Fire door signs: which ones and where to fit them
By Jason Misters. Published 22 October 2026.
Use "Fire door keep shut" on both faces of self-closing fire doors, "Fire door keep locked shut" on doors that are kept locked, and "Automatic fire door keep clear" where a door is held open by a release device. Fit them at eye level, clear of vision panels.
The three messages
- Fire door keep shut: for doors that close behind you. It reminds people not to wedge or prop them open.
- Fire door keep locked shut: for doors that are normally locked, such as plant rooms, stores and risers.
- Automatic fire door keep clear: for doors held open by a release device that closes them when the alarm sounds, so nothing blocks their path.
Approved Document B for England describes this signing in its appendix on fire doorsets. Check the current edition for your building, because rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Where to fit them
- At about eye level, on the face of the door that people see as they approach.
- On both faces for doors that people use in both directions.
- Clear of vision panels and anywhere an open door, notice board or coat hook would hide the sign.
- Fixed so the fixing does not damage the door's fire performance. Self-adhesive signs are often used for this reason, but check the door's manufacturer guidance.
Common mistakes
- Signs fitted to doors that are not fire doors, which makes the real ones less credible.
- Signs left on after a door has been removed or replaced.
- Faded or painted-over signs.
- Relying on a sign when the real problem is a worn closer or a missing seal. Fire doors need regular inspection.
Signs support workplace controls. They do not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
Who is responsible
In England and Wales the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the duty on the responsible person for the premises, normally the employer or the person in control. Your fire risk assessment decides what needs signing.
Frequently asked questions
Do fire doors need a sign on both sides?
Self-closing fire doors are normally signed "Fire door keep shut" on both faces. Doors that are kept locked, such as cupboards and risers, are normally signed on the side people approach. Check Approved Document B for your building.
What size should a fire door sign be?
Most small workplaces use a sign of around 150 mm square, which reads at roughly six or seven metres. Use a larger size in wide corridors or where the door is seen from further away.
Should I use rigid plastic or vinyl?
Rigid plastic is more durable and can be screwed or stuck on with pads. Self-adhesive vinyl is cheaper and avoids drilling the door, but it needs a clean, smooth surface.
Signs mentioned in this guide
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information for workplaces in Great Britain, not legal advice. Signs support workplace controls; they do not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.