When Did You Last Check Your Emergency Signage?
When was the last time you really looked at the emergency signage around your building?
We’re all familiar with the green and white signs directing us towards fire exits, emergency escape routes and fire fighting equipment. Because they’re such a familiar part of our surroundings, it can be easy to overlook them, but emergency signage plays an important role in helping people navigate a building safely, particularly during an emergency.
And if your building, layout or use has changed, there’s a good chance your signage may need reviewing too.
Has Your Building Changed?
Businesses rarely stay exactly the same. Offices are rearranged, walls are moved, new rooms are created, entrances are altered and buildings may be extended or repurposed.
But when changes are made, emergency signage can sometimes be forgotten.
For example, have you:
Changed the layout of your office or premises?
Added or removed internal walls?
Created new rooms or work areas?
Changed the location of furniture, equipment or storage?
Added a new entrance or exit?
Changed the use of a particular area?
Installed new fire doors or emergency exits?
Altered your escape routes?
Carried out refurbishment or building works?
If the answer is yes, it’s worth asking yourself:
Does the emergency signage still accurately reflect the building today?
Can Someone Find Their Way Out?
In an emergency, people need to be able to identify escape routes quickly and confidently.
A sign that points towards an exit that has moved, an escape route that has changed or an area that is no longer accessible could cause confusion when people need clear instructions most.
Emergency escape signage should therefore be considered as part of the wider fire safety arrangements within your premises, not simply something that is installed and forgotten about.
It’s also important to consider people who may be unfamiliar with your building, including visitors, contractors, customers and new employees.
Photoluminescent Signage – Helping Emergency Routes Stay Visible
As part of our fire and life safety solutions, Capital Response has used Everlux emergency signage, which incorporates photoluminescent technology.
Photoluminescent signage is designed to absorb and store energy from surrounding light sources and then emit that stored light when the surrounding area becomes dark. This can help emergency signs remain visible during a loss of normal lighting and assist people in identifying escape routes and emergency exits.
This is particularly useful when combined with an appropriate emergency lighting strategy, helping to provide clear visual guidance around a building when it is needed most.
When reviewing emergency signage, it is therefore important to consider not only where signs are positioned, but also whether they remain visible, suitable and appropriate for the current layout and use of the premises.
Don't Forget Emergency Lighting
Emergency signage and emergency lighting also work hand in hand.
If normal lighting fails during an emergency, emergency lighting helps illuminate escape routes, while appropriate signage helps people understand where they need to go.
This is particularly important in larger or more complex premises where there may be multiple escape routes, stairways, corridors or changes in direction.
A review of your emergency signage is therefore a good opportunity to consider whether your emergency lighting system is also suitable, operational and correctly positioned.
When Did You Last Review Your Signage?
It’s easy to assume that because your fire safety signage has always been there, it must still be correct.
But your building today might look very different from when those signs were originally installed.
Take a walk around your premises and look at it from the perspective of someone who has never been there before.
Can you clearly identify:
✓ Your emergency escape routes?
✓ Fire exits?
✓ Changes in direction?
✓ Stairways and corridors?
✓ Fire-fighting equipment?
✓ Other important emergency information?
And importantly, do the signs still point people in the right direction?
Don't Wait Until There's an Emergency
Emergency signage is only useful if it is visible, accurate and appropriate for the building and its current layout.
If you've recently carried out refurbishment, changed your internal layout, extended your premises or altered the way your building is used, it's worth reviewing your existing fire safety arrangements – including your emergency signage.
At Capital Response, we can help businesses review their fire and life safety systems and identify where improvements or updates may be required.
From fire alarm systems and emergency lighting to fire extinguishers and emergency signage, we can provide advice and solutions designed around your commercial premises.
Has your building changed? Maybe your signage needs to change too.
Get in touch with Capital Response to discuss your fire and life safety requirements.