Safety Signs – Acts of Protection

Safety Signs – Acts of Protection
by: Brian Ayling
Safety signs are like arrows, leading people towards their designated paths. Fire-related situations require so much urgency that people need to be reminded of specific signs. In fact, UK standards require these reminders to be posted in specific locations. If you happen to own a business or manages your own building, the allocation for these reminders should form part of your fire safety practices.

Primarily, signs are used to help people find their way during times of fires and emergencies. It also helps in finding emergency equipment and emergency fire phones easily. The use and provision for said signs were brought by a regulation, also known as The Health and Safety Regulations, which was passed in 1996.

These signs are usually made of photo luminescent material, as people need to properly identify reminders in a more comprehensive manner. Compliance with safety regulations also determines the kind of material, specific size as well as areas where each sign must be displayed. Even the directions used in identifying possible locations of fire exits, equipment and emergency phones should be determined.

Fire safety standards also come with various regulations and procedures. There are also a number of rules that owners and managers need to follow. Safety signs, for one, should be readable. It is also best to come up with pictogram based choices, as this feature facilitates easy identification of equipment and escape routes. Each reminder should contain the proper text and should feature correct information. The British Standard is said to be the most comprehensible system that businesses can readily adopt and follow.

Escape route signs should feature clear, readable text to ensure comprehension. The path towards fire exits must also be indicated using clear and visible arrows. An exit meant for emergencies should be allocated separately along with special exit signs. In this case, people would not be confused or distracted in times of fires. One should also remember that readable signs often feature large text and symbols. In addition, luminescent signs are relatively easier to see as compared to non-luminescent ones.

Other helpful reminders also include provision for specific and ideal sign locations. Be reminded that an ideal or perfect place for said text and symbols would be well-lit rooms and corridors. It is also recommended to put these signs along with corresponding guidelines for additional safety information. Building owners, in turn, seem to find useful sign spaces in doors, open areas and halls; places where people can readily take notice of said guidelines and highlighted symbols.

For those who have been having a difficult time managing signs and information, you can always seek the advice and help of local fire authorities. You may also want to notify them of existing signs and ask for advice regarding compliance and requirements. The process likely helps owners and managers in obtaining their fire certificates. Local fire authorities can also give you relative advice regarding changes and adjustments of safety equipment.

To save lives is truly daunting, but with the right attitude towards fire emergencies, you can always be assured of safety. Posting necessary signs is an initiative required by law and an imposition made to ensure safety at all costs. Do not take any chances or settle for anything inferior. Remember, compliance with law does not only mean obligations. Think of regulations as precautionary measures and treat safety reminders not as rules.