Fire Action Notice Requirements

Fire action notices are an important part of workplace fire safety. They provide clear instructions on what people should do if they discover a fire or hear the fire alarm, helping staff, visitors and members of the public respond quickly and safely.

In the UK, fire action notices are commonly used in offices, warehouses, shops, schools, factories, healthcare premises, residential buildings and public spaces. They support fire evacuation procedures and help ensure important emergency information is easy to find.

What Is A Fire Action Notice?

A fire action notice is a safety sign that explains the steps to follow during a fire emergency. It usually tells people how to raise the alarm, when to leave the building, where to go and what not to do during an evacuation.

These notices are designed to be simple, direct and easy to understand, even in a stressful situation.

Are Fire Action Notices Required?

UK fire safety law requires the responsible person to provide suitable fire safety information, instruction and emergency arrangements for people on the premises. Fire action notices are one of the most practical ways to display this information clearly.

The exact number, wording and location of fire action notices should be based on the building layout, occupancy, fire risk assessment and evacuation strategy.

What Should A Fire Action Notice Include?

A fire action notice should provide clear instructions that match the fire procedures for the premises. Common information includes:

• What to do if you discover a fire
• How to raise the alarm
• Instructions to leave the building immediately
• Directions to the nearest safe exit route
• Advice not to use lifts during a fire
• Instructions not to stop to collect personal belongings
• Where the fire assembly point is located
• Whether staff should call the fire service
• Any site-specific emergency instructions

Where Should Fire Action Notices Be Displayed?

Fire action notices should be positioned where they can be easily seen and read. They are usually placed in areas where people are likely to need fire safety instructions quickly.

• Next to fire alarm call points
• Near final exits
• Along escape routes
• In reception areas
• By stairwells and lift areas
• In corridors and communal spaces
• Near staff entrances
• Inside shared accommodation or residential blocks

Notices should not be hidden behind doors, furniture, displays or other signage. They should be mounted at a suitable height and kept clean, visible and legible.

Fire Action Notice Wording

The wording on a fire action notice should be accurate for the premises. For example, some buildings may require staff to call the fire service, while others may have an automatic alarm system connected to a monitoring centre.

If the building has a named assembly point, this should be clearly shown on the notice. Where procedures differ between areas of a site, different fire action notices may be needed.

Do Fire Action Notices Need To Follow A Standard?

Fire safety signs should be clear, recognisable and suitable for their purpose. Fire action notices should use easy-to-read text, clear colours and a layout that helps people quickly understand the instructions.

Many fire action notices include red fire safety colouring, bold headings and simple step-by-step guidance. Photoluminescent options may also be used where visibility in poor light or smoke-filled conditions is an important consideration.

Who Is Responsible For Fire Action Notices?

The responsible person, such as an employer, building owner, landlord, facilities manager or managing agent, must ensure suitable fire safety arrangements are in place. This includes making sure people know what to do in the event of a fire.

Fire action notices should be reviewed as part of the fire risk assessment and updated whenever procedures, layouts, assembly points or fire alarm arrangements change.

Common Fire Action Notice Mistakes

To remain effective, fire action notices must be accurate and easy to see. Common mistakes include:

• Using generic instructions that do not match the building procedure
• Leaving assembly point details blank
• Displaying notices in poor locations
• Using damaged, faded or unreadable signs
• Not updating notices after changes to the site
• Placing notices where they are blocked from view

How Many Fire Action Notices Are Needed?

There is no single number that applies to every building. The amount required depends on the size, layout and use of the premises.

As a general rule, fire action notices should be installed anywhere people may need quick access to fire instructions, particularly near alarm points, exits, escape routes and common areas.

Conclusion

Fire action notice requirements depend on the fire risk assessment and emergency procedures for the premises. The key requirement is that people must be given clear, visible and accurate instructions on what to do during a fire emergency.

By displaying suitable fire action notices in the right locations, businesses and organisations can improve fire safety awareness, support evacuation procedures and help people respond correctly when every second matters.