Fire protection-safety signs
1988 Edition

IS 12349 mandates specific color and shape codes for fire safety signs to ensure uniformity and easy recognition:

1. Warning and Manual Control Signs (Table 1): Square shape with red background and white symbols; examples include manual activating devices, alarm sounders, and emergency telephones.

2. Escape Route Signs (Table 2): Predominantly square with green background and white symbols for emergency exits; prohibition signs such as "Do Not Obstruct" use a round white background with black symbols and a red band.

3. Firefighting Equipment Signs (Table 3): Square-shaped signs featuring a red background with white symbols, marking locations of extinguishers, hose reels, and ladders.

4. Special Fire Risk Area Signs (Table 4): Triangular yellow backgrounds with black symbols for hazards; round white backgrounds with black symbols and red bands for prohibition signs like no smoking or no open flames.

This coding system facilitates quick identification and consistent communication across fire safety signage in India.

Under IS 12349, emergency exit signage (Table 2) is characterized by square signs with a green background and white symbols, clearly indicating all emergency exit points. When the exit door is not immediately visible, directional arrow signs must accompany these to guide occupants effectively. Additional signage includes push, pull, or slide to open indicators for doors, and round white signs with red bands and crosses to signify "Do Not Obstruct" zones. Break-to-obtain-access signs indicate where glass panels must be broken to reach exit mechanisms. These guidelines ensure safe, unambiguous evacuation routes during emergencies.

The standard IS 12349 (Table 3) defines fire-fighting equipment signage as square signs with a red background and white symbols to ensure visibility and uniformity. Sign types include indicators for collections of equipment, fire extinguishers, hose reels, and fire ladders. The consistent use of these signs helps in quickly locating firefighting tools during emergencies, enhancing response times and safety.

According to IS 12349, areas containing highly flammable or explosive substances are marked using triangular signs with yellow backgrounds and black symbols to warn of hazards. For prohibitions such as no smoking or no open flames, round signs with white backgrounds, black symbols, and red circular bands and crossbars are used. These signs communicate fire risks clearly and help prevent ignition sources near sensitive materials.

Yes, IS 12349 specifies signs for manual fire alarm activation under Table 1. The manual activating device sign is a square with a red background and a white symbol, indicating fire alarm call points or manual controls for fire protection systems. This sign may be accompanied by an alarm sounder sign, which shares the same color and shape, to denote audible alarm activation. These standardized signs ensure clear identification and prompt response in fire emergencies.