In South Africa, individuals need protection for their health and safety whether at the workplace or in a public space. Protection is required from any source of danger involving physical, chemical, biological, mechanical or electrical, and psycho-social hazards. An employer or owner of a property has a duty to provide protection for the health and safety for others, as well as themselves. Having the correct signage in the workplace or in public spaces play a vital role in protection of general safety but also fire protection.
What is fire safety signage?
Fire safety signs are designed to warn staff or individuals of any fire hazards, to provide an instruction or to give safety information. It is vital to provide clear and concise instructions about the actions to take in the case of a fire. Fire safety signs should be adhered to and one should not disregard any that you come across.
What is the purpose of a fire safety sign?
In the event of an emergency, and particularly fires, it is important to know what fire safety signs are and their corresponding meaning. They are necessary as they display key information such as escape routes and exits, as well as the location of fire safety equipment in a building that become crucial in the event of a fire.
They communicate mainly through pictures and logos to be understood by any individual irrespective of their language ability, and in South Africa where we have 11 official languages, they are essential in directing people to safety.
What are the different safety signs?
There are various safety signs in South Africa which are mandatory and help to display important information to individuals:
- Prohibition
- Mandatory action, for example, to wear personal protective equipment
- Warning or risks of danger, such as to display a hazard
- Information or safe condition, such as exit signs.
The above categories of safety signage have specific colours allocated to them:
Sign Category | Colour |
Prohibition and fire prevention/fire equipment | Red |
Mandatory Action | Blue (also indicates safety if in a circular shape) |
Warning/risk of danger | Yellow |
Information or safe condition | Green |
According to SANS 1186-1 of 2015, safety signs not only have dedicated colours, but also geometric shapes. Firefighting equipment/fire safety signs are required to be square and rectangle in shape, and you will never see or find a fire safety sign in a circular shape.
Fire safety signs are also required to be photoluminescent. Photoluminescent signs emit light because of the absorption of radiation, and that continues for a noticeable length of time after excitation. In the event of a fire where light or visibility is poor, the photoluminescent signs are therefore able to glow in the dark, becoming the only hope of ensuring that people are led to safety.
What are the most common fire safety signs
The more commonly requested fire safety equipment signs are the fire hydrant, fire extinguisher, hose-reel, location arrow and the fire alarm. These are usually requested together with fire directional/information signs such as the running man, staircase and directional arrow to indicate evacuation routes in the event of a fire.





Are fire safety signs regulated in South Africa?
Yes, fire safety signs are regulated in South Africa. They are regulated under SANS 1186 part 1 and part 5, which are also referenced within other Acts in South Africa, including the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996). It is therefore a legal requirement to display safety signs in your building to protect the health and safety of people.
Fire safety signs and fire directional signs are also of importance when carrying out a fire risk assessment, to determine where to find the fire equipment and emergency exits.
All signage that falls within SANS 1186 whether fire safety or any other category highlighted in this article, must be SABS approved. It is therefore important that you purchase your signage with a reputable company, and to also ensure they are installed or placed at the correct location, in close proximity to fire equipment and visible enough to employees or visitors.
Get fire safety signs installed with Elite Fire Protection
At Elite Fire Protection we offer, inspections and signage which includes fire safety, and fire directional/information signs.
If you work in an environment that requires fire protection and safety, we can help find the best solution for you, your property, and your people. Contact us today