Fire Safety & Equipment Signage

Signage ensures that in a high-stress emergency, fire equipment can be located from a distance, even if the equipment itself is obscured. For Fireshift clients, compliant signage is the difference between a minor incident and a total loss.

1. Fire Equipment Location Signs (AS 2444)

These are the most common signs. They must be mounted high enough to be seen over people, furniture, or machinery.

  • Technical Standard: AS 2444.
  • Design: White symbol and text on a Signal Red (R13) background (complying with AS 2700).
  • Mounting Height: The underside of the sign must be at least 2000mm above the floor.
  • Visibility: Must be visible from a distance of up to 20 metres in all directions of approach.
  • Types: Extinguisher, Fire Blanket, and Fire Hose Reel location signs.

2. Extinguisher Identification (ID) Signs

While the location sign tells you where the equipment is, the ID sign tells you what it is and how to use it.

  • Placement: These are typically square signs mounted directly above the extinguisher bracket at approximately 1200mm (eye level).
  • Colour Coding: These must match the band on the extinguisher:
    • White/Red: Dry Chemical Powder (ABE)
    • Black/Red: Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
    • Oatmeal/Red: Wet Chemical
    • Blue/Red: Foam
    • Solid Red: Water

3. Fire Door & Statutory Signage (NCC / BCA)

Statutory signs are legally required by the National Construction Code (NCC) for building certification and life safety.

  • Fire Door Signs: Must be installed on both sides of a fire door.
    • Text: “FIRE SAFETY DOOR – DO NOT OBSTRUCT – DO NOT KEEP OPEN”.
  • Fire Hydrant & Booster Signs: Often etched or printed on UV-stable materials for external use. These identify the “Booster Connection” or “Pump Room” for the Fire Brigade.
  • Hose Length Signs: In buildings with large floor plates, signs like “2 x 30m Lengths of Hose Required” are mandatory at hydrant points to inform firefighters of the equipment needed for full coverage.

4. Emergency Exit & Wayfinding (AS/NZS 2293)

While Fireshift focuses on suppression, exit signage is the core of evacuation.

  • Standard: AS/NZS 2293.1.
  • Design: White text/pictogram on a Green background.
  • Illumination: Exit signs must be internally illuminated (LED) or photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) to remain visible during a power failure.
  • Location: Above every exit door and at every change of direction in a corridor.

5. Fire Alarm & Call Point Signs

  • Standard: AS 1319.
  • Requirement: Every Manual Call Point (MCP) or “Break Glass” alarm must have a red and white sign located directly above it.
  • Height: Typically mounted at 2000mm for long-distance visibility.

Master Signage Summary Table

Sign TypeStandardRequired HeightPurpose
Location SignAS 24442000mm (min)Long-distance equipment identification
ID/Instruction SignAS 2444≈1200mmIdentifying agent type and use cases
Fire Door SignNCC/BCAEye LevelPreventing illegal propping of fire doors
Exit SignAS 2293Above Door/LintelGuiding occupants to safety
Booster SignAS 2419External FacadeInforming Fire Brigade of pump specs

Maintenance of Signage (AS 1851)

Under AS 1851, fire signage must be inspected every six months alongside the equipment:

  1. Legibility: Signs must not be faded (UV damage) or scratched.
  2. Obstruction: Ensure no new shelving, stock, or decor has blocked the 20-metre line of sight.
  3. Adhesion: Signs must be securely fixed; peeling or taped signs are a non-compliance issue.