When it comes to fire safety signage, most building managers know the basics: “Fire Exit,” directional arrows, “Fire Door Keep Shut,” and maybe a few extinguisher ID signs. But there’s one essential sign that often gets forgotten, despite being a legal requirement under UK fire safety regulations.
That sign?
The “Fire Action Notice.”
It’s the one that tells people exactly what to do if there’s a fire, and it’s legally required in almost every workplace, HMO, and public building.
In this blog, we explain what a fire action notice is, why it’s vital for safety and compliance, and how to make sure yours is correct and in the right place.
What Is a Fire Action Notice?
A Fire Action Notice is a sign that outlines the steps a person should take in the event of discovering a fire or hearing the fire alarm.
It typically includes:
-
The fire alarm call point location
-
Evacuation procedures
-
The location of the nearest assembly point
-
Any relevant instructions (e.g. “Do not use the lift”)
-
Emergency contact numbers (such as the fire marshal or 999)
It should be clear, easy to read, and tailored to the building’s evacuation plan.
What the Law Says
While the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 doesn’t explicitly list every required sign, it states that:
“The responsible person must ensure that routes to emergency exits… are indicated by signs where necessary.”
UK government guidance, including the HM Government fire safety risk assessment series (e.g. for offices, shops, sleeping accommodation), recommends that fire action notices be displayed prominently at fire alarm call points and in common areas.
In other words, if people need to take action during a fire, they need clear instructions, and you must provide them.
Why This Sign Often Gets Missed
Despite its importance, the fire action notice is often overlooked during:
-
Office refurbishments where signs are removed and not replaced
-
DIY fire safety upgrades focused only on exit signs and extinguishers
-
HMO conversions where landlords forget to add signs in communal areas
-
Small shops or workshops that rely on staff knowing what to do
-
Toilet refurbishments that remove key signage from behind doors
The problem? In a real fire, not everyone will remember their training, or even know what to do. Especially visitors, contractors, or new staff.
Where Should Fire Action Notices Be Placed?
To stay compliant and protect building users, you should place fire action notices:
-
Next to every fire alarm call point
-
Near final exit doors
-
In entrance lobbies and stairwells
-
In high-traffic areas like receptions or kitchens
-
In communal corridors in HMOs and flats
The key is visibility and relevance: signs must reflect the actual layout and procedures for that part of the building. A generic sign is better than nothing, but a site-specific one is best.
What Should a Good Fire Action Sign Include?
The best practice is to include:
-
The type of alarm (e.g. automatic, manual only)
-
Whether the building uses a stay-put or simultaneous evacuation policy
-
Whether lifts should be avoided
-
The location of the fire assembly point
-
Who to call once you’re safe
Signs should be made from durable, BS 5499-compliant materials, and include relevant pictograms for accessibility.
Fire Risk Assessments and Signage
If your fire risk assessment hasn’t been updated in a while, or you’ve changed the layout or procedures, your signage might now be outdated or insufficient.
Missing or incorrect fire action notices are one of the most common failings noted during fire risk assessments and enforcement visits.
A quick visual check is easy, but make sure someone competent audits every sign for accuracy, location, and clarity.
Final Thoughts
In a fire, even the clearest exit signs don’t tell people what to do next. That’s why fire action notices are a legal and practical necessity.
If your building doesn’t have them or has generic signs that no longer match your fire strategy, this is a quick and affordable fix that could save lives.
For expert advice on fire protection measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648