Rank: Forum user 
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Hi,
We are trying to replace one of our fire assembly point signs which has been damaged due to the weather however the signs company that we use are recommending that we must now have pictorial signs and completely change all of existing ones. Currently we have a point number and wording stating 'fire assembly point' with no pictures.
The question I am asking is that have the regulations changed? Do they now state pictorial signs must be used and not just numbers and wording?
many thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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BS5499-3:2013 gives guidance on fire escape signs.
The 2000 version says:
Every escape route sign should incorporate, or be accompanied by, a supplementary text sign conforming to BS 5499-1. The supplementary text will help to ensure that the meaning of the graphical symbol is fully understood and may convey additional information.
The law hasn't changed, but its normal practice to follow British Standards.
However depending on the cost of upgrading your safety signs, I'm sure you have better things to spend the money on?
Sounds like the usual sign/fire equipment company trying to increase their sales.
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Rank: Forum user
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Agree with Ian Bell, sounds like fishing for business to me.
Do you have any indications from your fire drills that the signs are ineffective? If not then there is little need to go upgrading as the existing signs are presumably fit for purpose.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Just to throw a small spanner in, the standard has been updated, have a look at: http://www.ifsecglobal.c...guide-to-bs-en-iso-7010/ However, the thrust of replies so far is about right. If your signage is consistent across the site and it was to 5499 before the euro signage came in it should still (now) be ok. The only other consideration is indicated above when referring to the Fire Risk assessment. Signs 'should' be pictograms, backed up by text if needed. If you have multiple languages on site the use of those languages on signage should be considered.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks all.
The signs are working fine as we test the evacuation process regularly and all goes smoothly. It was the sign company that threw me and no matter what I looked up I couldn't find anything that stated I had to change them all to pictorial. I was checking that I hadn't missed anything
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Rank: Super forum user 
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NicoleJ15 wrote:Thanks all.
The signs are working fine as we test the evacuation process regularly and all goes smoothly. It was the sign company that threw me and no matter what I looked up I couldn't find anything that stated I had to change them all to pictorial. I was checking that I hadn't missed anything Are the signs working fine or is it that you practice and people just know where to go. What about visitors and particularly the visitors who cannot read english.
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Rank: Forum user
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That's a valid point. We do have a very tight incident control procedure and security are very vigilant with external drivers and getting them to the correct points, however we have a 6th warehouse currently being built so we may possibly change all 6 sites to pictorial signage just to ensure we have all areas of the standard covered to be on the safe side.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Sounds like they are trying to update the signs in line with using the ISO7010 pictoral symbol. In theory it is best practice to use this symbol due to its high level of comprehension but certainly no legal requirement to do so and wouldn't suggest replacing existing signs unless there is a need to do so.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Whilst it may be desirable to upgrade assembly point signs, their importance to me comes very low down on the scale. After all, the primary purpose of the fire management plan is to ensure life safety and everything else prior to reaching the assembly point is in good working order you will have achieved the primary objective.
Yes it would be undesirable to have people wandering aimlessly but the fire marshals should be well able to direct them to the assembly points.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The relevant legislation is :- The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l64.pdfRegulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 As mentioned by others, it is the Standards can change and have changed. That does not make all signs compliant with any old standard "Illegal"
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