In a fire, nobody has time to read the label on an extinguisher. That's why buildings use two kinds of signs: a location sign that shows where the extinguisher is from across the room, and an identification sign that shows what type it is and which fires it's for. Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse, so both matter.
Fire extinguisher selection, placement and signage are usually set by your building's fire safety requirements and Australian Standards such as AS 2444. Your fire services contractor confirms what each location needs. This guide is general information.
1. Location signs
Location signs are mounted above the extinguisher so people can find it from a distance, even if it's hidden behind furniture or people.
- Fire extinguisher location sign
- Fire extinguisher sign (Series 2)
- Fire extinguisher and fire hose reel where they're together.
2. Identification signs
Identification signs are the round signs placed just above the extinguisher that name its type and the fires it's suited to.
- Dry chemical (ABE) identification sign: the most common type in offices, shops and vehicles.
- CO2 identification sign: often found near switchboards and electrical equipment. The sign reads "to be used for paint, oil, electrical and other liquid fires".
- Wet chemical identification sign: for commercial kitchens. The sign reads "for animal fats and vegetable oil fires, not for electrical fires". See our commercial kitchen signs guide.
Where they go
- The location sign goes high above the extinguisher, so it can be seen over people and furniture.
- The identification sign goes directly above the extinguisher, at a height where it can be read up close.
- Keep the area in front of extinguishers clear. A blocked extinguisher is a common audit finding.
Other fire equipment
Hose reels, fire blankets, hydrants and boosters all need their own signs. See our fire equipment signage guide, and for smaller workplaces, the Workplace Fire & First Aid Sign Pack bundles extinguisher, fire blanket and first aid signs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a location sign and an identification sign?
Many buildings use both. Your fire services contractor can confirm what your building's requirements call for.
Do the signs come in colours to match my fit-out?
Location signs are usually red and white so they stand out. Many other building signs come in silver, gold and black. See our colourways guide.
Can I order for a whole building?
Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically. Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2โ3 business days.
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.
