Do I Need Photoluminescent (Glow-in-the-Dark) Fire Exit Signs

What Are Photoluminescent Fire Exit Signs?

Photoluminescent fire exit signs are made from a special material that absorbs light from normal room lighting and then emits a visible glow when the lights go out or the environment becomes dark.

They are commonly used to mark:

• Fire exits and final exit doors.
• Escape routes, corridors and stairwells.
• Fire-fighting equipment such as extinguishers and hose reels.

These signs are usually designed to comply with BS 5499 and ISO 7010, using the familiar running man symbol and directional arrows.

What Does UK Law Say?

In the UK, the key legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (or equivalent regulations in Scotland and Northern Ireland). This requires the “responsible person” to ensure that:

• Escape routes and exits are indicated by appropriate signs.
• People can safely find their way out of the building in the event of a fire.
• Emergency routes and exits are adequately illuminated.

The law does not specifically state that fire exit signs must be photoluminescent. However, it does require that escape routes remain visible even if normal lighting fails. Photoluminescent signs are one recognised way of helping to achieve this.

When Are Photoluminescent Fire Exit Signs Recommended?

Whether you need photoluminescent signs depends on the findings of your fire risk assessment. They are strongly recommended where:

• There is a risk of power failure during an emergency.
• Escape routes may become dark or smoky.
• Emergency lighting is limited, older or not continuous along the route.
• The building has complex layouts, long corridors or multiple changes of direction.
• People are unfamiliar with the premises (for example, hotels, public venues, visitor attractions).

In these situations, photoluminescent fire exit signs provide an additional layer of safety by remaining visible when normal lighting is lost.

Do I Need Them If I Have Emergency Lighting?

Many buildings already have emergency lighting installed to illuminate escape routes. In theory, if your emergency lighting is correctly designed, installed, tested and maintained, standard (non-photoluminescent) fire exit signs may be sufficient.

However, in practice, photoluminescent signs still offer clear advantages:

• They remain visible even if an emergency light fails or is obscured.
• They provide a clear visual cue at low level if smoke gathers near the ceiling.
• They do not rely on batteries, wiring or electrical components.

For these reasons, many organisations choose to use photoluminescent fire exit signs alongside emergency lighting as a belt-and-braces approach.

Benefits of Photoluminescent Fire Exit Signs

Using photoluminescent signs brings several practical and safety benefits:

• Improved visibility in low light – Signs remain readable during power cuts or lighting failures.
• No power supply required – They charge from existing ambient light and do not need wiring.
• Low maintenance – No bulbs or batteries to replace; only routine checks to ensure they are clean and unobstructed.
• Supports compliance – Helps demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to keep escape routes visible.
• Reassurance for occupants – Clear, glowing escape route signage can reduce panic in an emergency.

Where Photoluminescent Signs Are Especially Useful

While they can be used almost anywhere, photoluminescent fire exit signs are particularly valuable in:

• Basements and windowless areas where natural light is limited.
• Hotels, hostels and student accommodation with sleeping occupants.
• Theatres, cinemas, clubs and entertainment venues that are often dark during normal use.
• Factories and warehouses with high racking or complex layouts.
• Stairwells and internal escape routes that may quickly become dark or smoky.

In these environments, the ability of signs to glow without power can make a significant difference to how easily people find the nearest exit.

Standards and Compliance

To ensure consistency and recognition, photoluminescent fire exit signs should still comply with recognised standards such as:

• BS 5499 – British Standard for safety sign design, including layout, colours and symbols.
• ISO 7010 – International standard for safety sign pictograms.

Look for signs that clearly state compliance with these standards. This helps ensure that the running man symbol, directional arrows and colours are familiar and easily understood by anyone using the building.

Do All Fire Exit Signs Have to Be Photoluminescent?

No – the law does not insist that every fire exit sign is photoluminescent. What it does require is that:

• Escape routes and exits are clearly indicated.
• They remain visible in an emergency, including when normal lighting fails.

In a small, well-lit building with reliable emergency lighting, standard fire exit signs may be acceptable. In larger, more complex or higher-risk premises, photoluminescent signs are often the more sensible and robust choice.

Choosing the Right Photoluminescent Signs

If your fire risk assessment indicates that photoluminescent signs are appropriate, consider the following when selecting them:

• Material – Common options include photoluminescent rigid plastic and self-adhesive vinyl.
• Location – Ensure signs are positioned along the entire escape route, not just at final exits.
• Size – Choose sizes suitable for the viewing distance (for example, larger signs for long corridors and warehouses).
• Direction – Use the correct arrow directions to guide people clearly towards the nearest exit.
• Maintenance – Keep signs clean and free from obstructions so they can charge effectively and remain visible.

Summary

You are not automatically required by law to use photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) fire exit signs everywhere, but you are required to ensure that escape routes and exits remain clearly visible in an emergency, even if normal lighting fails.

In many buildings – particularly those with complex layouts, limited natural light or higher fire risks – photoluminescent fire exit signs are a practical and cost-effective way to meet this requirement and improve safety.

If you are unsure, review your fire risk assessment or seek advice from a competent fire safety professional. In borderline cases, choosing photoluminescent signs is often a simple way to add an extra margin of safety and demonstrate that you have taken your responsibilities seriously.