Fire Door Keep Shut: Where It Must Be Placed

Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in any building. They slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and give people vital extra minutes to evacuate. But a fire door only works if it is kept shut — and that’s why the Fire Door Keep Shut sign is mandatory.

This guide explains exactly where the sign must be placed, what the law expects, and how to stay compliant in workplaces, flats, shops, schools, and public buildings.

Why Fire Door Keep Shut Signs Are Required

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must ensure that fire doors are:

• Correctly installed
• Properly maintained
• Clearly identified
• Used correctly

A fire door that is left open becomes useless. The Fire Door Keep Shut sign tells staff, visitors, and contractors that the door must remain closed at all times.

Where Fire Door Keep Shut Signs Must Be Placed

1. On the Fire Door Itself (Not the Frame)

• The sign must be fixed directly to the door, because:
• The door leaf is the moving part
• The instruction applies to the door, not the wall
• It must remain visible even when the door is open

This is the most common compliance mistake — signs placed on the frame are not acceptable.

2. At Eye Level (Approximately 1.5 m From the Floor)

The sign must be:

• Easy to see
• Easy to read
• Not obstructed by door furniture

Eye level ensures the instruction is visible to anyone approaching the door.

3. On Both Sides of the Door

A fire door must be kept shut from either direction, so the sign must appear:

• On the push side
• On the pull side

This is required for all fire doors that are normally kept closed.

4. On Every Fire Door That Must Stay Shut

This includes:

• Stairwell fire doors
• Corridor fire doors
• Risers and service cupboards
• Plant rooms
• Storage rooms
• Kitchens
• Internal doors in flats (e.g., kitchen to hallway)

If the door is part of a fire‑resisting compartment, it must have a sign.

5. On Doors With Self‑Closers

Even if the door has an automatic closer, the sign is still required. The closer ensures the door shuts; the sign ensures people don’t wedge it open.

When a Different Sign Is Required

Not all fire doors use the same instruction. Use the correct one:

Fire Door Keep Shut

For doors that must always remain closed.

Fire Door Keep Locked Shut

For high‑risk rooms such as:

• Electrical cupboards
• Plant rooms
• Chemical stores

Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear

For doors held open by a magnetic release system.

Using the wrong sign can cause confusion and fail inspection.

What the Sign Must Look Like

To comply with BS EN ISO 7010, the sign must have:

• A blue circle
• A white pictogram
• White text (if text is included)
• Blue covering at least 50% of the sign area
• The standard colour is:
• Mandatory Blue: HEX #0057A8  (Other acceptable variants include #005387 and #004B93)

This ensures consistency across all UK workplaces.

Recommended Sizes

For most buildings:

100 × 100 mm — standard size

150 × 150 mm — high‑visibility industrial size

These match what fire inspectors expect to see.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Sign placed on the frame instead of the door
• ❌ Only one side of the door labelled
• ❌ Using a prohibition sign instead of a mandatory sign
• ❌ Using non‑standard colours
• ❌ Missing signs on riser cupboards and service rooms
• ❌ Signs hidden behind door furniture

These are the issues that cause buildings to fail fire safety audits.

Why This Matters

A missing or incorrectly placed sign may seem minor, but in a fire:

• A wedged‑open door can let smoke fill escape routes
• Fire can spread rapidly through corridors
• Evacuation time is reduced
• Lives are put at risk

Correct signage is a simple, inexpensive way to ensure compliance and safety.

Final Checklist for Compliance

Before signing off your building, check:

• ✔ Sign is on the door, not the frame
• ✔ Sign is at eye level
• ✔ Sign is on both sides
• ✔ Sign uses ISO 7010 blue
• ✔ Sign is 100 × 100 mm or larger
• ✔ Every fire door has the correct instruction

If all six are true, your fire door signage is compliant.

Fire doors must be clearly identified with a compliant Fire Door Keep Shut sign.

This article is part of our Mandatory Workplace Signs series. Read the full pillar guide here: Mandatory Workplace Signs (UK Requirements).