Fire Extinguisher Sign: Rules, Size and Correct Mounting

Where is the nearest fire extinguisher? In an emergency, everyone needs to see this immediately. That is what the fire extinguisher sign is for. It is red, square and shows a white fire extinguisher. In workplaces, it is mandatory.

Here you can read which rules apply, which size fits and where to mount the sign. The rules mentioned are those that apply in Germany.

Is a fire extinguisher sign mandatory?

In workplaces, yes. The German Workplace Ordinance requires fire extinguishers to be permanently marked. The technical rule ASR A2.2 makes this concrete: every fire extinguisher location is marked with the fire safety sign F001 “Fire extinguisher”.

This applies to offices, workshops, warehouses, schools, nurseries and authorities. There is no obligation in private households. But a sign does no harm there either.

The F001 sign according to DIN EN ISO 7010

The correct symbol is the F001 sign according to DIN EN ISO 7010. It shows a white fire extinguisher with a flame on a red background. Older signs according to BGV A8 or DIN 4844 look slightly different. They may stay up. But do not mix old and new signs in the same building.

F001 belongs to a group of fire safety signs. All are red and square:

• F001 – Fire extinguisher
• F002 – Fire hose
• F003 – Fire ladder
• F004 – Fire-fighting equipment
• F005 – Fire alarm call point
• F006 – Fire emergency telephone

Which size does the sign need?

The size depends on the distance from which the sign must be recognised. The German ASR A1.3 specifies fixed values:

• up to 5 m distance: 50 × 50 mm
• up to 10 m distance: 100 × 100 mm
• up to 15 m distance: 150 × 150 mm
• up to 20 m distance: 200 × 200 mm
• up to 25 m distance: 300 × 300 mm

In offices and corridors, 150 × 150 mm or 200 × 200 mm are common. Large halls need larger signs.

Where and how high is the sign mounted?

The sign hangs directly above the fire extinguisher. It must be clearly visible. Furniture, doors or people must not cover it. Directly below the ceiling is a poor spot. That is where smoke collects first in a fire.

Hang the fire extinguisher itself so that the handle is between 0.80 m and 1.20 m high. This is recommended by ASR A2.2. From any point, the walking distance to the nearest fire extinguisher should be no more than 20 m.

Wall sign, projecting sign or angled sign?

A flat wall sign can only be seen from the front. In long corridors, however, people walk past the sign. For this case, ASR A2.2 explicitly mentions projecting or angled signs. They stick out from the wall and can be seen in the direction of travel. Read more in our article Projecting sign and angled sign.

If the fire extinguisher cannot be seen directly, a direction arrow shows the way.

Why a photoluminescent sign?

If the power fails, corridors quickly go dark. Where there is no emergency lighting, the signs must still be recognisable. Long-afterglow signs store light. Afterwards they glow in the dark for a while. For this to work, they need enough light beforehand.

Our projecting and angled signs meet DIN 67510-1 class C. This is the class required for long-afterglow signs.

Fire extinguisher signs from FireMat

All signs comply with DIN EN ISO 7010. They are made of PVC and available in 15 × 15 cm and 20 × 20 cm:

• Fire extinguisher wall sign, self-adhesive
• Projecting sign fire extinguisher F001
• Angled sign fire extinguisher F001
• Sign for wheeled fire extinguishers

Companies, schools and authorities often order for the whole building at once. To go with them, you will find fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire blankets. An overview of all signs is available under Warning signs and safety signs.