Fire Signage

Specifications

1. Material and Durability
   • Material: Fire signage is typically made from durable, fire-resistant materials such as PVC, aluminum, stainless steel, or acrylic to withstand high temperatures and harsh environments.
   • Weather Resistance: Many fire signs are designed for outdoor use, constructed with weather-resistant coatings to prevent fading and ensure long-lasting performance, even in extreme weather conditions.
   • Surface Coating: Some signs come with a glow-in-the-dark or photoluminescent finish, ensuring visibility even during power outages or in smoke-filled environments.
2. Signage Types
   • Fire Exit Signs: Clearly marked with a green background and white directional arrows indicating emergency exits, evacuation routes, and exit doors.
   • Fire Equipment Signs: Used to identify the location of fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, fire alarms, and other fire safety equipment, usually with symbols or text such as “Fire Extinguisher” or “Fire Hose”.
   • Fire Alarm Signs: Designed to indicate the location of fire alarm control panels, manual call points, and other fire detection equipment.
   • Evacuation Route Signs: Directional signs that guide individuals to designated fire assembly points, often featuring arrows and text instructions.
   • Fire Assembly Point Signs: These signs mark the location where occupants should gather after evacuating, helping emergency personnel account for everyone.
3. Compliance and Standards
   • International Standards: Fire signage must comply with ISO 7010 and BS 5499 standards for safety signs, ensuring that they are easily understood, standardized, and universally recognizable.
   • NFPA 170 Compliant: Designed to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 170 standards, ensuring consistency and safety.
   • ADA Compliance: Accessible fire signage that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), using braille or tactile characters to ensure visibility for people with visual impairments.
4. Size and Visibility
   • Standard Dimensions: Fire signs come in various sizes, with common dimensions for exit signs being 300mm x 200mm or 400mm x 300mm, and fire equipment signs typically around 150mm x 150mm.
   • High-Contrast Design: The colors used in fire signage are usually bright red, green, or yellow, providing high contrast for visibility. The text and icons should be bold, clear, and easy to read at a distance.
   • Illumination: Photoluminescent fire signage absorbs light and glows in the dark, providing continued visibility in case of power failure. LED-lit signs are also common for continuous illumination in low-light environments.
5. Mounting and Installation
   • Wall Mounting: Fire signage is usually installed on walls or doors at eye level, making it easy to see during emergencies.
   • Ceiling Mounting: Some signs, such as fire exit and evacuation route signs, may be suspended from the ceiling or mounted overhead for easy viewing.
   • Adhesive Options: Self-adhesive fire signs are also available for easy application on smooth surfaces without the need for drilling.
   • Angle and Direction: Directional signs must be positioned to clearly show the intended path, with arrows that indicate the best route to safety.
6. Lighting Options
   • Battery-Operated Emergency Signs: Some fire signage features built-in battery-powered lighting to ensure continued visibility in case of power loss.
   • Self-Illuminating Signs: Photoluminescent signs absorb and store energy from surrounding light, glowing in the dark for up to 8 hours after the lights go out.
   • LED Lighted Signs: Battery or hard-wired LED fire exit signs provide clear illumination and are energy-efficient. These signs are typically low maintenance and have a long operational life.
7. Symbols and Text
   • Clear Symbols: Fire signs often use internationally recognized symbols, such as a fire extinguisher symbol or exit signs, to ensure instant recognition, even by non-verbal individuals.
   • Legible Text: Text should be clear, concise, and legible, with recommended fonts being Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman for ease of reading.
   • Multilingual Options: In areas with diverse populations, fire signage may include multilingual text to accommodate various languages for better accessibility.
8. Maintenance and Lifespan
   • Durability: Fire signage is designed to last for many years, with UV-resistant coatings preventing fading. High-quality signage can withstand extreme heat, moisture, and dust.
   • Periodic Inspection: Regular checks should be made to ensure that fire signs are visible, free from obstructions, and that photoluminescent signs retain their glow-in-the-dark properties.
   • Long Shelf Life: Photoluminescent and self-adhesive fire signs offer a long lifespan with minimal maintenance required.