If you need to install fire extinguishers in a work environment or a public area, in addition to mounting the extinguisher you also have to place a proper sign close to the installation point in a clearly visible position.

Fire extinguisher signs are mandatory for every extinguisher you install; not just in big areas where the closest extinguisher might be distant, but in each and every case. This helps you to find the extinguishers in emergency situations.

Smoke, confusion and panic quickly spread in case of fire and fast intervention is crucial to be effective against it. The sooner you can locate a fire extinguisher the better, so a clear and visible sign can really make a difference.

Helping you find the closest extinguisher is the main function for the signs we’re discussing, and this was the only function for the old models. Today, however, modern signs also provide some basic information on the extinguisher type and its proper application.

Using a fire extinguisher is not too complicated; however having some basic instructions, in a clear form with pictures and drawings, can be helpful, especially for people that did not receive specific training. That’s why many signs provide this kind of help with brief instructions on how to handle the equipment.

These signs are made of aluminum, rigid PVC or self adhesive vinyl. The new signs also glow in the dark, because they are covered with phosphor ink that has a photo luminescent property. The advantage of this type of fire extinguisher signs is that they do not need any kind of flashlights or even torches to locate a sign and then the extinguisher.

An additional way to locate an extinguisher in the dark is to place a photo luminescent sticker on it. This can be very helpful, but also in this case proper signs are mandatory.

Any safety equipment store usually sells all kinds of extinguisher signs, so it’s easy to find them if they were not included with the extinguisher.

As for the other emergency signs, the shape of these signs is square or rectangular, and their dimensions depend on the maximum distance they are intended to be seen from.

The basic requirements for proper use of fire extinguishers are correct selection of the tools, their proper placement, periodic maintenance and training of users. All this becomes worthless if you can’t quickly find the extinguisher in an emergency situation. That’s the reason signs are so important and are a mandatory complement to fire fighting devices.

Fire extinguishers are a very common device, and you can find additional information on all types of extinguishers in our website.. Unique version for reprint here: Common Rules that Apply to Fire Extinguisher Signs.