Assembly point sign requirements UK

Where should the assembly point itself be located?

Choosing the assembly point is part of the fire risk assessment. Practical considerations:

• Safe distance — typically 30+ metres from the building, more for tall buildings or where collapse is a risk
• Clear of access routes — emergency vehicles need unrestricted access; the assembly point should not block fire engines, ambulances, or police
• Open ground — clear of secondary fire risks (other buildings, fuel storage, vehicle parking with full tanks, gas tanks)
• Accessible — wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments need to be able to reach it
• Sheltered if possible — UK weather considerations; covered car parks or pavement areas reduce exposure during long evacuations
• Visible from the building — marshal needs line of sight to occupants; occupants need to see the assembly point as they exit

Multiple assembly points

For multi-building campuses, large industrial sites, and complex premises, multiple assembly points are typical. Naming convention: Assembly Point A, B, C (or by location: "North Car Park Assembly", "Front Lawn Assembly"). Each fire exit route directs to a specific assembly point, and the fire action notices specify which one each evacuation route leads to.

Standard sign placement

Three placements are typical:

• At the assembly point itself. Large sign on a post (typically 2.5-3m above ground), visible from across the assembly area. The marshal stands here and counts occupants. Standard size 600×400mm minimum, often 800×600mm for larger sites.
• At every fire exit pointing toward the assembly point. Standard "Assembly Point →" wayfinding sign with directional arrow. Typically 200×300mm or 300×400mm. Mounted just above the door frame on the outside of the final exit.
• Along external routes between exits and the assembly point. Where the route is not immediately obvious (around buildings, across complex sites), supplementary directional signs every 20-50m.

Materials and lifespan

The assembly point sign itself sits in the open all year — UK weather, UV exposure, possibly vandalism. Aluminium composite (Dibond) on a galvanised steel post is the standard specification, giving 7-10 years of external life. For higher-impact environments (vehicle yards, exposed coastal sites), pressed aluminium is more durable.

Wayfinding signs along internal corridors are typically rigid PVC. Where escape routes pass through external areas, aluminium composite for the external-facing signs.

Reflective and photoluminescent options

For 24/7 operating sites, multi-shift sites, and any premises where evacuation might happen during darkness:

• Reflective specification — sign panel printed with retroreflective material that returns light from torches and vehicle headlights. Effective for outdoor assembly points lit by emergency vehicles or marshal torches.
• Photoluminescent — for internal escape route wayfinding to assembly points, photoluminescent signs remain visible during power failure. Less useful for external assembly points which need active light to see.

Linking the system

Effective assembly point signage is part of a system:

1. Fire alarm activates → occupants begin evacuation
2. Fire exit signs direct them to the correct exit
3. External wayfinding signs (if needed) direct them along the route
4. Assembly point sign confirms the destination
5. Marshal at the assembly point conducts the headcount
6. Fire action notice (back inside the building) reinforces the assembly point name so occupants know where to go before they leave

For the full system, see our fire exit sign regulations guide and fire action notice requirements guide.

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