When it comes to emergencies, every second matters, and often, it’s not people shouting instructions or alarms blaring that guide us. It’s signs. Quiet, clear and ever-present, fire signage plays a powerful role in directing people to safety and alerting them to crucial fire-fighting tools when it matters most.
In Australia, fire safety signs are everywhere - in office buildings, schools, hospitals, factories and even homes. But despite being so common, many people don’t know the differences between the types of fire safety signs or what each one is for. Let’s unpack the essentials and take a closer look at the different types of fire signage used across Australia.
Fire Equipment Signs: Your First Line of Defence
When a small fire breaks out, seconds can make all the difference. That’s where fire equipment signs come in, they help you locate fire-fighting tools immediately.
These signs are typically bold red with white text or pictograms and are used to mark the location of:
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Fire extinguishers
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Hose reels
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Fire blankets
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Fire alarms
Whether you're in a shopping centre or a warehouse, these signs make it easy to find life-saving tools fast. They’re usually mounted just above or beside the equipment they refer to, making them impossible to miss when you need them most.
Common example: A red sign above a fire extinguisher reading “Fire Extinguisher” or featuring a fire extinguisher icon.
These fire safety signs are especially important in workplaces and public areas, where quick action can stop a minor incident from becoming a major emergency.
Fire Exit Signs: The Way Out When Time Is Ticking
In an emergency, knowing the way out can be the difference between panic and protection. That’s where Fire Exit Signs come in. These signs clearly mark the safest and most direct path to exit a building during a fire or other emergency.
Fire exit signs are typically green with a white symbol - usually the iconic “running man” and/or the word “EXIT.” Their role is simple but vital: help people move quickly and calmly toward safety.
You’ll find them in all sorts of buildings, from schools and shopping centres to warehouses, offices and hospitals. They’re often placed above or beside exit doors, in hallways or at junctions where direction is key. Some signs use arrows to show the correct route or highlight alternative exits in larger buildings.
In workplaces or public buildings, fire exit signs are part of a broader evacuation plan. They ensure that whether you're familiar with the space or not, you can find your way out quickly when it matters most.
Fire Door Signs: Not Just Another Door
Fire door signs do more than label a door, they protect the integrity of the building’s fire safety design. These doors are often the barriers that prevent fire and smoke from spreading quickly through a building. But they only work if they’re used correctly.
That’s why Fire Door Signs often carry strong instructions like:
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“Fire Door – Do Not Obstruct”
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“Fire Door – Keep Closed”
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“Fire Door – Do Not Lock”
These fire safety signs are typically red and white, mounted directly on the door itself and often appear on both sides. You’ll spot them in office towers, apartment complexes, hospitals and shopping centres - usually near stairwells or emergency exits.
In high-rise buildings or shared public facilities, fire door signage is essential. Not only does it instruct occupants, but it also serves as a reminder for cleaners, maintenance teams or visitors who may accidentally prop a door open without realising the risk.
Emergency Procedure Signs: Fire Plans at a Glance
Knowing where the exit is only helps if you know what to do. That’s where emergency procedure signs come into play. These signs are designed to give you clear, quick instructions in the middle of a high-stress situation.
You’ve likely seen these signs in:
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Hotel hallways
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Office reception areas
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Warehouses and factories
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Schools and universities
They often include:
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Evacuation diagrams
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Assembly point information
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Emergency contact numbers
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Step-by-step instructions
These fire signage elements work best when placed in common areas or entry/exit points where people have time to absorb the information. In many workplaces, it’s part of your legal responsibility as an employer to ensure emergency information signage is available and up to date.
Need a custom evacuation diagram printed? We have you covered, check out our Custom Sign options for a full range of options or contact us for assistance.
Directional Fire Signage: Follow the Arrows to Safety
Directional fire signage bridges the gap between seeing a fire exit sign and actually reaching it. These signs include arrows and the universally recognised “running man” symbol to guide people towards:
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Exits
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Fire-fighting equipment
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Assembly areas
You’ll see them along corridors, above staircases and sometimes even on the floor. In complex buildings like airports, shopping centres or hospitals, these signs are critical - especially for first-time visitors who don’t know the layout.
It’s all about reducing confusion, even when visibility is poor or panic sets in. The cleaner and more direct the path, the safer the outcome.
Fire Hydrant Signs: Pinpointing a Vital Water Source
Although not always front and centre in daily life, fire hydrant signs are absolutely critical for emergency responders. These signs identify where fire hydrants are located, allowing firefighters quick access to the building's main water supply.
You’ll typically see:
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Red signs with the word “FIRE HYDRANT” in white block letters
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Statutory Door Signage indicating fire hydrant rooms
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Pavement markers or wall-mounted signage
While often overlooked by the general public, these signs help crews locate essential equipment in seconds - especially important in large facilities, underground carparks or outdoor industrial sites.
Why Fire Signage Is Worth Paying Attention To
It’s easy to walk past fire signs every day without noticing them, until you need them. Here’s why they matter:
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They Buy You Time: In a fire, seconds count. Signs that guide you quickly can make a life-or-death difference.
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They Reduce Panic: When people know what to do and where to go, they’re less likely to freeze or cause bottlenecks.
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They’re Everywhere for a Reason: Whether you’re in a school, supermarket, office or warehouse, fire signs are part of a broader emergency safety plan.
Fire signage isn’t just for compliance - it’s a real-world, frontline tool for safety and survival.
Your One-Stop Shop for Fire and Emergency Signage
When it comes to fire safety and emergency preparedness, New Signs has you covered. We’re your one-stop shop for high-quality, Australian-made fire signage - all in one place. Whether you're outfitting a workplace, school, construction site or apartment complex, our curated collections make it easy to find exactly what you need.
Explore our full range of Fire Safety Signs, including:
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Fire Red Signs for equipment and hazard warnings
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Fire Green Signs for exit routes and evacuation guidance
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Exit Signs to guide safe movement
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Emergency Information Signs and First Aid Signs for clear instructions in a crisis
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Fire Regulation Signs to support compliance
- Statutory Signs for building code and safety standard requirements
- And a complete Safety Signs Collection for every workplace or public setting
Whatever your safety needs, we make it simple to stay prepared and stay protected.
The Right Fire Signs Save Lives
From Fire Door Signs to Fire Hydrant Signs, Australia’s approach to fire signage is about clarity, visibility and effectiveness. Each type of sign plays a specific role in ensuring people can act quickly, stay calm and get to safety during an emergency.
So next time you walk past a fire sign, take a second to notice it. It might just be the quiet hero that saves the day.
Need fire signage for your home, business, or workplace?
Explore our full range of durable, high quality fire safety signs, shipped Australia-wide.
FAQ's
1. What is fire signage and why is it important?
Fire signage refers to signs that identify fire safety equipment, exits and emergency procedures. They help people act quickly and safely in an emergency.
2. What do fire door signs mean?
Fire door signs provide critical instructions such as "Do Not Obstruct" or "Keep Closed" to ensure the door functions as a barrier against fire and smoke.
3. Where should fire safety signs be placed?
Fire signs should be clearly visible and positioned near fire equipment, exits, doors and along evacuation routes to ensure easy navigation during emergencies.
4. Are fire safety signs required in all buildings?
Fire safety signs are essential in most commercial, industrial and public buildings in Australia. While private homes may not require them, workplaces, apartment blocks, schools and venues are expected to display appropriate fire signage to guide occupants during emergencies.
5. What’s the difference between a fire hydrant sign and a fire extinguisher sign?
Fire hydrant signs direct emergency responders to external water sources. Fire extinguisher signs point out portable fire-fighting equipment available for immediate use.
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