Fire safety signs are used to provide health and safety information, highlight key locations and provide advice and instructions. In the case of fire equipment signs, they are required above fire equipment to clearly identify the location of the appropriate equipment (such as fire blankets) which in turn enables viewers to locate it quickly and easily. Additionally, other fire equipment signs can be located above the equipment to provide advice regarding inspection date etc.

Under the Regulatory Reform - Fire Safety Order 2005 any non-automatic fire fighting equipment should be identified with an appropriate sign. The signs should be positioned and designed in accordance with BS EN ISO 722 to ensure maximum levels of comprehension.