What do different fire signs look like?

Fire safety signs use standardised colours, symbols and designs to communicate critical information during emergencies. These signs fall into four main categories: fire exit signs (green backgrounds with white symbols), fire equipment signs (red backgrounds with white symbols), fire action signs (red or blue backgrounds with specific instructions), and fire warning signs (yellow backgrounds with black symbols). International standards like ISO 7010 and IMO Resolution A.1116(30) ensure these signs are instantly recognisable across different countries and industries, creating universal visual communication that saves lives.

What are the main types of fire safety signs and how can you recognize them?

Fire safety signs are categorised into four primary types based on their purpose and appearance. Fire exit signs feature green backgrounds with white pictograms showing running figures and directional arrows, indicating escape routes and emergency exits. Fire equipment signs display red backgrounds with white symbols marking the locations of extinguishers, hoses, alarm call points and other firefighting equipment. Fire action signs provide specific instructions for emergency procedures, typically using red or blue backgrounds depending on whether they indicate prohibition or mandatory actions. Fire warning signs alert people to fire hazards using yellow backgrounds with black symbols and text.

The distinctive characteristics of each type make them immediately recognisable in emergency situations. Exit signs always incorporate the running person symbol, whilst equipment signs feature pictograms of the specific equipment they mark. The colour coding system follows international standards, ensuring consistency across different buildings and vessels. Fire signage design prioritises high contrast between background and symbol colours, making signs visible even in low-light conditions or smoke-filled environments.

International standards govern every aspect of fire sign design and appearance. ISO 7010 establishes the symbols and colours used in safety signage worldwide, whilst ISO 24409-2 specifically addresses maritime applications. For the marine industry, IMO Resolution A.1116(30) requires that all safety signs aboard ships and offshore platforms comply with these ISO standards. This harmonisation means the same identifiable safety signs are used both at sea and on land, significantly increasing recognisability and safety across different environments.

What colours are used on fire signs and what does each colour mean?

Red backgrounds are exclusively used for fire equipment signs, marking the locations of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, alarm call points and other firefighting apparatus. This colour choice is rooted in colour psychology, as red naturally signals danger, urgency and the need for immediate attention. The high visibility of red ensures people can quickly locate firefighting equipment when seconds matter most during an emergency.

Green backgrounds indicate safety and escape routes, appearing on all fire exit signs, emergency exit doors and evacuation route markers. Green psychologically represents safety, security and the way forward, making it the ideal choice for guiding people to safety. The green and white combination provides excellent visibility and creates a clear visual distinction from equipment signs.

Yellow or amber backgrounds appear on fire warning signs, alerting people to potential fire hazards such as flammable materials, hot surfaces or restricted areas. Yellow naturally attracts attention and signals caution without the immediate urgency of red. These warning signs typically feature black symbols and text for maximum contrast and readability.

Blue backgrounds indicate mandatory actions that must be taken for fire safety, such as “keep fire door closed” or “fire door keep shut” signs. Blue conveys obligation and instruction, distinguishing mandatory requirements from prohibitions or warnings. This colour standardisation creates a visual language that transcends linguistic barriers, enabling people from different countries to understand fire safety information instantly.

How do fire exit signs differ from fire equipment signs?

Fire exit signs and fire equipment signs serve fundamentally different purposes, reflected in their contrasting visual designs. Exit signs feature green backgrounds with white symbols, typically showing a running person figure moving towards a doorway, often accompanied by directional arrows. These signs guide people along escape routes and indicate final exit points. Fire equipment signs use red backgrounds with white symbols, displaying pictograms of fire extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets or alarm call points to mark where firefighting equipment is located.

The visual differentiation between these sign types is critical during emergency evacuations. When people encounter smoke, panic or darkness, they need to instantly distinguish between signs directing them to safety and signs showing equipment locations. The green colour of exit signs draws the eye and creates a visual pathway to follow, whilst red equipment signs stand out for those trained to fight small fires or activate alarms. This colour separation prevents confusion that could cost precious seconds during evacuation.

The symbols themselves reinforce the distinction. Exit signs always incorporate human figures in motion, creating an intuitive understanding that these signs indicate where people should go. Equipment signs feature static images of the specific apparatus they mark, making it immediately clear that these signs indicate resources rather than escape routes. Modern fire signage, including our New Generation IMO signs for maritime applications, uses photoluminescent or electrically powered materials to ensure both sign types remain visible even during power failures or in smoke-filled conditions.

What symbols and pictograms appear on different fire signs?

Fire safety signs use standardised symbols and pictograms designed for instant recognition across language barriers. The most recognisable is the running person symbol, which appears on all exit signs showing a figure moving towards a doorway. This pictogram is often accompanied by directional arrows that point towards the nearest exit or along escape routes. The running figure creates an immediate understanding of movement and escape, requiring no text or translation.

Fire equipment signs feature specific pictograms for each type of apparatus. The fire extinguisher icon shows a simplified side view of an extinguisher, whilst the fire hose reel symbol depicts a circular reel with hose. Fire alarm call points are marked with symbols showing a hand activating a break-glass unit. Fire blanket locations display a pictogram of folded fabric, and emergency fire telephone points show a telephone handset symbol combined with a flame.

Additional symbols include flame pictograms used on warning signs to indicate fire hazards or flammable materials. Assembly point markers feature groups of human figures gathered together, showing where people should congregate after evacuation. Prohibition symbols use a red circle with a diagonal line through actions like smoking or using naked flames. Directional arrows are crucial components, appearing in various orientations to guide people along complex escape routes or towards equipment locations.

These universally recognised pictograms transcend language barriers, ensuring immediate comprehension in high-stress emergency situations. Whether aboard international vessels where crew members speak different languages or in buildings serving diverse populations, the standardised symbols communicate critical safety information to everyone. International standards like ISO 7010 and maritime-specific standards ensure these pictograms remain consistent worldwide, creating a truly universal safety language that functions effectively across all industries and environments.