Warning and Operational Signs

One common form of these signs is found on fire doors. A fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating (sometimes referred to as a fire protection rating for closures) used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure and to enable safe egress from a building or structure.

Fire door signage plays a crucial role in educating occupants on how to properly use these doors and maintain their functionality. In Australia, such signs might include those indicating "Fire Door - Do Not Obstruct" or "Fire Door - Keep Closed." These signs are usually placed on both sides of the door to ensure maximum visibility. These instructions are not suggestions but are legally binding. Failure to comply can lead to significant penalties and can compromise the building's fire safety strategy, endangering lives.

Another crucial form of warning and operational sign is the "Do Not Use Lift in Case of Fire" signs. These signs are placed near lifts and convey the critical message that in the event of a fire, lifts should not be used for escape. The reason for this is that lifts can malfunction due to the fire, potentially trapping occupants. Instead, occupants should use fire escape stairs, which are designed to provide a safer egress route.

In conclusion, warning and operational signs are vital components of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. They inform occupants of the correct behaviours to adopt in the event of a fire, helping to ensure their safety. Proper signage, along with other fire safety measures, is critical to meeting the standards laid out in an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) in Australia.