The commercial sector is a wide domain that has expanded worldwide. And each country, even the state or city, might have their own laws regarding workplace safety. However, most can agree on the importance of fire safety signs and the roles they play in emergencies.
That being said, to promote workplace well-being, it is paramount to understand these fire safety signs. Indeed, there can be training programs and such, but it is still relevant to learn more about them. Let’s take a quick look at different types of fire signs you might come across and what they mean:
The Necessary Fire Signs
This is a list of the most necessary fire signs that are in use almost everywhere.
1. The Exit Signs
There are two types of exit signs, the normal ones and emergency exits:
- A normal exit sign will most likely have E X I T written on it with light.
- An emergency exit will have an icon of a person running towards an open door.
The emergency exit signs are used to indicate the nearest safe exit in case of fire or other hazard.
2. Fire Extinguisher Signs
These signs are located near the fire extinguishers so that the people who know how to use them can access them quickly. Fire extinguisher signs will have an icon of a fire extinguisher, which might look like a symbol.
3. Fire Alarm Call Points
If you see a sign with a symbol of a hand pushing on a button or lever, then it is this sign.
This sign is used to indicate that the manual fire alarm is in this location, and if there’s a fire, you can break the glass and push the button to sound the alarm.
4. The Fire Hose Reel Signs
You will see a symbol of a hose reel on these signs. These indicate the location of the fire hose reels. Hoses basically allow you to use them to extinguish fire. However, you need proper training to handle the hose in case of emergency.
5. Fire Blanket Signs
Fire blankets are essential for safe evacuation and often aid others in fighting fire to escape. These will have a symbol of the fire blanket on them.
Other Fire Safety Signs
Other than the fire signs mentioned above, there are additional signs often associated with the fire signs. These are:
- A sign with an icon of a group of people. It is known as an Assembly Point Sign for people to assemble in the area in case of an emergency.
- A sign with a cigarette crossed out or something similar. These are the no-smoking signs to prohibit smoking in the given area to prevent fire hazards.
- Electrical Hazard signs usually have a lightning bolt and an electrical outlet symbol. This helps you exercise caution and prevent electrical fires.
- A flammable material signs will usually have a flame symbol. It shows you that the things or the item is flammable and should be kept away from the fire.
- A caution sign will have an exclamation mark inside a trinable. This is an alert-type sign to warn you to practice caution in the area.
- There are also first aid signs, but they can vary greatly from one building to another.