Hanging fire exit signs are used to clearly identify emergency escape routes where wall-mounted signs may not be visible enough. Suspended from ceilings or overhead fixing points, they help people see the direction of travel from a distance, especially in open-plan areas, corridors, warehouses, offices, schools, hospitals and public buildings.

Correct positioning is essential. A hanging fire exit sign should guide occupants towards the nearest safe escape route without causing confusion during an emergency evacuation.

What Are Hanging Fire Exit Signs?

Hanging fire exit signs are double-sided or highly visible emergency exit signs designed to be suspended above walkways, doorways or escape routes. They usually feature the recognised green and white fire exit format, directional arrows and running man symbol.

Because they can be viewed from more than one direction, hanging fire exit signs are particularly useful in areas where people approach from different sides.

Where Should Hanging Fire Exit Signs Be Installed?

Hanging fire exit signs should be installed wherever they provide clearer visibility than a standard wall-mounted sign. Common locations include:

• Above final exit doors
• Along long corridors
• At corridor junctions
• In open-plan offices
• Across warehouse aisles
• Inside factories and production areas
• At stairwell entrances
• In reception areas and public spaces

Install Signs At Decision Points

Hanging fire exit signs are especially useful at decision points where occupants need to choose which direction to travel. This may include corridor intersections, changes of direction, stairwell approaches or areas with more than one possible route.

The sign should be positioned before the decision point so people can clearly see the correct route in time to follow it safely.

Use Hanging Signs In Large Open Areas

In large open areas, wall-mounted fire exit signs can be difficult to spot, particularly when people are standing far away from the walls. Hanging signs can be positioned above the escape route so they are easier to see across the space.

This makes them suitable for warehouses, workshops, sports halls, retail spaces, exhibition areas and open-plan workplaces.

Position Signs Above Fire Exit Doors

A hanging fire exit sign may be used above or close to a fire exit door to clearly identify the exit from both sides of an approach route. This is particularly useful where a doorway is set back, where the wall surface is limited or where a standard sign may be blocked from view.

The arrow direction should match the intended route and the sign should not be hidden by door frames, shelving, lighting or suspended equipment.

Consider Viewing Distance And Height

Hanging fire exit signs should be installed high enough to remain visible and avoid obstruction, but not so high that they become difficult to read. The size of the sign should be suitable for the viewing distance and the layout of the area.

In larger buildings, oversized or photoluminescent hanging fire exit signs may be useful where visibility needs to be improved.

Avoid Obstructions

Fire exit signs should always remain clear and easy to see. Avoid installing hanging signs where they may be obscured by:

• Lighting fixtures
• Pipework or ducting
• Racking and shelving
• Stock or stored materials
• Decorations or banners
• Other safety signs

Signs should be checked regularly to make sure they remain visible as workplace layouts and storage arrangements change.

Choose The Correct Arrow Direction

The arrow on a hanging fire exit sign must clearly show the direction people should travel. For double-sided hanging signs, it is important to check both sides so the arrow direction makes sense from each approach.

Incorrect arrow direction can cause confusion, so signs should always be matched to the actual escape route.

Use Photoluminescent Hanging Fire Exit Signs Where Needed

Photoluminescent hanging fire exit signs glow in the dark after exposure to light, helping escape route information remain visible in low-light conditions or during power failures.

They are often used alongside emergency lighting to support clearer wayfinding during evacuation.

Review Signage After Layout Changes

Fire exit signage should be reviewed whenever building layouts, escape routes, racking, partitions or working areas change. A hanging sign that was once clearly visible may become blocked or misleading after alterations.

Regular reviews help ensure that emergency escape routes remain clearly marked and easy to follow.

Conclusion

Hanging fire exit signs should be installed in locations where they improve visibility and help guide people safely towards emergency exits. They are particularly useful in large open areas, long corridors, warehouse aisles, stairwell approaches and places where wall-mounted signs may not be easy to see.

By positioning hanging signs at decision points, choosing the correct arrow direction and keeping signs clear of obstructions, businesses can improve emergency wayfinding and support safer fire evacuations.

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.