Wayfinding: Why does it matter?

The last few years has seen significant ongoing efforts from the UK government to improve fire safety after the tragedy of Grenfell. These efforts have come in the form of The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, amendments to the Approved Document B, as well as the new fire safety regulations ‘Phase 3’ that came into effect from 1st October. The major steps forward in legislation and guidance for the Fire Safety Industry has rightly shown where our industry needs to improve, including bringing to light the areas of fire safety that are often neglected. One area that is often neglected and pertinent to JALITE is wayfinding signage.

Since our beginnings 40 years ago this year, JALITE through in-house research and development, and leadership on committees and associations, have set Industry Standards for fire safety signage. This has made JALITE the go to source for technical information, for our valued distributors and beyond, especially in reference to the new fire safety legislation and guidance.

Since the amendments and introduction of legislation and guidance, JALITE have naturally been inundated with enquiries and questions particularly about wayfinding signage. Below, we are going to provide some insight into the following:

• What is wayfinding signage?
• Why is wayfinding signage needed? 
• What wayfinding means for the Responsible Person?

What is Wayfinding Signage:

Wayfinding signage helps visitors to the building or setting, navigate unfamiliar environments providing visual cues, signage, and other navigational aids. 
In the context of a building or a facility, wayfinding encompasses various design considerations and elements that guide people from one location to another, including to a place of safety. 

With reference to The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and Approved Document B, wayfinding signage pertains to helping fire and rescue services navigate unfamiliar environments such as in blocks of flats and high rise residential buildings. 

Why is Wayfinding Signage needed:

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry saw subsequent recommendations to help fire and rescue services orientate themselves, within blocks of flats during an emergency. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and the Approved Document B reference, that wayfinding signage including floor and flat identification signs, be located on every landing of a protected stairway and corridor/lobby. This is of course dependent on the process of formal fire risk assessment. 

As part of these suggestions, the text and arrows of the floor and flat identifications signs are to be visible in low level lighting such as in fire or power loss situations. JALITE AAA market leading photoluminescent fire safety signage is your solution. 

This coupled with the Premises Information Boxes minimises the risk of injury, harm or worse, by allowing fire and rescue personnel to efficiently progress through the building, enhancing the life safety for themselves and others during an emergency evacuation.

What the Wayfinding means for Responsible Persons

At JALITE we have always taken a full approach to guidance and recommendations. We focus on the intricacies, using British and International Standards for fire safety signage to inform our technical information, and ensure that we protect people and property to good practice; putting quality at the heart of all we do. 

There is always more that Responsible Persons and Appointed Persons can do to follow recommendations and guidance to prove competence, with this being recorded consistently. 

JALITE photoluminescent products are your trusted solution for wayfinding; providing safety way guidance system components i.e., signage, plans, low location lighting etc. to fulfil the following key aspects of wayfinding:

1. Signing: plays a vital role in wayfinding and encompasses providing clear and visible information. This includes directional signs, room labels, floor directories, arrows, symbols, and other visual cues that guide individuals toward their desired destinations. 

2. Pathfinding: involves designing logical and intuitive routes within a building to help people navigate efficiently. This includes establishing clear pathways, minimising dead ends, and optimising the arrangement of spaces and circulation areas to support smooth movement. 

3. Landmarks and visibility: fire safety plans as part of wayfinding, benefits from the presence of distinct landmarks or points of reference that serve as visual anchors. These landmarks can be unique architectural features, artwork, or prominent objects that help individuals orient themselves and understand their position within the environment. 

4. Lighting and visibility: adequate lighting and visibility are crucial for effective wayfinding. Well-lit spaces, illuminated signage, and visibility of paths and intersections contribute to a clear understanding of the environment and aid in wayfinding.

5. Colour and visual differentiation: the use of colour and visual differentiation as part of fire alarm zone plans assists in distinguishing different areas, zones, or levels within a building. Colour-coded signage, floor patterns, or distinct visual elements can help individuals identify and remember specific routes or areas. 

6. Digital wayfinding: with advancements in technology, and requirements from Business Information Modelling (BIM), digital wayfinding systems have become increasingly popular. These systems employ interactive maps, digital displays, mobile applications, and augmented reality to provide real-time navigation guidance, updates, and customised routes. 

​JALITE understand how daunting these amendments and updates can be for all types of Responsible Persons within the Industry. We are always at hand via our UK customer Services team to help you with technical information, to help you grow your business and ultimately keep occupants safe.

JALITE are your trusted source for quality information and products.

Email us at sales@jalite.com or call us at +44 (0) 1268 242 300 if you need more information.