How to Check Fire Door Signage (What’s Needed and Where It Goes)

Fire Door Keep Shut Signage

Practical Guide #14

For: Installers, inspectors, building managers, caretakers

Why Fire Door Signage Matters

Fire doors need to be obvious, legal, and instructive.

Correct signage:

• Ensures occupants and visitors understand the door’s purpose

• Helps emergency services identify routes and protection zones

• Prevents tampering, misuse, or obstruction

• Is required by UK fire safety regulations

Missing or incorrect signage can get flagged in fire risk assessments — and invalidate your inspection.

1. What Signs Are Required (And When)?

Type of Door	Required Signage
Fire door in regular use	“Fire Door Keep Shut” (BS 5499 blue circle)
Doors to cupboards/risers/hazard areas	“Fire Door Keep Locked”
Fire doors on hold-open devices	“Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear”
Final exit fire doors (non-returning)	“Push bar to open” / “Fire Exit” – these are not fire containment doors

Note: Signage must match the use case and not contradict the function (e.g. don’t put a “Keep Shut” on a free-swing door with no closer).

2. Design and Material Requirements

• Must be BS 5499-1 compliant

• Generally:

  • Blue background, white text

  • Self-adhesive, screw-fixed, or riveted

  • Durable and tamper-resistant

• Use photoluminescent versions in low-light areas or sleeping accommodation

• Minimum 75 mm diameter for circular signs (or as required by layout)

3. Sign Placement Rules

Location	Positioning
Single door	Eye level (1.4m – 1.6m from floor), on the push side
Double door	One sign per leaf
Doors with glazing	Sign positioned on the solid panel, not glass
Doors with kick plates or vision panels	Avoid covering them
Door frames or walls	Only use if fixing to the door leaf isn’t possible — and label must be clear and direct

Signs should be clean, unobstructed, and clearly visible — avoid paint overrun, stickers, or signage clutter.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using the wrong sign for the door type

• ❌ Omitting signs on newly installed or replaced doors

• ❌ Sticking labels on glazing or vision panels

• ❌ Allowing signs to be covered by posters, notices, or furniture

• ❌ Using non-standard signs printed from the internet or Word docs

• ❌ Mixing styles (e.g. old red “Do Not Use” labels with modern blue icons)

5. When Signage Can Be Omitted

• Fire doors to private dwellings may not need signage if:

  • The door opens inward only

  • It is not in a common escape route

  • Local fire risk assessment explicitly says signage isn’t required

• Historic buildings may use alternate signage under special listed building agreements — consult with fire engineer or local authority

Final Word

Proper signage isn’t just box-ticking — it’s part of the fire door system.

Failing to install or maintain signage creates confusion, leads to misuse, and can result in failed inspections.

So make it visible, make it compliant, and make sure the message is clear:

This door saves lives. Treat it accordingly.