If you discover a fire, it is important to act quickly, stay calm and follow the fire evacuation procedure for the premises. Your first priority should always be the safety of yourself and others, not trying to save property or investigate the cause of the fire.

Clear fire procedures, fire action notices and well-positioned fire safety signs can help people understand what to do when every second matters.

Raise The Alarm Immediately

If you see fire, smoke or signs of a fire, raise the alarm straight away. Use the nearest fire alarm call point or follow the agreed alarm procedure for the building.

Raising the alarm quickly helps warn everyone in the premises and starts the evacuation process.

Call The Fire Service

Follow the site’s fire action notice to check who is responsible for calling the fire service. In many workplaces, a designated person will make the call, while in other buildings the person discovering the fire may need to dial 999.

When calling, give the full address, details of the fire if known and any information about people who may still be inside.

Leave By The Nearest Safe Exit

Evacuate using the nearest safe fire exit route. Do not stop to collect personal belongings, finish work or look for the source of the fire.

Follow fire exit signs and any instructions from fire wardens or responsible staff.

Do Not Use Lifts

Do not use lifts during a fire evacuation unless they are specifically designed for emergency evacuation use. Use stairs and protected escape routes instead.

Close Doors Behind You Where Safe

If it is safe to do so, close doors behind you as you leave. This can help slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Never lock doors or delay your escape to close them.

Go To The Fire Assembly Point

Once outside, go directly to the designated fire assembly point. Do not remain close to the building, block fire exits or stand where emergency vehicles may need access.

Fire assembly point signs help identify where people should gather after evacuation.

Do Not Re-Enter The Building

Never go back inside the building until it has been confirmed safe by the fire service or the person in charge of the evacuation.

Even if the alarm stops, you should remain at the assembly point and wait for further instructions.

Should You Use A Fire Extinguisher?

Only use a fire extinguisher if you have been trained, the fire is small and contained, the correct extinguisher is available and you have a clear escape route behind you.

If there is any doubt, leave immediately and allow the fire service to deal with the fire.

What Visitors Should Do

Visitors should follow the instructions given by staff, fire wardens or fire action notices. They should leave by the nearest safe exit and report to the fire assembly point.

Businesses should make sure visitors know the basic evacuation procedure when they arrive, especially on larger or higher-risk sites.

Fire Action Notices

Fire action notices are designed to tell people what to do if they discover a fire or hear the fire alarm. They are usually displayed near fire alarm call points, exits, corridors and reception areas.

These notices should match the building’s actual fire procedure and be kept clear, visible and easy to read.

Key Things To Remember

• Raise the alarm immediately
• Leave by the nearest safe exit
• Do not stop to collect belongings
• Do not use lifts
• Go to the fire assembly point
• Do not re-enter the building
• Only use extinguishers if trained and safe to do so

Conclusion

If you discover a fire, act quickly by raising the alarm, leaving the building safely and going to the designated assembly point. Do not take unnecessary risks or return inside once you have evacuated.

Clear fire action notices, fire alarm signs, fire exit signs and assembly point signs all help support a safe and organised response during a fire emergency.

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.