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When an emergency occurs - whether it’s a fire, electrical fault or medical incident - people instinctively look for guidance. Properly installed safety notices provide that reassurance and clarity. Imagine a sudden alarm blares through a building in the heart of London. In those critical moments, can everyone clearly and confidently navigate to safety? Shockingly, many UK commercial properties unknowingly stumble on crucial safety signage.
As we always say, safety isn't just a responsibility - it's a legal requirement. At Karsons, we regularly encounter buildings where safety and wayfinding signage is either outdated, improperly positioned, or entirely missing. Whether you're a landlord, property manager, or facilities lead, understanding your obligations around safety notices can make the difference between full compliance, and a costly and risky oversight.
Safety signage plays a fundamental role in protecting building occupants and visitors. In the UK, property owners and building managers are legally obligated to display appropriate safety signs. These signs are not optional; they form part of your compliance framework under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and other key regulations.
From fire exit signs to first aid locations, clearly visible and correctly positioned signage ensures that every individual within the premises knows what to do, where to go, and how to respond. Beyond compliance, this is about the duty of care.
Safety notices are a core part of a building’s compliance framework. Designed to inform, instruct and protect, these notices help:
Prevent accidents and injuries
Ensure rapid response during emergencies
Comply with UK legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, Fire Safety Order, and Building Regulations
Reduce liability risks for building owners and managers
Neglecting them isn't just risky, but it can also lead to regulatory action or legal claims.
A compliant commercial property should typically display several categories of safety notices, each serving a distinct purpose. These commonly include:
Fire Exit Signs: Indicate safe escape routes during a fire.
Fire Action Notices: Providing step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of a fire.
First Aid Signage: Showing the location of first aid kits and identifying trained personnel.
Electrical Hazard Signs: Warning individuals about high-voltage areas or access restrictions.
Manual Handling Notices: Offering guidance on safe lifting and carrying techniques within the workplace.
COSHH Notices: Highlighting the presence of hazardous substances and outlining necessary precautions.
No Smoking/Vape Zones: Marking areas where smoking or vaping is prohibited, reinforcing legal policies.
Lift & Equipment Notices: Indicating crucial information such as lift capacity, recent servicing dates, and operational status.
General Warning Signs: Alerting occupants to various potential hazards, like trip hazards or low ceilings.
It's vital to remember that all these signs must conform to BS ISO 7010 standards, ensuring universal recognition and clarity for everyone in the building.
While safety notices we outlined are essential for compliance, wayfinding signage plays a complementary role in helping occupants and visitors navigate the building safely and efficiently. In commercial environments - particularly multi-tenanted properties, healthcare facilities, and corporate offices - clear directional signage is vital for accessibility, operational flow, and emergency response.
Wayfinding signage includes visual cues such as directional arrows, location identifiers (e.g. “Reception,” “Meeting Room,” “Toilets”), and maps or floorplans at key decision points. These signs should be designed to be inclusive, using large, high-contrast fonts and, where possible, tactile or Braille options to support users with visual impairments.
In emergency scenarios, unclear navigation can hinder evacuation or delay first responder access. For this reason, we recommend integrating wayfinding strategy with your fire safety plan and occupant flow mapping. Signage should be consistent, intuitive, and regularly reviewed, especially following refurbishments or layout changes.
Compliance failures are surprisingly common. In some buildings, signage is placed behind doors, obscured by furniture, or positioned too high or low to be useful. In others, the signs themselves are faded, outdated, or inconsistent, particularly where tenant fit-outs have not been reviewed.
One of the most overlooked areas is stairwells. These are often assumed to be straightforward, but poor signage here can create confusion during evacuations. Similarly, basements and rooftop plantrooms are frequently non-compliant, despite housing critical equipment.
Signage must also be maintained regularly. A sign installed ten years ago may no longer be compliant if regulations or building layouts have changed. Be sure to keep signage up-to-date.
To ensure your building remains compliant and, most importantly, your occupants stay safe, we recommend implementing several best practices. Conducting regular audits as part of your planned maintenance reviews is crucial to identify and rectify any issues.
Ensuring all signage is photoluminescent (glows in the dark) is essential for visibility during power outages or smoky conditions. Maintaining consistent messaging across both landlord and tenant spaces prevents confusion and ensures everyone understands the procedures. It's also beneficial to train staff and contractors on the meaning and correct placement of safety signage. Finally, keeping thorough records of all installations and inspections provides a clear audit trail and aids in future maintenance.
At Karsons, we offer thorough compliance audits to identify any signage shortcomings. We also provide technical due diligence prior to property purchase or lease to assess existing compliance. Based on our findings, we offer clear remedial recommendations and budgeting to address any issues efficiently. Whether it’s integrated into a wider maintenance strategy or approached as a standalone project, we're here to ensure your signage isn’t just an afterthought - but a standout example of proactive and responsible building management.
Safety signage may sometimes seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of commercial building management. However, in moments of crisis, it becomes one of the most vital components of your building's infrastructure, potentially saving lives and preventing injuries. If you're at all unsure about your current compliance status or want to ensure you're meeting all your obligations, we encourage you to reach out for a chat.
Contact Karsons Consulting today to book your comprehensive compliance audit.
info@karsonsconsulting.com | 020 3282 7605
Karsons Consulting are members of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, The Association of Consultancy and Engineering, British Institute of Facilities Managers and the Building Services Research and Information Association.
