Push or pull fire exit door signs tell people how to operate a fire exit door during an emergency. They provide clear instructions so occupants can open the correct door quickly and continue along the escape route without confusion or delay.

These signs are commonly used in workplaces, schools, warehouses, shops, offices, healthcare buildings, public premises and shared residential areas where doors form part of a fire escape route.

What Are Push Or Pull Fire Exit Door Signs?

Push or pull fire exit door signs are safety signs fitted to doors to show whether the door should be pushed or pulled to open. They are normally placed directly on or next to the door handle, push pad, push bar or opening side of the door.

The instruction should match the actual operation of the door so people can react quickly in an emergency.

Why Are Push And Pull Signs Important?

During an evacuation, people need to move through escape routes quickly and safely. If a door is not clearly marked, occupants may waste time trying to open it the wrong way.

Clear push or pull signs help to:

• Reduce confusion during an evacuation
• Improve movement through escape routes
• Support fire exit door operation
• Assist visitors unfamiliar with the building
• Help maintain a clear and organised fire safety system

Where Should Push Or Pull Signs Be Positioned?

Push and pull signs should be positioned where they can be seen before someone tries to open the door. They are usually fitted at a practical height near the handle, push plate or opening mechanism.

Common positions include:

• On the face of the fire exit door
• Next to the door handle
• Above or beside a push pad
• Near a push bar or panic bar
• On both sides of the door where different instructions apply

Push Signs

Push signs are used where the door opens away from the person approaching it. They tell users to push the door to open it and are often found on final exit doors, corridor doors and doors with push pads or panic bars.

Where a push bar is fitted, signs may include wording such as “Push Bar To Open” or “Push Pad To Open”.

Pull Signs

Pull signs are used where the door opens towards the person approaching it. They are normally fitted close to the handle or pull plate so the instruction is clear before the user reaches the door.

These signs help avoid delay, particularly where a door forms part of a busy escape route or is used by visitors.

Push Bar And Push Pad Signs

Some fire exit doors are fitted with emergency escape hardware such as push bars or push pads. These doors should be clearly marked so people know exactly how to open them.

Common signs include:

• Push Bar To Open
• Push Pad To Open
• Push To Open
• Pull To Open

Do Push Or Pull Signs Replace Fire Exit Signs?

No. Push and pull signs explain how to operate the door, but they do not replace fire exit signs. Fire exit signs guide people along the escape route, while push or pull signs help them open the door correctly.

Both types of signage may be needed on the same route to support safe evacuation.

Choosing The Correct Sign

The correct sign depends on how the door opens and what hardware is fitted. Before choosing a sign, check whether the door needs to be pushed, pulled, operated by a push pad or opened using a panic bar.

The wording should be simple, accurate and easy to understand at a glance.

Maintaining Fire Exit Door Signs

Push or pull signs should be checked regularly to ensure they remain clean, readable and securely fixed. If a door is replaced, rehung or fitted with new hardware, the signage should also be reviewed.

Damaged, faded or missing signs should be replaced promptly.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Using a push sign on a pull door
• Using a pull sign on a push door
• Positioning the sign too far from the handle or opening mechanism
• Failing to fit signs on both sides where needed
• Allowing signs to become damaged or unreadable
• Relying on push or pull signs instead of proper fire exit signage

Conclusion

Push or pull fire exit door signs provide simple but important instructions that help people open fire exit doors quickly during an emergency. They should match the operation of the door, be positioned clearly and remain easy to read at all times.

By using the correct push, pull, push bar or push pad signs, businesses can support safer evacuation routes and help occupants move through fire exits with confidence.

Important Information

This guide is provided for general information only. Rainbow Safety supplies safety signage but does not provide safety, fire safety, fire risk assessment, legal or compliance advice. Nothing in this guide should be relied upon as professional advice or as confirmation that particular signage is suitable or sufficient for a specific workplace, premises or situation.

Safety signage requirements will vary depending on the workplace, premises, activities, hazards and the findings of any relevant risk assessment. The responsible person, employer or dutyholder should ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out and should seek advice from a competent safety professional where necessary.

Applicable legislation, standards and official guidance should always be checked when determining the safety measures and signage required for a particular workplace or premises.