Sometimes the greatest safety assets are found in surprising places. The fire extinguisher ID sign is one such asset. Far more than a simple piece of plastic, the presence of fire extinguisher ID signs in your premises has multiple advantages for you if you are a business owner. This article sets out to describe these advantages, along with the function and description of the fire extinguisher ID sign.

Safety signs are also available for fire blankets and for fire hose reels. At the Fire Protection Shop we supply fire extinguisher ID signs in a variety of ranges to suit all needs. We have self-adhesive vinyl signs, rigid plastic signs, photo-luminescent (glow in the dark) signs and prestige signs in gold, silver and burnished copper. All our signs are available in both portrait and landscape orientation to suit any layout.

The Function and Advantages of a Fire Extinguisher ID Sign:

Fire Extinguisher ID Signs function on multiple levels. On a surface level, they provide immediate identification of the function of the fire extinguisher and a limited amount of instruction as to the purpose of the extinguisher along with any safety information. This reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents and maximises the likelihood of fires being put out with minimal property damage. Particularly useful are the photo-luminescent fire extinguisher ID signs, as this allows for easy identification in adverse circumstances such as at night or during a power outage.

On a secondary level, having a fire extinguisher ID sign installed next to each of your fire extinguishers helps to fill some legal requirements, as well as satisfying insurance companies in the case of a claim. The sign as a whole is not legally mandated but certain parts are- the fire extinguisher symbol is required to be displayed at all fire points, and appropriate training should be given for all fire safety equipment. These are both included in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005. A fire extinguisher ID sign fulfils these requirements by providing both the symbol and clear written instructions. Particularly important to note is that under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 the provision of instruction applies to any tool made available for use by either staff or the general public and failure to comply can potentially leave businesses vulnerable to lawsuits should anyone suffer injury or property damage as a result of improper use. This also applies to fire hose reels and fire blankets.

Finally, British Standards BS BS5306-8:2012 suggests that the signage has further safety importance, as in the event of an extinguisher going missing this can be identified during a safety inspection by the presence of the unaccompanied sign, allowing for a replacement to be issued. For these reasons a fire extinguisher ID sign is recommended to be installed near each and every fire extinguisher.

To be of maximum effect, it is recommended that fire extinguisher ID signage be placed between 1.7-2.0m in height on the wall or stand for your fire extinguisher, in accordance with British Standards BS5499.

A Summary:

• Provides instant safety and usage information for fire extinguishers in the event of an emergency

• Allows members of the public as well as staff to tackle fires safely

• Satisfies health and safety legislation

• Should ideally be installed alongside each individual fire extinguisher