Why fire safety labeling is a matter of life and death
Published by ergo-safe | Inh. Mark Sailer · Updated: May 2026 · Reading time: approx. 1 minute
In the event of a fire, there are seconds to spare. If you don't see the fire extinguisher immediately, you don't look for it - you flee. This is not failure, but human behavior under stress. This is precisely why the law stipulates how fire protection equipment must be labeled: clearly, in accordance with standards and visible even in the event of a power failure.</p
<p>The legal basis is provided by the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) in conjunction with the technical rule ASR A1.3 "Safety and health protection signs". DIN EN ISO 7010 applies to the design of the signs themselves - an internationally harmonized standard that is binding throughout the EU. Anyone who fails to comply with these requirements risks not only fines and insurance problems, but in the worst case, human life.</p> <p
Why fire safety labeling is a matter of life and death
In the event of a fire, seconds count. If you don't see the fire extinguisher immediately, you don't look for it - you flee. This is not failure, but human behavior under stress. This is precisely why legislation stipulates how fire protection equipment must be labeled: clearly, in accordance with standards and visible even in the event of a power failure.
The legal basis is provided by the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) in conjunction with the technical rule ASR A1.3 "Safety and health protection signs". DIN EN ISO 7010 applies to the design of the signs themselves - an internationally harmonized standard that is binding throughout the EU. Anyone who fails to comply with these requirements risks not only fines and insurance problems, but in the worst case, human life.
Attention: Missing or non-standardized fire protection markings can lead to insurance benefits being reduced or refused in the event of damage. The employers' liability insurance associations also check the labeling during company inspections.
DIN EN ISO 7010: The F-codes for fire safety signs
DIN EN ISO 7010 assigns each fire safety sign a unique code that begins with the letter "F". All fire safety signs are square, have a red background (RAL 3001) and display a white pictogram. This uniform design ensures that the signs are understood across languages and cultures.
Code
Designation
Area of application
F001
Fire extinguisher
Location of portable fire extinguisher
F002
Fire hose
Wall hydrants, hose connections
F003
Fire escape
Location of a fire escape
F004
Firefighting resources and equipment
Collection point for extinguishing agents and equipment
F005
Fire alarm telephone
Location of a telephone for fire detection
F006
Fire alarm (manual)
Push-button detector, manual call point
Practical tip: The most frequently required sign is F001 (fire extinguisher). In many companies, however, the signs F005 and F006 are missing - even though fire alarm telephones and manual fire alarms are present. Check whether all available fire protection equipment is actually marked.
Four common mistakes in fire safety labeling
In operational practice, the same things go wrong again and again when it comes to fire safety labeling. Every single mistake can lead to a fire extinguisher not being found in time in an emergency
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1. wrong colors or shapes
Fire safety signs must be red, square, with a white pictogram - not "like this". Outdated signs according to the old DIN 4844 or hand-painted notices do not meet the requirements of DIN EN ISO 7010. Even "almost red" colors such as orange or dark red do not comply with the standard.
Frequent mistake: Many companies still have fire safety signs in accordance with the old BGV A8 or DIN 4844-1 standard. These are no longer valid since the introduction of DIN EN ISO 7010 and must be replaced.
2. No afterglow capability
Fire safety signs must be visible even in the event of a power failure. This means: photoluminescent film or signs with at least 140/20 mcd/m² in accordance with DIN 67510. Without photoluminescence, the signs are invisible in an emergency - when it matters most.
3. Wrong size for the recognition range
The recognition distance of a sign is directly dependent on its size. The rule of thumb according to ASR A1.3: Detection distance = sign height × 100. A sign with an edge length of 100 mm is also only visible from 10 meters - in a large production hall, this is nowhere near enough.
4. Missing additional and directional signs
Additional signs with directional arrows are not optional, but mandatory as soon as the fire extinguisher is not directly visible. If the fire extinguisher is located around a corner, behind a shelf or in an alcove, a directional sign must point the way. In practice, these additional signs are often missing - but they can save crucial seconds in an emergency.
Practical tip: Stand at every workstation in your company and ask yourself: Can I immediately see where the nearest fire extinguisher is from here? If not, there is no directional sign.
Luminescent signs: Visibility in the event of a power failure
In the event of a fire, the power supply often fails - whether due to direct damage to the cables, a short circuit or the automatic shutdown of the electrical system. At this point, all fire safety signs that are only visible when illuminated become worthless
DIN 67510 regulates the requirements for photoluminescent (phosphorescent) materials. The following minimum luminance values apply to safety signs:
Time after darkening
Minimum luminance
After 10 minutes
140 mcd/m²
After 60 minutes
20 mcd/m²
Luminescent signs recharge under normal room or daylight lighting and emit the stored light for hours. They require no battery, no power connection and no maintenance - a reliable, durable solution for any operating environment.
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Attention: Inexpensive photoluminescent films from the DIY store often do not achieve the required luminance levels in accordance with DIN 67510. Only materials that demonstrably meet the minimum values are suitable for operational safety marking.
Calculating the detection distance according to ASR A1.3
The correct sign size depends on the recognition distance - i.e. the maximum distance from which a sign must still be reliably recognized. ASR A1.3 provides a clear basis for calculating this:
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Recognition distance (in mm) = Sign height (in mm) × 100
This results in the following standard sizes and their maximum detection ranges:
Sign size
Recognition range
Suitable for
50 × 50 mm
5 m
Small rooms, direct proximity to the device
100 × 100 mm
10 m
Offices, corridors, small workshops
150 × 150 mm
15 m
Middle rooms, storage areas
200 × 200 mm
20 m
Larger halls, production areas
300 × 300 mm
30 m
Large production halls, logistics centers
400 × 400 mm
40 m
Very large halls, outdoor areas
Frequent mistake: In large production halls, signs with an edge length of 100 mm are often installed - recognizable from a maximum of 10 meters. With a hall length of 50 meters or more, this is completely inadequate. Always select the sign size based on the actual recognition distance, not on visual preferences.
With these instructions, you can systematically check the fire safety signs in your company and retrofit them if necessary. Plan about half a day for a medium-sized business.
Inventory of fire protection equipment Create a list of all fire extinguishers, wall hydrants, fire hoses, fire detectors and fire alarm telephones in the company. Use the existing fire protection plan or systematically go through all areas.
Document existing signage Check for each location: Is a fire safety sign present? Which standard (DIN EN ISO 7010 or obsolete)? What size? Photoluminescent or not? Make a note of all deviations.
Measure detection distances For each location, measure the maximum distance from which the fire protection equipment must be found. Compare with the detection distance of the existing sign (sign height × 100). Note where larger signs are required.
Check visibility from all working positions Stand at each workstation and check: Is a fire safety sign visible from here that leads to the next fire safety equipment? Particularly critical: areas behind shelves, machines or partition walls - additional signs with direction arrows are required here.Determine and order requirements Summarize which signs are required and in which size and design (photoluminescent, self-adhesive, on aluminium). Order all signs in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7010 with the appropriate F codes.Installation and documentation Attach the new signs and update the fire protection plan. Document the measure - this will make subsequent inspections by the employers' liability insurance association or the fire safety officer easier.
Fire safety signs from ergo-safe: Your advantages
ergo-safe has specialized in safety signs since 2001. Our fire safety signs in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7010 are manufactured in Germany and comply with all relevant standards.
Compliant with DIN EN ISO 7010
All fire safety signs comply exactly with the specifications of DIN EN ISO 7010 - in terms of color, shape and pictogram. They therefore also meet the requirements of ASR A1.3.
Luminescent according to DIN 67510
Our photoluminescent versions achieve the required luminance values of 140/20 mcd/m² and ensure safe orientation even in the event of a complete power failure.
Industrial-grade materials
Whether self-adhesive film for smooth surfaces, aluminum signs for harsh environments or magnetic variants for flexible mounting - the right material for every application.
All F-codes and sizes from stock
From F001 to F006, in sizes from 50 × 50 mm to 400 × 400 mm - including additional signs with directional arrows. Fast delivery, even for larger quantities.
Frequently asked questions
Which standard applies to fire safety signs in Germany?
In Germany, DIN EN ISO 7010 applies in conjunction with the technical rule ASR A1.3. Both stipulate that fire safety signs must be red, square and have a white pictogram. The old standards BGV A8 and DIN 4844-1 are no longer valid.
Must fire safety signs be photoluminescent?
ASR A1.3 requires that safety signs must be recognizable even if the general lighting fails. Photoluminescent signs in accordance with DIN 67510 are the most common and economical solution. Alternatively, safety lighting in accordance with DIN EN 1838 can be used.
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How big do fire safety signs need to be?
The size depends on the required recognition distance. Rule of thumb according to ASR A1.3: Detection width = sign height × 100. For a 20 meter long corridor, you need at least one sign with an edge length of 200 mm. In large halls, 300 mm or 400 mm are required.
What do fire safety signs according to DIN EN ISO 7010 cost?
The costs depend on the size, material and quantity. Self-adhesive foil signs are available from small quantities. Aluminum signs and photoluminescent versions are slightly more expensive. Contact us for a specific quote.
When do old fire safety signs need to be replaced?
Signs in accordance with the old BGV A8 or DIN 4844-1 standard must be replaced with signs in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7010 - there is no longer an official transition period. In addition, signs should be replaced if they are faded, damaged or dirty and visibility is no longer guaranteed.
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Do the signs also work internationally?
Yes. The DIN EN ISO 7010 pictograms are internationally harmonized and are understood worldwide - they work across languages and cultures. Additional text information in other languages can be added as a supplement, but is not mandatory.
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Does ergo-safe also offer advice on fire safety labeling?
Yes. Our team will help you choose the right signs, sizes and materials for your business. Send us your hall plan or your inventory list and we will create a suitable labeling concept for you.
Retrofitting fire protection signs in line with standards
All fire safety signs in accordance with DIN EN ISO 7010 - as photoluminescent film, on aluminum or self-adhesive. In all F codes and sizes from 50 × 50 mm to 400 × 400 mm.
