Signage survey
Trace escape routes and identify decision points, final exits, equipment, hazards and required notices.
Exit, equipment and wayfinding signs
Fire safety signage in London and Surrey
Identify missing, confusing or outdated fire safety signs and request a signage survey or installation quote across London and Surrey.
Service overview
What fire safety signage involves
Fire safety signs communicate escape directions, identify firefighting equipment and explain mandatory, warning or prohibited actions. They support a coherent fire strategy; they cannot compensate for an unsafe escape route, poor lighting or inadequate management.
The right signs depend on the building, routes, users and fire risk assessment. Too few signs can leave people uncertain, while too many, inconsistent or badly positioned signs can create confusion. Text-only signs should not be treated as a universal solution where standard graphical symbols are expected.
Start with the fire risk assessment. It should identify the precautions needed for the actual premises and explain how this service fits the emergency plan and wider fire-safety arrangements. Read the fire risk assessment guide.
Scope of work
Services you may need
A quotation should state exactly which parts of the work are included and who is responsible for design decisions, access, certification and any remedial work.
Exit and directional signs
Provide consistent signs with arrows and graphical symbols positioned for visibility along the route.
Fire action notices
Display concise, premises-specific actions that align with the alarm, evacuation strategy and assembly arrangements.
Equipment identification
Mark alarms, extinguishers, hose reels and other equipment where necessary so it can be located quickly.
Door and hazard signs
Use keep-shut, keep-clear, automatic-door, prohibition and warning messages where justified.
Wayfinding signage
Provide floor and flat identification for relevant high-rise residential buildings in the prescribed locations and format.
Building-specific requirements
Types of fire safety sign
The examples below are a guide, not a specification. The appropriate solution must follow the premises risk, use, relevant standards and any existing fire strategy.
Safe-condition signs
Green signs identify escape routes, exits, assembly points and other safe conditions.
Fire-equipment signs
Red signs identify firefighting equipment and alarm call points.
Mandatory and prohibition signs
Blue signs require an action; red circular prohibition signs identify actions that must not be taken.
Warning and information notices
Yellow warning signs and clearly designed notices communicate particular hazards or procedures.
Law and recognised guidance
Requirements and standards
British Standards are codes of practice rather than legislation in themselves. They can nevertheless provide recognised evidence of good practice and may be referenced by fire strategies, contracts, insurers and enforcing authorities.
Fire Safety Order 2005
Requires escape routes and exits to be indicated by signs where necessary and safety provisions to be maintained.
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Require safety signs where significant residual workplace risks remain and set principles for clear, consistent signs.
BS EN ISO 7010 and related guidance
Provides standardised graphical safety symbols. Design, arrow use, lighting and placement must work together.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Require suitable low-light-visible floor and flat wayfinding signs in high-rise residential buildings in England.
Testing and maintenance
How should fire safety signs be checked?
Signs should remain relevant, visible, legible, consistent and correctly illuminated. Checks can form part of routine premises inspections and should also follow any change to the building or emergency plan.
- 1
Routine premises checks
Confirm signs are present, unobstructed, legible, securely fixed and point in the correct direction.
- 2
During emergency-lighting tests
Check that signs relying on illumination or internal lighting remain visible when the normal supply fails.
- 3
After layout or route changes
Review signs whenever partitions, doors, exits, equipment, tenant areas or escape arrangements change.
- 4
During fire risk assessment review
Confirm the overall system still helps unfamiliar people understand the route and supports the current emergency plan.
Common findings
Problems that should not be ignored
A failed test, damaged component or undocumented change should be assessed and dealt with according to its effect on life safety—not simply left until the next scheduled visit.
Incorrect arrows
An otherwise recognisable exit sign can direct people towards the wrong route when the arrow is misapplied.
Conflicting sign designs
Mixed symbols, terminology and formats reduce consistency and recognition.
Poor sight lines
Signs hidden by doors, displays, decorations or building features may not be visible at decision points.
Generic fire action notices
Instructions that do not match the alarm, evacuation strategy, lift policy or assembly arrangements can be dangerous.
From enquiry to records
How arranging the work normally proceeds
- 1
Describe the premises
Share the postcode, building use, size, current provision and the work or problem you need addressed.
- 2
Clarify the scope
A provider may ask for documents, photographs, asset numbers, access details or a preliminary survey.
- 3
Review the quotation
Check what is included, exclusions, standards, certification, timescale, remedial rates and reporting.
- 4
Arrange the visit
Coordinate access, occupants, isolations and any temporary precautions needed while work is underway.
- 5
Keep the records
Retain reports, certificates, asset schedules, test results and evidence that identified defects were resolved.
Planning a quotation
What affects fire safety signs costs?
Useful quotations are based on the actual scope and condition, not a single headline price.
Survey scope
Number of floors, escape routes, occupancies and specialist wayfinding needs.
Sign type and finish
Photoluminescent, internally illuminated, rigid, adhesive or specialist low-light products.
Quantity and installation
Number of signs, mounting surfaces, working height and access restrictions.
Design coordination
Need to reconcile existing signs, emergency lighting, fire strategy and multi-tenant arrangements.
Choosing a provider
Check competence for the exact work
Ask who will survey, design, install, commission, inspect or maintain the provision and what evidence supports their competence for that role. Check relevant experience, insurance, third-party certification where applicable, reporting, exclusions and how defects will be prioritised.
Related precautions
Fire safety works as a system
Changes to one measure can affect detection, escape, compartmentation, lighting, signs, equipment and the emergency plan. Keep the fire risk assessment and records aligned.
Frequently asked questions
Fire safety signage FAQs
Does every fire exit need a sign?
Signs are required where necessary. In a very simple premises an exit may be obvious, while larger, unfamiliar or changing routes generally require clear exit and directional signage. The fire risk assessment should determine the need.
Are text-only fire exit signs acceptable?
Workplace safety-sign guidance uses standard graphical symbols, and text-only signs should not be assumed to meet current expectations. Existing signs should be reviewed for clarity, consistency and the applicable requirements.
Do fire exit signs need emergency lighting?
Exit signs must remain adequately visible when needed. Depending on their location and design, this may be achieved through emergency illumination, an internally illuminated sign or another suitable arrangement.
What wayfinding signs are required in high-rise blocks?
High-rise residential buildings covered by the 2022 Regulations must have floor and flat identification signs visible in normal, low-light and smoky conditions, positioned to support firefighters using stairs and relevant lifts.
Can I buy signs before having a survey?
You can replace an identical damaged sign, but a wider installation is better based on the escape routes, fire strategy and risk assessment. Buying a generic pack often produces missing, surplus or contradictory signs.
Service-specific enquiry
Request a quote for fire safety signs
Tell us about the premises and the work required. Your enquiry can be reviewed and passed to a suitable provider serving London or Surrey.
- No obligation to proceed
- Telephone number required for useful follow-up
- Use the details box for faults, deadlines or access constraints
Sources and scope
Guidance reviewed 21 July 2026
This page provides general information for premises in England. Requirements depend on the fire risk assessment, building, people at risk and work scope. It is not a design, inspection, legal opinion or substitute for competent site-specific advice.