Wayfinding signs are crucial for not only streamlining the movement of people around buildings and outdoor spaces, but also for ensuring their safety in case of an emergency.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 have made it a legal requirement for high-rise residential buildings in England to install wayfinding signage, including clear markings identifying floor and individual flat numbers.
But the importance of wayfinding signage for fire safety extends beyond just legal requirements; it’s also essential for the safety and wellbeing of occupants and visitors to your business.
The Importance of Wayfinding Signs for Fire Safety
In the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report, it was noted that stairwell landings in the building were not clearly marked with relevant floor numbers, making it difficult for fire-fighters to identify floors during their duties.
The inquiry recommended that floor numbers be clearly marked on each landing within stairways and in prominent places in all lobbies to be visible both in normal conditions and low lighting or smoky conditions.
Proper signage in high-rise buildings can help the Fire and Rescue Service navigate around the building in case of a fire, even when visibility is low.
New Wayfinding Regulations for Fire Safety
To assist the Fire and Rescue Service in identifying each floor in a block of flats with a top storey more than 11m above ground level, floor identification signs and flat indicator signs should be provided. The wayfinding scheme should meet the strict requirements of Fire Safety Regulations.
This includes the use of approved:
- Wording
- Font types
- Colour schemes
- Layouts
- Graphical devices (such as arrows)
All floor identification signs should be supplemented by flat indicator signs, which provide information relating to the flats accessed on each storey. These flat indicator signs should also meet the Fire Safety Regulation’s approved standards.
While these regulations specifically target residential buildings, it’s important for all building owners to ensure the safety of their occupants and visitors.
Read: Wayfinding Signage for Businesses
Benefits of Wayfinding Signs for Your Business
Aside from meeting legal requirements, wayfinding signs can benefit your business in several ways:
Build Brand Equity:
Incorporating a wayfinding system into your marketing strategy and brand-building efforts can have a significant impact on building brand equity.
Wayfinding signage not only serves a functional purpose by guiding people around your space but also creates a memorable and positive experience for your customers, ultimately increasing the perceived value of your brand.
By investing in a well-designed and effective wayfinding system, you are communicating to your customers that you care about their experience and are committed to providing a seamless and enjoyable visit.
This can result in increased customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth recommendations, and ultimately, a boost in brand equity.
Enhance Your Brand Image:
Wayfinding signs can be an effective tool to elevate your brand story in a competitive market.
By utilising technology, strategic thinking, and creative execution, these signs can help your brand stand out and make a lasting impression on customers.
They can effectively communicate your brand’s image and voice, allowing your message to rise above the noise and capture the attention of your target audience.
With the right approach, wayfinding signs can be a powerful asset in your overall marketing strategy.
Navigational Benefits:
Effective signage not only helps customers navigate your space, but it also creates a sense of place and enhances their overall experience.
A well-designed wayfinding signage system should answer two key questions:
“Where am I?” and “How do I get there?” .
By providing clear and concise information, customers feel more confident and empowered to make informed decisions.
This not only improves their satisfaction with your brand but also increases their likelihood of returning.
In today’s competitive market, creating a positive customer experience is essential for building long-term loyalty and success.
Organic Visitor Experience
Effective wayfinding signage can provide an organic guest experience that draws customers in and allows them to experience your brand in the most innovative way possible.
By creating a seamless navigation experience, you can ensure that your customers are satisfied from the moment they enter your establishment, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
With the help of effective wayfinding signage, you can create a memorable guest experience that sets you apart from your competition and establishes a lasting relationship with your customers.
Providing an easy-to-use wayfinding system ensures that your customers can quickly and easily find what they’re looking for, which can increase their overall satisfaction with your business.
Maximise ROI:
Signage is a cost-effective way to advertise your business around the clock.
By showcasing an attractive corporate image, you can attract more customers, leading to increased revenue and profitability over time.
Moreover, effective wayfinding signage not only serves as an advertisement but also assists visitors throughout your venue, providing a seamless experience that can help retain customers and generate positive reviews.
With such benefits, investing in signage is an investment in the long-term success of your business.
Key Takeaways
Wayfinding signs for fire safety are essential for not only meeting legal requirements but also for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your occupants and visitors.
Proper wayfinding signage can also benefit your business by building brand equity, elevating your brand story, creating a sense of space, providing an organic guest experience, and leading to a positive return on investment.
By providing a positive experience for your customers through effective wayfinding signage, you’re more likely to attract repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations by providing a positive experience for your customers.
This, in turn, can lead to increased revenue and profits for your business over time.
If you’re looking for assistance with your wayfinding signage needs, don’t hesitate to contact Morgans Consult today. Our team of experts is well-versed in the latest wayfinding regulations and can work with you to develop a signage plan that meets your specific requirements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need help updating your existing signage, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improving your facility’s wayfinding capabilities.
