Fire Safety Signs Meanings: Colours, Symbols & Regs

If you're a UK business owner, landlord or property manager, understanding fire safety signs’ meanings isn't optional - it's a legal requirement. In this guide, we'll explain what each colour and symbol means, which regulations apply, and how to ensure your property is compliant and safe.

Table of Contents

• What Are Fire Safety Signs?

• Why Fire Safety Sign Meanings Matter

• Colour Codes and Their Meanings

  • Red Signs

  • Blue Signs

  • Yellow Signs

  • Green Signs

• Fire Safety Symbols Explained

• Fire Safety Sign Regulations in the UK

• Summary Table: Fire Sign Colours and Uses

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Conclusion

• FAQs

What Are Fire Safety Signs?

Fire safety signs are visual indicators used to warn, instruct, or guide building occupants in the event of a fire or emergency. They are designed to be easily understood and instantly recognisable.

There are four main types of signs:

• Prohibition signs

• Mandatory signs

• Warning signs

• Safe condition signs

Each uses a different colour and symbol to communicate a specific meaning. We'll explore these in detail below.

Why Fire Safety Signs’ Meanings Matter

Getting fire safety signage wrong can cost lives. Clear, correct signs ensure staff and visitors know where to go and what to do in an emergency. They also help meet your legal duties under UK law.

According to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must ensure that safety signs are used where there is a significant risk that cannot be avoided or controlled by other means.

Find out how we can help with fire safety signage.

Colour Codes and Their Meanings

Each sign colour has a specific meaning and use. Here's what each one means:

🔴 Red Signs: Prohibition & Fire Equipment

• Meaning: Danger or prohibition

• Use: Identifies fire-fighting equipment or indicates actions that are prohibited

• Examples: "No Smoking" signs, fire extinguishers, fire alarm call points

🔵 Blue Signs: Mandatory Instructions

• Meaning: Specific action must be taken

• Use: Indicates mandatory safety procedures

• Examples: "Fire door keep shut", "Wear protective equipment"

🟡 Yellow Signs: Warnings

• Meaning: Caution or warning

• Use: Alerts to a potential hazard

• Examples: "Flammable materials", "Risk of fire"

🟢 Green Signs: Safe Conditions

• Meaning: Safety information or directions

• Use: Indicates emergency exits, first aid, or safe areas

• Examples: "Fire exit", "Assembly point", "First aid station"

Fire Safety Symbols Explained

In addition to colour, most signs include a symbol that helps communicate the message quickly, even to non-English speakers. These are usually standardised under ISO 7010, ensuring universal recognition.

Common symbols include:

• Flame: Fire hazard

• Running man/arrow: Fire escape route

• Fire extinguisher: Equipment location

• Prohibited circle with a slash: Forbidden action (e.g., no naked flames)

Fire Safety Sign Regulations in the UK

Several regulations govern fire safety signage in the UK. These include:

• Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

• BS 5499 and ISO 7010 (standards for sign design)

These require that signs:

• Are the correct size and placed appropriately

• Use correct colours and symbols

• Are maintained in good condition and clearly visible

You should also conduct regular risk assessments to ensure your signage is still suitable.

Summary Table: Fire Sign Colours and Uses

Colour	Type of Sign	Meaning	Example
Red	Prohibition / Fire	Danger / Fire equipment	Fire extinguisher
Blue	Mandatory	Must do	Keep fire door shut
Yellow	Warning	Risk or hazard	Flammable material
Green	Safe Condition	Safety guidance / Escape route	Fire exit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Placing signs too high or out of view

• Using outdated or damaged signs

• Failing to include directional arrows where needed

• Not including photoluminescent signs for low-light conditions

These mistakes can lead to fines or worse, put lives at risk. If you're unsure whether your signage is compliant, consider a professional assessment.

Conclusion

Fire safety sign meanings aren’t just a tick-box exercise; they’re a legal and moral responsibility. Understanding the different colours, symbols, and placement rules can make a life-saving difference.

Want expert help assessing or upgrading your fire signage?

Book a call with GMSE Fire & Security today.

FAQs

• What colours are fire safety signs?

  Fire safety signs use red, blue, yellow, and green. Each colour represents a different type of message: prohibition/fire equipment (red), mandatory action (blue), warnings (yellow), and safe conditions (green).

• What do blue signs mean in fire safety?

  Blue fire safety signs indicate a mandatory action that must be followed for safety. For example, a blue sign on a fire door may say “Keep shut”.

• What do yellow signs mean in fire safety?

  Yellow signs are warning signs. They indicate a risk or hazard, such as flammable materials or high temperatures.

• What do red signs mean in fire safety?

  Red signs are used for fire equipment locations (like extinguishers and alarm points) and prohibitions (e.g. “No smoking”).

• Which British standard deals with fire safety signs?

  BS 5499 and ISO 7010 are the main standards. They ensure symbols and designs are consistent and easy to recognise.

• What do fire symbols mean?

  Fire symbols help you quickly identify fire-relayed hazards or equipment. A flame usually indicates a fire risk. A running figure and arrow show escape routes.

  Need help ensuring your signage complies with UK law? See more information on this page.