Wayfinding Signs
Wayfinding signage is a critical component of emergency preparedness and response. Wayfinding signage should conform to the specifications and location set out in paragraph 15.14 to 15.16 of Approved Document B.
The Fire Safety Regulations 2022 made it a legal requirement from 23rd January 2023 for all high-rise residential buildings more than 11m above ground level in England to install wayfinding signage in their buildings. This includes clear markings identifying floor and individual flat numbers.
The floor identification signs should meet all of the following conditions:
a. The signs should be located on every landing of a protected stairway and every protected corridor/lobby (or open access balcony) into which a firefighting lift opens.
b. The text should be in sans serif typeface with a letter height of at least 50mm. The height of the numeral that designates the floor number should be at least 75mm.
c. The signs should be visible from the top step of a firefighting stair and, where possible, from inside a firefighting lift when the lift car doors open.
d. The signs should be mounted between 1.7m and 2m above floor level and, as far as practicable, all the signs should be mounted at the same height.
e. The text should be on a contrasting background, easily legible and readable in low level lighting conditions or when illuminated with a torch.
All floor identification signs should be supplemented by flat indicator signs, which provide information relating to the flats accessed on each storey.
Useful links
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022