Is your high-rise building compliant with the recent legislation update?
Introduction
Do you know of the latest regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order) update? Part of the update is a need for essential, life-saving signage in high-rise buildings.
Being one of the UK’s leading safety sign manufacturers we have been helping our customers improve the safety of their buildings through general safety signs, floor identification and wayfinding signs for years. However, now there is a deadline!
From the 23rd of January, there are a number of legal requirements for high-rise blocks of flats, in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report.
A lot of buildings have had their signage put in, but if you haven’t gotten around to it, don’t panic! We are here to help.
Wayfinding Signage Requirement
Part of the regulations is the installation of Wayfinding signage. In a nutshell, you need:
– Signs that are visible in low light or smoky conditions
– Identified flat and floor numbers
– Signs located in stairwells and common areas
– Signs must be in a Sans Serif font (so it’s easy to read)
– The design must be highly contrasting so it is easily legible
The main principles to follow in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Update
When firefighters reach the landing of any stairway, there should be signage that clearly indicates to them the floor number on which they are located and the flat numbers on that floor.
Stocksigns Solution: High-quality, compliant signs, including Floor Markers, Wayfinding and Flat Floor Directory for lobby areas.
When firefighters use a lift designed for their use to reach floors, the same signage should be clearly visible to them when the lift doors open.
Stocksigns solution: We’re up to date on the legislation and will have recommended signs for you.
The signs must be visible both in normal conditions and in low lighting or smoky conditions.
Stocksigns Solution: Have you thought of using Photoluminescent signage? A popular choice with Stocksigns’ customers in the event of low light conditions. If you need us to design the sign, they will be high contrast and easy to read.
Sign Specifications
Don’t worry, we have this all-in hand! Stocksigns have made it super easy to ensure, most importantly, that your signage meets the legal requirement, whilst still looking good even when there isn’t an emergency.
The team have created an efficient process tailored to this legislation update to get your signs up in no time.
A Quick Outline of the Regulation Requirements
We have outlined the basics and provided links to official legislation for the full information and official guidance to help you comply with the latest update to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order).
- External Wall systems
- Provide information about the design and materials of the external wall system
- Inform Fire and Rescue Service of any material changes
- Provide info related to the level of risk and mitigating steps taken
- Lifts and Key Fighting Equipment
- Monthly checks on the operation of lifts which will be used by firefights and evacuation lifts
- Check key pieces of all other firefighting equipment
- Report defects to lifts and equipment
- Faults to be fixed within 24hrs
- Information Boxes
- Install and maintain a secure information box in the building
- The box must contain the name and contact details of who is responsible for the building
- Must also contain hard copies of the building floor plans
- Wayfinding Signage Requirement
- Must be visible in low light or smoky conditions
- Identified flat and floor numbers
- Located in stairwells and common areas
- Building Plans
- Must include locations of key firefighting equipment
- Provide electronic copies
- Place hard copies in a secure info box on site
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Member-created content 1 year ago | From members