry” sign.
Blue Fire Safety Signs
The blue color shows calmness and you need to follow its instructions without panic, known as “mandatory signs”. Still, these signs are important to abide by because with their help, you can easily follow all the safety regulations.
They usually appear with a blue background and a white symbol. These are also circular in shape and sometimes you also see text written on them. Furthermore, these signs are used in non-threatening and non-alarming situations.
Green Fire Safety Signs
Green signs are also known as action signs because they tell you a lot about the safety actions. This color is linked to reassurance and is commonly used for symbols like “fire assembly point” and “first aid.” These signs are usually square, with a green background and white symbols or text.
Yellow Fire Safety Signs
Because of the high visibility of yellow color, these symbols show safety warnings to avoid potential hazards. Generally, these signs are in triangular shape with a black hazard picture on a yellow background.
Some of them are text based and in rectangular shape. It shows cautionary measures you should take to stay alert in risky areas.
What Colour is a Fire Alarm Sign?
Fire alarm signs are generally of red color because they show danger. Their shape might be rectangular or square, with a white victor designed or text written at the center.
Importance of Fire Safety Signs
When there’s a fire, a dangerous situation can spread quickly. That’s why fire safety signs are placed to guide you. They help you find the nearest exit without wasting time. Plus, they also point out where fire alarms and extinguishers are, so you don’t waste time looking for them.
These signs are made to grab your attention and keep you safe.In addition to showing the way out, some signs warn you about dangers like flammable items. Others give calm instructions so you don’t panic.
If you run a business, you must display the right signs, it’s the law in many places like the UK, Saudi Arabia, etc. So wherever you are, always pay attention to the signs around you. They’re there for you.
Categories of Fire Signage: What are the 5 Categories of Fire Signage?
When a fire breaks out, different signs guide you, warn you or tell you what to do. We have grouped those fire signages into five main types. This also includes fire department signs on buildings, which help responders act quickly.
Fire Equipment Signs
The fire equipment symbols locate different fire safety equipment for emergency situations. They are usually placed in hospital, school & office buildings. Their purpose is to quickly find the equipment (like extinguishers, hose reel, fire blankets, etc) needed at the time of a fire emergency.
Fire Prohibition Signs
You have probably seen no smoking signs in areas like petrol stations or flammable storage spaces. These types of symbols forbid you from doing something that can cause fire risks. So, wherever you see them, avoid the things that are displayed on them, usually red in color.
Emergency Exit Signs
As the name shows, the exit symbols give you clear directions in order to escape from the place as soon as possible. They are green in color with white pictorials.
You will normally find them hanging above the doors, at turns or in hallways. In case a fire occurs, you can find a safe place by doing what these signs say.
Fire Warning Signs
These signages are commonly in yellow color that warns you about a specific thing or place. Like if a location is highly flammable where explosive gases or liquids are present, you will see these signs there. It keeps you and the workers alert to risks which can happen if you ignore them.
Mandatory Fire Signs
The purpose of mandatory signs is to tell you exactly what to do to keep yourself safe at that moment. They are normally blue with white diagrams in a circle shape.
For example, a “Fire Action” sign tells you what steps to take during a fire, like raising the alarm and leaving the building right away.
Fire Safety Signs Regulations or Fire Exit Signs Requirements
As a facility manager, you must follow the rules below to keep people safe and meet law requirements.
- Visible Safety Signs: Fire safety signs must be easy for you to see and understand. That means they should be placed in clean spots so you can quickly notice them during an emergency.
- Directed Escape Route Signs: You also need signs to guide you all the way out. Therefore, escape route signs must be placed from start to finish. You need to place them on doors, in hallways, near stairs and at corners.
- Signs Visibility in Dark: In order to help people see clearly in the dark, fire signs must stay visible even when the power goes out. Therefore, you must use glow in the dark materials or battery lights.
- Directional Arrows: They point you to the safest and fastest way out. For example, if there are two hallways, a clear arrow helps you choose the correct one. Without arrows, you might lose time or head the wrong way.
- Heightened Signages: Signs must be placed at a good height so you don’t miss them. If they’re on walls, they should be about 2 meters from the floor. You might also see some above doors or hanging from the ceiling.
- Text with Symbols: You need to add text along with images when needed to make signs easier for everyone to understand. This helps people know exactly what to do, even if they’re unsure of the symbol. Moreover, providing signs with Braille or raised letters is also required by law.
- Mark Fire Equipment: You should also use signs to show where fire equipment is kept. For example, if a fire extinguisher is hidden behind a cabinet or around a corner, a sign must point to it. This also helps workers know what kind of fire that extinguisher can put out, so they don’t use the wrong one.
Fire Extinguisher Signage Requirements by OSHA
We already talked about the general fire signage rules. But when it comes to fire extinguishers, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has some special requirements.
According to OSHA, extinguishers must be clearly marked and easy for you to reach without anything blocking the way. They should be placed along usual walking paths and near exits.
For Class A fires, you should find one within 75 feet. For Class B fires, the limit is 50 feet.
Mounting also matters, lighter extinguishers should be hung no higher than 5 feet. While heavier ones must not be greater than 3.5 feet from the floor.
If your building has more than one floor, there must be at least one extinguisher on each level. Plus, add extra ones near high risk areas like fuel storage or electrical panels.
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Conclusion
We hope now you have a good knowledge of almost all the fire safety signs, symbols and their meanings. Our advice is, if you are a business owner, you must keep in the mind the OSHA regulations as well. As a result, you can ensure there is no violation of law and your customers & employees are safe if any fire emergency comes.
