Understand fire-door notices, related exit and braille signs, product selection and the checks to complete before building handover.
Correct signage helps keep fire and smoke doors identifiable and unobstructed. The required wording and location depend on the door type, the adopted NCC provisions, referenced standards, the fire-safety schedule and approved project documents.
Why fire-door signage matters
Fire and smoke doors form part of a building’s fire-safety system. If a door is wedged open, obstructed, incorrectly identified or fitted with the wrong notice, it can create a safety problem and delay inspection or handover.
Signage does not make a door compliant by itself. The door, hardware, frame, installation, certification and required notices must work together as the approved system.
Choosing the correct fire-door notice
Common notice wording includes FIRE SAFETY DOOR — DO NOT OBSTRUCT — DO NOT KEEP OPEN and FIRE SAFETY DOOR — DO NOT OBSTRUCT. The correct version depends on the door arrangement, including whether an approved hold-open device is used.
Self-closing door
A “do not keep open” instruction may be required where the door is intended to remain closed except while being used.
Approved hold-open arrangement
The wording can differ where the approved system permits the door to be held open and released automatically.
Final exit or fire-isolated exit
Check whether notices are required on one or both sides and whether additional exit, level or offence notices apply.
Smoke door or other fire door
Use the description and notice specified for that door rather than substituting the nearest stock sign.
For ready-made combinations and common wording, view the fire-door signage pack collection. For unusual wording or sizes, send the schedule for a custom quotation.
Material, lettering and durability
There is no single universal fire-door sign size or mounting height that can safely be applied to every notice. Check the applicable requirement and approved schedule. The finished notice should use the required wording and lettering, remain legible, and be securely fixed in the specified position.
- Select a substrate suitable for the door, exposure, cleaning regime and expected service life.
- Use clear contrast and lettering that remains readable from the intended viewing position.
- Confirm whether aluminium, engraved laminate, stainless steel, acrylic or another specified material is required.
- A vinyl application may be suitable in some documented situations, but it should not be assumed to satisfy every permanent fire-door notice requirement.
- Do not cover door labels, hardware, glazing or other required identification.
Where should fire-door signs be installed?
Install the notice where it is visible, legible and consistent with the applicable requirement and approved door schedule. Placement can vary with the notice type and door arrangement.
- Confirm the correct face or faces of each door before installation.
- For double doors, check whether each leaf requires identification.
- Make sure the notice remains visible when the door is in its normal position.
- Avoid conflicts with handles, closers, glazing, kick plates and existing certification labels.
- Keep heights and alignment consistent where the project documents allow.
Other signs commonly coordinated near fire doors
NSW fire-exit offence notice
Where the NSW notice applies, confirm its required location and wording as part of the door-by-door review.
View offence notice signBraille exit and level signs
Required exits may also need braille and tactile identification. Confirm the correct exit and level wording and prescribed wall position.
Shop braille exit signsFire and equipment signs
Coordinate hydrant, sprinkler, booster, pump-room and fire-control-room identification with the fire-services documents.
Shop all fire signsFull statutory-sign review
For a broader explanation covering accessibility, exit, evacuation and project handover signage, use our master compliance guide.
Read the compliance guideCommon fire-door signage mistakes
- Ordering all doors from one generic sign list without checking the door schedule.
- Using “do not keep open” wording on a door with a different approved arrangement.
- Missing a required sign face or fitting the notice to the wrong side.
- Applying a braille sign directly to the door when the prescribed wall location is available.
- Forgetting state-specific notices or related exit and level identification.
- Using superseded drawings, room names or door numbers.
- Leaving the signage review until the final inspection.
Fire-door signage handover checklist
- Latest approved door and signage schedules used
- Door type and required wording confirmed
- Correct face or faces identified
- Material, lettering, contrast and fixing method checked
- Notices visible and unobstructed
- Braille exit and level signs checked separately
- Applicable NSW offence notices checked
- Exit, emergency-lighting and fire-services signs coordinated
- Variations recorded and completed locations photographed
Shop fire-door and related statutory signs
Choose from common stock wording or send us the approved schedule for custom sizes, materials and project-specific text.
Frequently asked questions
What wording must appear on a fire door?
The wording depends on the door type and approved arrangement. Check the door schedule and project requirements before choosing between common “do not obstruct” and “do not keep open” notices.
Is every fire-door sign required to be 200 × 200 mm?
No single size should be assumed for every notice. Confirm the required wording, letter size, notice type and project specification.
Must every fire-door sign be mounted 1200–1600 mm above the floor?
Do not apply that range as a universal fire-door rule. Mounting requirements depend on the particular notice. The 1200–1600 mm zone is commonly associated with braille and tactile information, which must be checked separately.
Can vinyl be used?
Suitability depends on the documented requirement, substrate, durability and fixing expectations. Do not assume either that all vinyl is acceptable or that only metal can comply.
Do required exits also need braille signs?
Some required exits need braille and tactile identification under the applicable NCC provisions. Confirm the required wording, level designation and prescribed location for the project.
Have a fire-door schedule ready?
Send the current schedule, door types, required wording, quantities and material requirements. We can prepare stock and custom signage as one coordinated supply package.
