Signage

In Portugal, safety signage is regulated by the "Regulation on Fire Safety in Buildings" (RSIE), approved by Decree-Law No. 220/2008, of November 12, and updated by Decree-Law No. 224/2015, of October 9, as well as other complementary standards. Safety signage is essential to guide and inform building occupants about prevention measures and procedures to follow in an emergency.

Types of Signage

1. Prohibition Signs:

   • Indicate prohibited actions to avoid fire risks, such as smoking, lighting flames, among others.

2. Mandatory Signs:

   • Indicate mandatory actions to ensure safety, such as the use of personal protective equipment.

3. Alarm Signs:

   • Indicate the location of alarm and alert means in case of fire, such as manual alarm buttons.

4. Fire Fighting Equipment Signs:

   • Indicate the location of fire fighting equipment, such as extinguishers, hoses, and hydrants.

5. Emergency Exit and Evacuation Signs:

   • Indicate evacuation routes and emergency exits to ensure a quick and safe evacuation of the building.

6. First Aid Signs:

   • Indicate the location of first aid equipment and facilities.

Signage Requirements

1. Visibility and Legibility:

   • Signs must be clearly visible and legible in all lighting conditions. They must be placed at an appropriate height and location to ensure easy identification.

2. Color and Format Standards:

   • Signage must follow specific color and format standards. For example, prohibition signs are usually red, mandatory signs are blue, and emergency exit signs are green.

3. Material and Durability:

   • Signs must be made of durable and fire-resistant materials, ensuring their effectiveness in emergency situations.

4. Lighting and Photoluminescence:

   • In places where lighting may fail, the use of photoluminescent signage, which glows in the dark after being exposed to a light source, is recommended.

Maintenance and Inspection

1. Regular Checks:

   • Signage must be checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition and clearly visible. Damaged or faded signs must be replaced immediately.

2. Necessary Updates:

   • Signage must be updated whenever there are changes in the building layout or emergency procedures.

Responsibilities

1. Owners and Managers:

   • Building owners or managers are responsible for ensuring the installation, maintenance, and inspection of safety signage. They must also ensure that all building occupants are aware of the indications and instructions provided by the signage.

2. Supervision:

   • Competent authorities are responsible for overseeing compliance with safety signage standards and may impose penalties for non-compliance.

Training

1. Awareness and Training:
   • Regular training of building occupants on the meaning of safety signage and emergency procedures is recommended.

These provisions aim to ensure that all occupants of a building can quickly identify and follow safety instructions, minimizing risks and facilitating a safe evacuation in an emergency. For specific details and updates, it is advisable to consult the legislation directly or seek specialized advice.