I'm reviewing our fire risk assessment and for our 2 storey office block I am doubting myself with the signage.

 

I have always based signage on risk assessments, and for regularly used routes we have only got signs above the final exit, storey exits and in the offices. (most of them are emergency boxes)

 

I have reviewed the layout and I think it is acceptable as it is. We are not open to the public, however, someone wants more signage. Specifically, at every turn on a corridor even when there is no alternative direction to take, ie, you cant go the wrong way and on stairs that turn, a sign at each turn. These aren't dedicated exit routes, they are part of the general circulation space. Adding all these signs would mean at one point, you would be able to see five exit signs pointing you to the same exit. 

 

in my opinion, the exit routes are clear, well lit, have plenty of emergency lighting and are obviously the way out, so are they required on every turn, or is it ok to stick with a risk based approach as I always have?

They aren't offering to sell you those signs by any chance? Some of it is OTT!

How small is the building and is there only 1 exit route? You current set up does sound in line with the risk assessment guidance, which is the legal benchmark.

They arent selling me the signs, no!

It's the thing of a new HSE manager making me doubt myself.

It is a large building with multiple exits, some are a bit convoluted, and these have additional signage as do the exits that aren't regular circulation routes.

The importance of wayfinding signage is not for the occupants but the fire brigade who will be entering a smoke-filled building possibly in the dark. 

They cost pennies

10 hours ago, Mike North said:

The importance of wayfinding signage is not for the occupants but the fire brigade who will be entering a smoke-filled building possibly in the dark. 

They cost pennies

No they don't and the OP isn't taking about signs into the building for the fire service or floor signs, etc but standard fire exit signs

On 05/05/2026 at 10:55, Guest Garbo said:

They arent selling me the signs, no!

It's the thing of a new HSE manager making me doubt myself.

It is a large building with multiple exits, some are a bit convoluted, and these have additional signage as do the exits that aren't regular circulation routes.

Can you readily follow signs such that you will pass through every door, go up or down a stair as appropriate and change direction where not obvious? If so you are fine. Too much signage can be detrimental as they can overload viewers . It all seems a bit excessive, but is a side effect of using a Health & Safety specialist to manage fire safety which is it's own discipline.

3 hours ago, AnthonyB said:

Can you readily follow signs such that you will pass through every door, go up or down a stair as appropriate and change direction where not obvious? If so you are fine. Too much signage can be detrimental as they can overload viewers . It all seems a bit excessive, but is a side effect of using a Health & Safety specialist to manage fire safety which is it's own discipline.

You can, I think its obvious, but even so, I asked a new employee how they would exit the building if the alarm sounded, and after we got over using their normal entrance route, they used the fire exit route and step by step it was fine apart from one turn, so I added a sign for that, then smartened up the emergency lighting to make the final exit more appealing/less intimidating.

I have been asking others this question and they all seem pretty comfortable where their alternative routes are

The fire brigade make their own familiarisation visits and have never been even remotely interested in signage, extinguishers or much else, if I'm honest