Fire Assembly Signs

Would contractors, visitors or temporary staff on your site know what action to take in an emergency or know the location and fastest route to designated assembly points where people should gather?

Fire Assembly signs are amongst the most important safety signs in use today, but more important is ‘the standard of fire safety management’ present within a building.

Good fire safety management is key to preventing fires and handling them effectively if they do happen. Effective routines and procedures help control or contain fires quickly and safely.

In case of a fire, everyone needs to know how to escape to safety by the quickest route. The effectiveness of fire safety measures depends on how well management enforces them and regular testing, servicing, and maintenance of all fire safety equipment are crucial. Maintaining records using a fire safety logbook is a helpful way to support management responsibilities.

Policies and procedures should be clearly communicated to all employees. Staff training is also essential, so everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.

Importance of Assembly Point Signs

Clear Communication: They provide clear, easily recognisable direction that can help prevent confusion and panic during an emergency evacuation.

Safety and Accountability: Designated assembly points help ensure that all individuals are accounted for, facilitating headcounts and aiding emergency services in rescue operations if necessary.

Efficient Evacuation: They guide people to a safe location away from the building, minimising the risk of injury or exposure to hazards.

It is crucial to place assembly points in safe areas outside the building to avoid the risk of falling debris.

ISO 7010 Standards

ISO 7010 specifies the safety signs used in workplaces and public areas to prevent accidents, alert against hazards, and indicate actions to be taken in emergencies. The standardisation ensures that safety signs, including assembly point signs, are consistent and easily recognisable. Key points include:

Design Consistency: ISO 7010 provides standardised designs for safety signs, ensuring uniformity in shape, colour, and symbols.

Universal Recognition: The signs are designed to be understood globally, regardless of language barriers, enhancing safety in multinational environments.

Function / description of a Fire / Evacuation assembly point sign to ISO 7110: To indicate the location of a safe assembly point following evacuation. The image content includes two human figures and a head of a third figure in a group, four arrows coming from the corners pointing to them.

Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

These UK regulations require employers to provide and maintain safety signs where there is a significant risk to health and safety that cannot be avoided or controlled by other means. Relevant aspects include:

Mandated Use: Employers must use safety signs to indicate safe evacuation routes and assembly points.

Legibility and Visibility: Signs must be clear, well-maintained, and visible at all times.

Training: Employees should be trained to understand the meaning of the signs and the actions required.

UK Fire Safety Regulations

Fire safety regulations in the UK, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, emphasise the importance of having clear evacuation procedures and signage. Key points include:

Fire Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct fire risk assessments to identify necessary safety measures, including the provision of assembly point signs.

Emergency Plans: Detailed emergency plans must be in place, specifying evacuation routes and assembly points.

Regular Drills and Maintenance: Regular fire drills and maintenance of signage are required to ensure preparedness and functionality.

The role of Fire Assembly Signs in your overall fire safety plans

Fire assembly point signs are key components of a comprehensive fire safety plan. They help ensure orderly evacuations, provide clear instructions, and facilitate accountability during emergencies. Adhering to ISO 7010 standards, the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, and UK fire safety regulations ensures these signs are effective and compliant, ultimately protecting lives and enhancing safety in workplaces and public areas.

 Call us today on 0800 043 0161 or email us at sales@safetybuyer.com to discuss your safety sign requirements.