In Case of Fire Break Glass for Key - Safety Signs by Caledonia Signs

Clearly indicate the location of a key needed to unlock a door or gate during an emergency, such as a fire. In many buildings, certain exits or fire escape routes are kept locked for security reasons, and the key is stored in a break-glass box nearby. This sign informs people that the key can be accessed by breaking the glass, providing critical guidance during high-stress situations when fast action is needed.

These signs are typically used in commercial, industrial, and multi-occupancy residential buildings where emergency exit doors or fire doors are not freely accessible at all times. You’ll often find them near fire exit doors, security gates, or access-controlled escape routes. They are usually positioned directly above or beside the break-glass key box, ensuring visibility when someone is attempting to evacuate quickly.

Their importance lies in both clarity and legality. Without clear signage, individuals may not know how to access a locked emergency route, potentially causing dangerous delays during evacuation. The instruction to "break glass for key" makes it immediately clear that breaking the cover is allowed and necessary in a fire emergency, reducing hesitation or confusion.

Furthermore, these signs help ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and building codes, which often require that all emergency exits be accessible or have clearly marked and easy-to-operate unlocking mechanisms. Using this sign as part of a broader emergency exit plan contributes to safer building management and more effective emergency preparedness.

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.

To achieve high performance in low light conditions and conform to ISO 16069 we recommend using Ultra Bright.

Ultra Bright Photoluminescent Rigid Plastic: Ultra Bright rigid plastic has a photoluminescent (glow in the dark) pigmentation which offers a highly effective, reliable, and energy-free visibility in low-light or blackout conditions, making them ideal for emergency exit applications. The afterglow properties exceed PSPA Class C grade, as measured to DIN 6751, provides razor sharp definition in blackout conditions.

Ultra Bright Photoluminescent Self Adhesive: Ultra Bright self adhesive vinyl is a flexible PVC with photoluminescent (glow in the dark) pigmentation. The self-adhesive backing enables quick, tool-free application on smooth, clean surfaces like walls and doors. The afterglow properties exceed PSPA Class C grade, as measured to DIN 6751, provides razor sharp definition in blackout conditions, making them ideal for emergency escape applications.