Fire safety is a legal and moral priority in commercial, industrial, or multi-occupancy buildings. One of the most crucial elements of fire safety is correctly identifying fire doors. Whether you are a facilities manager, property developer, or contractor, understanding the legal requirements for fire door markings in the UK ensures that your building remains compliant and safe.
At KVR Coatings, we specialise in fire door stickers, stencils and coatings that support full fire safety compliance. Below, we analyse what UK law says about fire door markings, what signage you need, and how to remain compliant.
Why Are Fire Door Markings Important?
Fire doors are vital passive fire protection tools. Therefore, they’re designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, buying precious time for occupants to evacuate and for emergency services to respond. But a fire door can only perform its function if it’s:
- In good working condition
- Fitted correctly
- Identified
Also, unmarked or poorly marked fire doors can easily be left open or obstructed, rendering them useless in a fire. This is why clear fire door signage and markings are applicable and legally required.
Legal Requirements: What Does UK Law Say About Fire Door Signage?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
This legislation places legal responsibility on a designated ‘Responsible Person’—usually the building owner, employer, or facilities manager. They are required to:
- Carry out fire risk assessments
- Implement appropriate fire safety measures
- Maintain fire safety systems and equipment
- Ensure all fire doors are correctly marked and visible
The law doesn’t prescribe the exact format of markings but expects fire safety signage to be “clear and legible.”
BS 5499 and BS EN ISO 7010: Signage Standards
When selecting fire door signage, most fire safety professionals refer to BS 5499 and BS EN ISO 7010, which provide guidelines on the design and layout of fire safety signs.
Under these standards:
- “Fire Door Keep Shut” signs must be used on self-closing fire doors.
- Signs should be circular, with a blue background and white text, in line with mandatory safety sign formatting.
- Double doors should be marked on both leaves.
- Signs should be placed at eye level and readable when the door is open or closed.
When Do You Need Fire Door Markings?
Fire door markings should be present in various situations, including:
- Escape routes and corridors: All fire doors on designated escape routes should be marked.
- Cross-corridor doors: Especially those that act as fire or smoke barriers.
- Entrance to stairwells or lobbies: Where fire doors are designed to compartmentalise fire.
- Doors accessing plant rooms or riser cupboards often require “Fire Door Keep Locked” stickers instead.
Types of Fire Door Signage
Depending on your building’s layout and fire strategy, the following signs may be required:
- Fire Door Keep Shut
- Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear
- Fire Door Keep Locked (often used on risers or plant rooms)
- Fire Door Keep Closed at Night (typically in residential or hotel settings)
All these signs are available in various materials, including self-adhesive vinyl stickers, rigid plastic, or stencilled markings, which we offer here at KVR Coatings.
Legal Requirements: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Minor errors with fire door markings can result in a failed inspection or greater liability. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using incorrect colours or formats: For instance, using red or green signage instead of blue for mandatory instructions.
- Only mark one side of the door: Fire doors should be marked on both faces and visible from either direction.
- Obscuring signs with decorations or notices: Fire door signs must always be visible.
- Neglecting damaged or faded signs: Replace worn, scratched, or unreadable signs.
KVR Coatings: Your Partner in Fire Door Compliance
At KVR Coatings, we provide high-quality fire door stickers, floor markings, and safety stencils that meet all UK regulations. Our products are designed for high-traffic environments and are resistant to wear, heat and cleaning agents, making them ideal for long-term safety compliance.
We offer bulk fire door stickers for new builds and custom stencilled signage to meet your unique layout needs. Our products ensure a compliant and professional finish while adhering to legal requirements for fire door markings.
Final Thoughts on Legal Requirements for Fire Door Markings
Finally, Fire door markings are a small but essential part of a much bigger fire safety strategy. By complying with UK legal standards and signage regulations, you’re not just protecting your building—you’re protecting lives.
Furthermore, if you’re unsure about what signage you need or need help sourcing fire door markers that meet all necessary standards, the team at KVR Coatings is here to help.
Get in touch today for expert advice, a custom quote, or to explore our full range of fire door signage and safety solutions.