To be Kept Unlocked During Working Hours - Safety Signs by Caledonia Signs

Essential for maintaining safe and accessible escape routes during the hours a building is occupied. Its primary purpose is to ensure that specific doors, especially those designated as emergency exits, are not inadvertently locked while people are inside. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, locked doors can trap occupants or cause dangerous delays during evacuation, putting lives at risk.

This sign also serves as a reminder to staff and management of their responsibilities under fire safety policies. While certain doors may need to be locked outside of operational hours for security reasons, they must be unlocked during working hours to comply with safety regulations. By clearly displaying this instruction, the sign helps prevent accidental breaches of these important safety requirements and reinforces routine safety checks.

The sign should be installed on or directly above the relevant door, typically those along designated escape routes or leading to external fire exits. Common locations include offices, warehouses, retail spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and public buildings. In any setting where occupants may rely on these doors to exit quickly in an emergency, visibility and correct placement of this sign are crucial.

In summary, a “To Be Kept Unlocked During Working Hours” sign plays a vital role in balancing security and emergency preparedness. It promotes safe building usage by ensuring escape routes remain accessible when needed most. By making safety instructions clear and visible, the sign supports compliance, improves emergency readiness, and ultimately helps protect the lives of occupants and visitors.

Materials Explained

Below is a more detailed description of the materials this particular safety sign is available in. Helping you decide which sign option is most suitable for your application.

Rigid Plastic: This lightweight, gloss white PVC is resistant to weather, moisture, chemicals, and general wear and tear, making it suitable for harsh environments. Its smooth, solid surface allows for crisp printing of text and graphics, enhancing readability and visual impact. Businesses who choose Rigid Plastic signs benefit from fewer replacements and minimal maintenance, making it a practical investment for reliable and effective safety signs.

Self-Adhesive Vinyl: Self-adhesive vinyl is easy to apply and it’s budget-friendly. Its adhesive backing allows for easy application to a variety of surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, and painted walls, which simplifies installation and reduces setup time. Self-adhesive vinyl provides a clean, professional finish that suits many indoor environments including offices, retail, industrial sites, and vehicles. It is more affordable than many other material types and allows for custom shapes, colours, and graphics.