Refuge point signage is used to clearly identify designated areas where people who need assistance during an emergency evacuation can wait safely until help arrives. These signs are commonly found in workplaces, public buildings, schools, hospitals, care facilities, leisure centres and multi-storey premises.

Clear refuge point signs help support inclusive evacuation procedures by making it easier for disabled people, wheelchair users and anyone with reduced mobility to locate the correct waiting area during an emergency.

What Is A Refuge Point?

A refuge point is a designated place of relative safety, usually located within a protected stairwell, fire protected lobby or another suitable area within the building. It is intended for temporary use by people who may not be able to evacuate without assistance.

A refuge point should form part of a wider emergency evacuation plan and should not usually be treated as the final place of safety.

Are Refuge Point Signs Required?

Where a refuge point is provided, it should be clearly identified with appropriate signage. This helps building users recognise the area quickly and supports staff, visitors and emergency responders during an evacuation.

The need for refuge points and associated signage should be considered as part of the fire risk assessment, accessibility arrangements and emergency evacuation procedures for the premises.

Where Should Refuge Point Signs Be Positioned?

Refuge point signs should be placed in a clearly visible position at the designated refuge area. They should be easy to see from the approach route and should not be hidden by doors, furniture, equipment or other signs.

Directional refuge point signs may also be used where the refuge point is not immediately visible, helping people follow the correct route to the designated waiting area.

What Should Refuge Point Signs Include?

Refuge point signs should be clear, easy to understand and suitable for use during an emergency. Depending on the location and evacuation arrangements, a sign may include:

• The wording “Refuge Point” or “Disabled Refuge Point”
• A wheelchair symbol where appropriate
• Clear instructions such as “Wait here for assistance”
• Directional arrows where needed
• Information about an emergency communication point, if one is provided

Use Clear And Consistent Signage

Refuge point signage should be consistent with the rest of the building’s fire safety and evacuation signage. Using clear wording, recognised symbols and suitable colours helps reduce confusion during an emergency.

Signs should be large enough to read easily and positioned at a suitable height so that they can be seen by building users, including wheelchair users.

Refuge Point Signs And Assisted Evacuation

Refuge points are often used as part of an assisted evacuation procedure. Staff should understand where refuge points are located, who may need to use them and how assistance will be provided.

Signage alone is not enough. Refuge point signs should be supported by suitable staff training, evacuation procedures and, where required, personal emergency evacuation plans.

Do Refuge Points Need Communication Systems?

Many refuge points include an emergency voice communication system, intercom or call point so that a person waiting there can contact staff or building management. Where this is provided, signage should make the communication point easy to identify and understand.

Instructions should be simple and clear so that users know what to do once they reach the refuge point.

Maintaining Refuge Point Signs

Refuge point signs should be checked regularly to ensure they remain clean, visible and in good condition. Damaged, faded or missing signs should be replaced as soon as possible.

It is also important to review signage whenever building layouts, escape routes or evacuation procedures change.

Why Refuge Point Signage Matters

Refuge point signage plays an important role in making emergency evacuation arrangements clear and accessible. It helps people who need assistance find a designated safe waiting area and supports staff responsible for managing evacuations.

By using clear, well-positioned refuge point signs, businesses and building managers can improve safety, accessibility and confidence for everyone using the premises.

Refuge Point Signs For Your Building

Refuge point signs are suitable for offices, schools, hospitals, care homes, public buildings, shopping centres, leisure facilities and other premises where assisted evacuation arrangements are in place.

Choosing the right refuge point signage helps ensure emergency procedures are easier to follow and that designated refuge areas are clearly marked when they are needed most.

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.