Fire safety signage plays an important role in workplace fire preparedness programmes and fire safety compliance. Fire safety signs are regulated in South Africa, and employers need to be aware of the rules and guidelines governing the placement, design, and use of fire equipment signage.
Are fire safety signs a legal requirement in South Africa?
Yes, according to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 and South African National Standard (SANS) 1186, all employers in South Africa are legally required to clearly display appropriate fire and safety signage to mitigate workplace hazards and risks. In particular, SANS 1186 provides guidance on the design, placement, construction material, and maintenance of fire safety signage.
What does SANS 1186 say about fire safety signage?
SANS 1186 stipulates the following requirements for fire safety signage:
- Shape: Fire safety signs must be square or rectangular.
- Colour: Fire safety signs must have a white background, red border, and display a red icon or pictogram.
- Size: Fire safety signs should measure 190mm x 190mm. In smaller offices, 150mm x 150mm may be acceptable, while larger warehouses should use signs measuring 290mm x 290mm.
- SABS-approved: Fire safety signs must be SABS-approved and carry the SABS logo.
- Illumination: Fire safety signs must be constructed of photoluminescent material, and any signs used in dark areas or periods of darkness must be illuminated.
- Visibility: Fire safety signs must be clearly visible and prominently placed, with the bottom of the sign measuring 2-2.5m from the ground.
- Securely fixed: Fire safety signs must be securely fixed to the wall (not dangling loosely).
- Maintenance: Fire safety signs must be regularly inspected for signs of damage and remain visible and legible.
What kind of maintenance do fire safety signs need?
Regular inspection and maintenance of all fire and safety signage in the workplace is an important aspect of routine health and safety checks and inspections. The Health and Safety Representative or Fire Warden’s monthly or quarterly inspection checklist should include an inspection of all fire, evacuation, and emergency signage. Ensure that all signage is clearly visible and unobstructed, securely fixed to the wall, legible, and properly illuminated.
What are the different types of fire safety signs?
The function of informative firefighting signs is to help people locate firefighting equipment quickly in an emergency. These signs include the following:
- Fire extinguisher safety sign
- Fire hydrant safety sign
- Fire alarm safety sign
- Fire hose safety sign
These firefighting signs are sometimes accompanied by firefighting directional signs, which feature a red arrow on a white background, indicating the direction or location of the firefighting equipment.
OHS firefighting training is an essential aspect of workplace fire safety compliance.
Section 8 of the OHS Act states that all South African employers have a duty to provide a workplace that is safe and without risk to its employees and workers. This includes identifying fire risks and taking the necessary steps to mitigate them, like providing adequate firefighting equipment and fire safety signage.
Another vital aspect of fire safety compliance is ensuring that you have trained Fire Wardens on site. OHS firefighting training gives your designated Fire Wardens the following skills:
- Conduct basic fire risk assessments
- Identify classes of fires
- Assist in the implementation of fire prevention programmes
- Operate fire extinguishers and fire hose reels
- Sound the alarm and assist in evacuating personnel
- Know which fires are too dangerous to tackle
- Liaise with the Fire Department and emergency services if necessary
Find out more about our accredited one-day Firefighting course.
