Wayfinding signage for the fire service is now a requirement in Approved Document B Volume 1: Dwellings for all new residential buildings over 11m.
Floor identification signs and flat indicator signs should be provided to assist firefighters to identify each floor in a block of flats with a top storey more than 11m above ground level.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report noted that, in the building stairwell, landings were not clearly marked with the relevant floor number and so firefighters were unable to easily identify floors when carrying out their duties.
The Inquiry recommended that in all high-rise buildings, “floor numbers be clearly marked on each landing within the stairways and in a prominent place in all lobbies in such a way as to be visible both in normal conditions and in low lighting or smoky conditions.”
In buildings of multiple floors, it is very important that clear and correct signs are in place so the fire service can identify each floor quickly and easily. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 make this a requirement in all existing residential buildings over 18m.
Approved Document B should be consulted for detailed guidance on the type, positioning and specification for signs; the wording to be used on each floor identification sign; and the specification for flat indicator signs to provide information relating to flats accessed on each storey.
Further reading