Caution - in the Event of Fire - Do Not Use this Lift - Safety Signs by Caledonia Signs

A “Caution: In the Event of Fire, Do Not Use This Lift” safety sign is a critical component of building fire safety, providing a clear warning that elevators should never be used during a fire emergency. Elevators can become extremely dangerous in such situations because power failures may trap occupants between floors, or the lift may open on a floor affected by smoke or flames. The sign ensures that building occupants are immediately aware of these risks, helping prevent potentially life-threatening situations. By communicating this information visually and prominently, it reduces confusion during high-stress emergencies.

These signs are typically installed on or next to lift doors, as well as in lift lobbies throughout the building. Their placement ensures that occupants see the warning at the point where they are most likely to consider using the lift. This timely reminder encourages people to choose safer alternatives, such as stairwells or designated fire escape routes, which remain operational and reliable during emergencies.

Beyond preventing the misuse of lifts, these signs contribute to the overall effectiveness of a building’s fire safety strategy. By guiding occupants toward safer evacuation routes, they help ensure orderly and efficient evacuations, reduce the risk of panic, and support the work of fire wardens and emergency responders. Clear, consistent signage is especially important in multi-storey buildings, high-occupancy areas, or facilities frequented by visitors unfamiliar with emergency procedures.

From a compliance perspective, “Do Not Use This Lift” signs help meet fire safety regulations and building codes that require occupants to be informed about the risks associated with lift use during fires. They also reinforce a culture of safety by providing visible, easy-to-understand guidance, ensuring that everyone in the building knows the safest way to evacuate. By preventing misuse and promoting awareness, these signs play a key role in protecting lives and enhancing overall fire 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 is 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.

Rigid Plastic with Self Adhesive Backing: Our standard rigid plastic is a gloss white, smooth, solid material that allows for crisp printing of text and graphics - resistant to weather, moisture, chemicals. A strong peel & stick adhesive backing eliminates the need for tools or hardware, providing a long-lasting bond to most smooth surfaces, saving time and labour costs.