what-fire-safety-signs-are-required-by-law-in-the-workplace
--- title: What PAS 79:** These are similar in design but feature a slightly different pictogram and are increasingly common in modern buildings.
It is important not to mix different sign types within the same escape route, as this can cause confusion during an evacuation signs or dedicated emergency lighting.
Fire Equipment Identification Signs
The law requires that fire fighting equipment is easily accessible and identifiable. If a fire extinguisher, fire alarm call point, or hose reel is not in plain view or is located in a recess, it must be indicated by a fire equipment sign.
These signs are categorised by colour:
- Red signs with white text are used for fire fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers, hose reels, and fire blankets.
- Red and white signs indicate fire alarm call points.
Signs should be mounted at a sufficient height to be seen from a distance, and they must accurately describe the type of equipment present. For example, an extinguisher sign should indicate whether it contains water, CO2, or foam, helping users select the correct equipment for the specific fire hazard.
Supplementary and Prohibition Signs
Depending on the layout and risks within your premises, additional signage may be required to maintain fire risk Order 2005, HawkSwift Ltd can help. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide comprehensive fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT, with detailed reports delivered within 48 hours. To get a court-defensible, RRO 2005-aligned assessment, book a [fire risk assessment](/book) with our team today.
<script type="application/ld+json"> {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.hawkswift.co.uk"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"what-fire-safety-signs-are-required-by-law-in-the-workplace","item":"https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/what-fire-safety-signs-are-required-by-law-in-the-workplace"}]} </script>
<!-- expanded-by-hawkswift-bot -->
Your duties under the RRO 2005
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and keep it current (Art. 9, RRO 2005).
- Identify people at risk, including those who need assistance to evacuate.
- Put general fire precautions in place — detection, warning, escape routes, fighting equipment (Art. 11).
- Maintain those measures in efficient working order (Art. 17).
- Provide staff with fire-safety instruction and training (Art. 21).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.
*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*