Every workplace — from small shops to large offices — must display clear First Aid and Emergency signage. These signs help staff and visitors respond quickly in an emergency, locate essential equipment, and comply with UK health and safety regulations. This guide explains exactly which signs you need, where to place them, and how to stay compliant.

1. Why First Aid & Emergency Signs Are Required

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide:

• Adequate first‑aid equipment

• Trained personnel

• Clear information for employees

Signage is part of that requirement. If someone is injured or unwell, they must be able to find help immediately.

These rules apply to:

• Shops and retail units

• Offices and commercial buildings

• Warehouses and workshops

• Hospitality and leisure

• Schools and public buildings

If people work or visit your premises, you need these signs.

2. Mandatory First Aid Signs

Every workplace must clearly display:

First Aid Point

Shows where first‑aid kits or medical supplies are stored.

First Aider / Appointed Person

Must display:

• Name of trained first aider

• Location

• How to contact them

Emergency Eye Wash / Emergency Shower

Required in environments with chemicals, dust, or hazardous materials.

AED / Defibrillator Signs

If you have an AED on site, signage must clearly direct people to it.

3. Mandatory Emergency Signs

Emergency signs help people respond quickly during incidents.

Emergency Exit Signs

Must be:

• Green and white

• Clearly visible

• Placed along escape routes

Fire Equipment Signs

Identify:

• Fire extinguishers

• Fire blankets

• Fire alarm call points

Assembly Point Signs

Show where staff and visitors must gather during an evacuation.

4. What First Aid & Emergency Signs Must Look Like

To comply with UK safety standards:

First Aid Signs

• Green background

• White pictogram

• Clear, simple wording

• Pictogram must cover at least 50% of the sign

Emergency Signs

• Green background

• White directional arrows

• Consistent placement along escape routes

Fire Equipment Signs

• Red background

• White pictogram

Using the correct colours is essential — it’s part of the safety standard.

5. Where to Place First Aid & Emergency Signs

Placement must be:

• Visible from a distance

• At eye level

• Near the equipment or location they refer to

• Along escape routes

First Aid Signs

• Above first‑aid kits

• In staff rooms

• Near reception

• In workshops or high‑risk areas

Emergency Exit Signs

• Above doors

• Along corridors

• At every change of direction

• At final exit points

Fire Equipment Signs

• Directly above or beside the equipment

6. Recommended Sizes

Internal First Aid Signs

• 200 × 150 mm (standard)

• 150 × 100 mm (compact)

Emergency Exit & Assembly Point Signs

• 300 × 200 mm (indoor)

• 400 × 300 mm (outdoor / long‑distance visibility)

7. Material Options

Aluminium (Premium)

• Rigid and durable

• Ideal for offices, shops, and customer‑facing areas

ACM (Outdoor Grade)

• Weatherproof

• Perfect for external assembly points and fire routes

Self‑Adhesive Vinyl

• Ideal for internal doors, walls, and equipment labels

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using the wrong colours

Green = first aid / emergency Red = fire equipment Blue = mandatory actions

❌ Signs hidden behind doors or displays

They must be visible at all times.

❌ No first aider information displayed

This is a legal requirement.

❌ Using vinyl outdoors

It fades and peels — use aluminium or ACM.

❌ Inconsistent signage

All signs should follow the same style and standard.

9. Best Practice Summary

For shops and offices:

• Display First Aid Point and First Aider signs

• Use green emergency exit signs along escape routes

• Mark all fire equipment with red signs

• Use 300 × 200 mm for exits and assembly points

• Use 200 × 150 mm for internal first aid signs

• Keep signage clear, visible, and correctly coloured

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