The main purpose of any fire extinguisher sign is to be seen, which is why we do not recommend that you get your fire extinguisher signs free through download. Safety signs are required by The British Standard Code of Practice (BS 5499-10:2006) to ensure all employees, visitors in a building and owners can find an extinguisher in an emergency.
The sign needs to explain proper procedure for fire extinguisher use and should indicate what type of extinguisher you have. There are powder, foam, and other materials in fire extinguishers. In some buildings, you may have a hose that can be used, which also needs a sign.
Other safety signs are provided to help a person exit the building and get to safety if a fire is already blazing. To ensure effective fire safety signage we advise that you do not download fire extinguisher signs for free.
Fire extinguisher sign downloads found online may not be produced to proper health and safety standards. The Health and Safety Regulations require safety signs to glow in the dark. This is an example of why downloading is not the best idea.
Photoluminescent Signs And How They Work
It is important to use glow in the dark or photoluminescent fire extinguisher safety signs. These meet the British Standards. Printing off a sign will not keep the glow in the dark aspects.
The signs work by using an inorganic component called phosphor. It energizes or glows very quickly when under blue lights and ultraviolet lights. This makes the sign apparent in all light sources, including a building with cut power due to a fire.
The compound used is not radioactive or toxic, but provides an additional light source in a hall, next to a door, or in any area of a building ensuring your employees, visitors, and other people can see the extinguisher.
Signs for emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment, and hazards are also available to help guide you and others to safety.
Pictograms On Signs
Another area of concern when downloading is errors on the signs, such as the use of words only. Pictograms are used on health and safety signs as per regulations set in 1996. Pictures are used to help people recognise safety equipment and exits.
They also help children who may not be able to read yet. Also, pictograms help you recognise the sign when in a panic, as your mind can see the image versus interpreting the words.
A Building Owner’s Liability
As a building, property, or business owner it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of those in or on your property or place of business.
Liability insurance covers accidental incidents; however, negligence can open you up to lawsuits such as tort suits. Improper fire extinguisher signs downloaded from the Internet may be seen as negligence and this means you are breaking the law and putting your staff at risk.
Besides, the glow in the dark aspect, a sign you print on your computer can burn in a fire, which would also be inappropriate. Fire safety signs are designed to withstand high heat and most common fires.
Purchasing Fire Safety Signs
Many fire safety signs, including those for fire extinguishers, are available online. It is possible to order all the signs you require and have them shipped to you. You can compare prices for the best deal, while fully maintaining British safety regulations.
Free fire extinguisher signs cannot provide you with the proper safety standards and more importantly, the potential lawsuits are far more costly than purchasing the proper signage in the first place.