Escape Signage 

Ten easy steps to evaluate the escape signage in your building.

1. First look at the signage pictures below and their explanation. Many sites have incorrect signage installed, There are numerous reasons why this can happen, but a yearly signage review or during a review of the Fire Risk Assessment will high light these problems.

2. Now walk round your site and see if the escape signage installed is different in any way to the examples above.

   • Note the text on the above pictures. The old standard has all Caps.

   • Are they all of the same design. It is of good practice to have either design 1 or design 2, but not a pick and mix of both .

   • You may see the below design of signage mixed in with the above designs, usually on emergency light fittings. At  present this is also allowable.   

   

    

3. While walking around note if there is any junctions in the escape route that are not signed up.

   • Junctions are, of course, import area to sign up. So the people walking the route are not lead back into a place of danger.  

4. Is the route you are walking the usual route in and out of the area, if so do the signs state Fire exit or Exit?

   • The term Fire exit is to denote a route that is primarily to be used in the event of an emergency

   • The term Exit is to denote the general every day route in and out of the property

    

5.   Are there any areas that have signs pointing the wrong way or are confusing?

   • This is important, as all routes must be clearly and easily understood.

   • Any wrong or confusing signs must be replaced.

    

6.  Are there any areas that have two viable means of escape?

   • Are they signed up with the primary Fire exit and the other Exit, if so then this should be okay.

   • If both routes are Primary and Secondary Fire escape routes, then you may wish to see which one is the shortest route out of the property. If one of these routes is in fact a normal Exit route then the signs should be marked up Exit with the running mark listed above.  

    

7.  Which way are the arrows pointing?

   • Very often you’ll have at final exits with arrows pointing down, this is okay if you need to progress down from this point.  Other wise you should have the arrows pointing up. 

    

8.  Are all final exits covered?

   • Final exits on escape routes are those doors that lead directly out of the property to a place of safety.

   • Sometimes you may find final exits that are not signed up!  All final escape route exits must have correct signage.

    

9. Are any signs loose?

   • All wall mounted signs should be firm fixed.  

    

10. Have the signs led you to a place of safety?

    • This may sound strange, but if signage is confusing, not upgraded after building works or old signs are left in place then this can be the result.

    • If you have arrived at a place of safety (ie: the assembly point) then the signage has worked. If not review the route and signs and update as appropriate.

    • Remember old signs left up could cause confusion especially if the floor layout has change because of any refurbishment.

    If you have any questions regarding Escape Signage call or email us today and we will help.

    0845 544 0595 / info@krpservices.com

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