Fire safety signage for high-rise residential blocks is a top priority for block management companies, housing associations, and freeholders.
Following the Grenfell tragedy and subsequent regulatory updates, the Government has tightened fire safety requirements for tall buildings.
Among these, safety signs plays a crucial role, helping both residents and the fire and rescue services to act quickly and safely in an emergency.
At The Sussex Sign Company, we specialise in fire safety regulations surveys and remedial work for high-rise blocks across the South East.
Our goal is simple: to help block management companies remain fully compliant with the latest fire safety regulations, while ensuring signage is consistent, clear, and durable.
Why Fire Safety Signage Matters?
In an emergency, every second counts. Fire Safety Signage for High-Rise Residential Blocks helps the fire service identify floors and flats quickly, even in low-light or smoke-filled conditions.
Similarly, residents must have confidence that escape routes and directions are clearly marked. Poorly installed, missing, or non-compliant signs put lives at risk and expose building managers to potential legal and financial liability.
That’s why the updated Approved Document B (Fire Safety), 2019 edition sets out specific standards for wayfinding signage in high-rise blocks.
What the Fire Safety Signage for High-Rise Residential Blocks Regulations Require.
The safety england regulations apply to blocks of flats with a top storey more than 11 metres above ground level (roughly four floors or higher). Here are the key requirements:
1. Floor Level Indicator
Placement: Floor Level Identification Signs must be located on every landing of a protected stairway and in every protected corridor, lobby, or open access balcony where a firefighting lift opens.
Visibility: They must be clearly visible from the top step of the firefighting stair and, where possible, from inside the lift when the doors open.
Size & Typeface:
-Sans serif typeface
-Floor number at least 75mm high
-Text height at least 50mm
Positioning: Mounted between 1.7m and 2m above floor level, at a consistent height throughout the building.
Design: Contrasting background, easily legible, and readable in low-light or torchlight conditions
2. Numbering Rules
-Ground floor = Floor 0 or Ground Floor.
-Floors above ground are numbered sequentially: Floor 1, Floor 2, 3 -and so on.
-Floors below ground = Basement 1, Basement 2 or Floor -1, -2, etc.
-No ambiguous wording – clarity and consistency are essential.
3. Flat Indicator Safety Signs
Placement: Directly beneath the floor identification sign (no more than 50mm gap).
Content: Takes the form Flats X-Y, with arrows if flats are in different directions.
Size: Sans serif typeface, text at least half the height of the floor ID sign.
Design: Contrasting background, legible in low lighting, and arrows where needed.
Special note: Multi-storey flats with multiple entrances should only show the number on the normal access storey.
Common Fire Safety Signage Problems in High-Rise Blocks
From our surveys across Sussex and the wider South East, we often find the following Fire Safety Signage problems:
-Missing or outdated signs.
-Incorrect floor numbering (e.g., mixing “1st Floor” with “Floor 1”).
-Inconsistent mounting heights.
-Poor contrast or faded text making signage illegible.
-Flat indicator signs missing arrows where flats are split across corridors.
Any of these issues can render a block non-compliant and may expose the management company to enforcement action.
How Can The Sussex Sign Company Help with Fire Safety Signage for High Rise Residential Blocks?
We provide a complete compliance solution meeting Fire Safety Regulations needed by High-Rise Residential Blocks managers:
Fire Safety Signage Surveys
-Full audit of existing directional and identification signage.
-Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and non-compliance issues.
-Provide a clear, itemised report with recommendations.
Design & Production of Compliant Signage
-All signs manufactured to meet Approved Document B standards.
-High-durability materials suitable for indoor and emergency conditions.
-Clear, legible designs that meet both regulatory and practical needs.
Installation & Remedial Work
-Professional fitting by trained installers.
-Signs mounted at correct heights and positions.
-Remedial works carried out with minimal disruption to residents.
Ongoing Support
-Maintenance plans to keep signage in good condition.
-Advice on future regulatory changes.
-Partnership with block management companies to ensure peace of mind.
The Sussex Sign Company Serving the South East
From Brighton & Hove to Crawley, Eastbourne, Worthing, and London, we work with block management companies, housing associations, and freeholders to keep buildings safe and compliant.
With over 30 years’ experience, The Sussex Sign Company is trusted to deliver quality signage that meets the highest standards.
Why Choose The Sussex Sign Company?
Expertise: We stay up to date with the latest fire safety and building regulations.
End-to-End Service: Survey, manufacture, install, and maintain—all under one roof.
Local Knowledge: Based in Sussex, serving the whole South East region.
Trusted Partner: Accredited, insured, and with a reputation built over three decades.
What are the First Steps for Block Management Companies looking at Fire Safety Signage for High-Rise Residential Blocks?
If you manage a high-rise block, now is the time to act. Ask yourself:
-Are all floor identification and flat indicator signs present and compliant?
-Are they consistent, clear, and durable?
-Have you had a professional signage survey in the last 12 months?
If the answer to any of these is “No!,” The Sussex Sign Company can help.
Call us on 01273 424900 or visit sussexsigns.com to arrange a fire safety signage survey.
Bottom line: Compliant fire safety signage isn’t just a regulatory tick-box – it saves lives. By working with The Sussex Sign Company, block management companies across the South East can ensure their residents and emergency services have the clarity and confidence they need in an emergency.
