Fire safety in high-rise buildings is under greater scrutiny than ever in the UK. With updated regulations from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), property owners and managers must adapt quickly. From risk assessments to fire safety signs, these changes are not just legal requirements but vital steps in protecting lives.
So, how can landlords, facilities managers, and tenants meet these new rules effectively?
Common Questions Customers Ask About Fire Safety Signs
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What fire safety signs are required in high-rise buildings?
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Where should fire exit signs be placed?
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Do fire safety signs need to be photoluminescent (glow in the dark)?
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What does BS EN ISO 7010 mean for safety signage?
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How often should fire safety signs be checked or replaced?
By answering these questions, you can make sure your building is compliant and safe.
Understanding the New Fire Safety Regulations
The new HSE guidance introduces stricter requirements for fire safety in high-rise properties. The focus is on:
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Securing escape routes.
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Ensuring firefighting equipment is accessible.
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Displaying clear, compliant fire safety signs.
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Carrying out regular inspections to keep signage visible and equipment functional.
The aim is simple: in the event of a fire, occupants must be able to evacuate quickly and calmly. Signs must remain clear, legible, and visible in all lighting conditions – which is why many property managers now opt for photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs.
Why Fire Safety Signs Matter
Fire safety signs are not decorative – they are lifesaving tools. Their role is to:
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Highlight escape routes.
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Identify firefighting equipment.
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Provide instructions in a universal, symbol-based language.
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Stay visible even in low-light or smoke-filled conditions.
The difference between an orderly evacuation and chaos often comes down to clear, well-maintained signage.
Meeting Signage Standards (BS EN ISO 7010)
To comply with UK law, all fire safety signs in high-rise buildings must meet the BS EN ISO 7010 standard. This ensures symbols are consistent and instantly recognisable.
Building owners and managers should:
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Position signs at exits, along escape routes, and near fire equipment.
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Use universally recognised symbols.
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Carry out regular checks to ensure clarity and visibility.
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Replace damaged or faded signage immediately.
Building a Complete Fire Safety Strategy
Fire safety is more than just signs. A strong strategy should include:
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Regular fire risk assessments to identify hazards.
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Frequent fire drills so occupants know evacuation routes.
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Routine servicing of firefighting equipment.
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Clear communication of fire safety procedures to all residents and staff.
Together with compliant signage, these measures create a safer environment for everyone.
When to Seek Professional Advice
Managing fire safety can be complex. Fire safety experts can:
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Audit your building for compliance.
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Recommend the right safety signage.
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Provide staff and occupant training.
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Create a tailored fire safety plan.
Professional guidance ensures you are not only compliant with HSE rules but also well-prepared for emergencies.
Staying Ahead of Future Regulations
Fire safety standards evolve regularly. To stay compliant:
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Subscribe to HSE updates.
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Attend fire safety training programmes.
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Review signage and procedures annually.
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Upgrade to new technologies (e.g., photoluminescent signage, digital fire alerts).
Fire safety isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about creating a culture of safety and preparedness in your building.
✅ Key takeaway: Clear, compliant fire safety signs are a legal requirement and a vital part of your fire safety plan. Regular checks, correct placement, and adherence to BS EN ISO 7010 are essential for high-rise building safety.
✅ FAQ: Fire Safety Signs in High-Rise Buildings
Q1. What fire safety signs are required in high-rise buildings?
High-rise buildings must display clear fire exit signs, firefighting equipment signs (such as fire extinguisher and fire hose symbols), and emergency instruction signs that meet the BS EN ISO 7010 standard.
Q2. Where should fire exit signs be placed?
Fire exit signs should be positioned above every exit door, along escape routes, and at key decision points (such as stairwells or corridor junctions) so occupants can clearly follow evacuation routes.
Q3. Do fire safety signs need to glow in the dark?
Photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) fire safety signs are strongly recommended, especially in high-rise buildings, because they remain visible in low-light or smoke-filled conditions.
Q4. How often should fire safety signs be checked?
Fire safety signs should be inspected regularly as part of scheduled fire risk assessments. Checks should confirm that signs are clean, undamaged, and still highly visible.
Q5. What does BS EN ISO 7010 mean?
BS EN ISO 7010 is the international standard for safety signage. It ensures that fire safety signs use universally recognised symbols so they are easily understood by all building occupants, regardless of language.
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