Location of Fire-Fighting Equipment – Diagonal Arrow – SABS safety sign (FB1.1)

The Location of Fire-Fighting Equipment – Diagonal Arrow safety sign (FB1.1) is used to indicate the diagonal direction of nearby fire-fighting equipment within a building or workplace. The red diagonal arrow provides clear guidance where the route to the equipment is angled or offset.

Purpose and function

This sign supports rapid wayfinding when the equipment is not positioned directly ahead. The diagonal variant is selected where a straight directional arrow would not correctly represent the route. Directional arrow signs do not replace primary equipment identification signs, they support quick and accurate navigation in emergency conditions.

Typical applications

• Indicating diagonal or offset directions to fire extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, or emergency alarms
• Guiding occupants through angled corridors, stairwell approaches, or complex building layouts
• Improving visibility and response time in unfamiliar environments
• Used as part of a coordinated fire-fighting signage system across a site

Commonly used with

• Fire Extinguisher SABS safety sign (FB2)
• Fire Hose Reel SABS safety sign (FB3)
• Fire Hydrant SABS safety sign (FB4)
• Hand Held Emergency Alarm SABS safety sign (FB13)

Selection and placement guidance

Install this sign at the point where decisions are made, and ensure it remains visible from normal approach routes. For guidance on selecting compliant fire-fighting safety signage and understanding correct placement, refer to our Fire Fighting Safety Signs explainer.

Visibility and material options

This sign is available in standard safety sign materials suitable for indoor and outdoor use, depending on the selected variant. Where emergency wayfinding is required during power failure or reduced lighting, photoluminescent options may be more appropriate.

A photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) version of this sign is also available for emergency routes, low-light conditions, and areas where power failure may occur. View the photoluminescent version.

Combination signs can also be supplied where the directional arrow is integrated with one or more fire-fighting equipment symbols. These are commonly used where both identification and direction are required on a single sign for clearer on-site guidance.

For applications requiring extended emergency wayfinding or complete escape route coverage, view the full range of photoluminescent safety signs.

Compliance

In South Africa, safety sign designs follow South African National Standards (SANS), including SANS 1186-1:2022, which governs the design, colours, shapes, symbols, and application of safety signs and safety markings. These standards are administered through the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to promote consistent recognition across workplaces and public environments.

SANS 1186-1:2022 aligns closely with internationally recognised standards, including ISO 7010 and ISO 3864-3, ensuring familiarity and clear understanding across different industries and regions.