What Does a Blue Sign on a Fire Door Mean?
Fire safety signage plays a crucial role in workplace safety and compliance, helping employees and visitors understand the correct use of fire doors and emergency exits.
If you’ve ever noticed a blue sign on a fire door, you might wonder what it means and why it’s important. In this guide, we’ll explain the purpose of blue fire door signs, their legal requirements, and what other fire exit signs your site may need.
Understanding Fire Door Signage: What Does a Blue Sign Mean?
The Role of Fire Doors
Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and giving occupants more time to evacuate. However, fire doors only work if used correctly -which is why clear signage is essential.
Why Are Fire Door Signs Blue?
In the UK, fire door signs use blue circular symbols because they are classified as mandatory safety signs. Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, blue signs are used to indicate an instruction that must be followed.
In the case of fire doors, these mandatory instructions typically include:
- "Fire Door Keep Shut" – Ensures the door remains closed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading.
- "Fire Door Keep Locked Shut" – Used for fire doors that must remain locked except in an emergency.
- "Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear" – Placed near self-closing fire doors to ensure they are not obstructed.
These signs are a legal requirement for fire doors and must be clearly visible and securely attached to the door.
Browse our full range of fire door safety signs.
What Other Fire Exit Signs Does My Site Require?
In addition to blue mandatory fire door signs, workplaces are also legally required to display:
- Fire exit signs – Green signs with arrows directing people to the nearest exit.
- Push bar or pull to open signs – Instructions on how to operate the door.
- Wheelchair accessibility signs – Indicating exits suitable for disabled users.
- Fire action notices – Explaining what to do in case of fire.
The type and placement of fire safety signage should be determined by a fire risk assessment, ensuring compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Explore our full range of fire exit and emergency signs.
Common Questions About Fire Door Signs
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, mandatory fire door signs must be displayed to indicate correct usage.
No. Fire door signs must be permanently fixed to the door—self-adhesive stickers are not recommended unless specifically designed for this purpose.
Fire door signs should be positioned at eye level on both sides of the door, ensuring visibility in all directions.
Failing to provide proper fire door signage could lead to fines and penalties under UK fire safety laws, and more importantly, put lives at risk in an emergency.
Final Thoughts: Fire Door Signage & Workplace Compliance
Fire doors are a critical component of fire safety, but only when used correctly. Blue fire door signs ensure legal compliance and protect lives by providing clear, mandatory instructions.
At SafetyBuyer, we supply high-quality fire safety signs that help businesses stay compliant and keep their premises safe.
Shop fire door safety signs now.
Need expert advice? Call 0800 043 0161 - we’re happy to help.
