Photoluminescent Signs Buying Guide

Safety

Photoluminescent signage is a crucial safety feature for any environment where visibility can be compromised. These signs absorb ambient light and emit a glow in low-light conditions, ensuring essential information remains visible during power outages and emergencies.

Regulatory Compliance

Aligns with UK safety standards: though not strictly mandated, regulations like The Health & Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996 encourage visibility in emergencies.

SafetySigns4Less provides the widest range of compliant photoluminescent signage for safety and peace of mind.

Sustainability

By reducing the need for electricity, photoluminescent signs offer both environmental and cost benefits. All signs are guaranteed to last for at least four years indoors, reducing replacement costs.

Reliability

Unlike powered or illuminated signs, photoluminescent signs are fail-safe, requiring no electricity, so they work even in complete blackouts.

Shop Now

Photoluminescence Explained

Photoluminescent materials use phosphorescent pigments to absorb and store light from sources like daylight or artificial lighting, then emit a glow in the dark. This light emission continues for varying durations based on the material quality, making them invaluable during power outages or low-light conditions.

Photoluminescent materials are rated based on their luminance. This measures how much light is visible from the surface of the sign, in millicandelas per square meter (mcd/m²). Higher values indicate a brighter glow.

Photoluminescent signs are categorized into different grades based on their luminance performance, as defined by the Photoluminescent Safety Products Association (PSPA).

Class

A

B

C

D

Minimum Luminance (mcd/m²)

At decay time

2 min

108

210

690

1100

10 min

140

260

30 min

60 min

BS ISO 16069 Compliant?

SS4L Equivalent

Our materials exceed the PSPA requirements in each relevant category.

—

Class B+

Class C+

Class D+

Suitable Applications

Low level of photoluminescence not suitable for use in Safety Signage. Not offered by SafetySigns4Less.

A cost effective solution for use where BS ISO 16069 does not apply (see Regulatory Compliance below).

The minimum requirement for compliance with BS ISO 16069, such as for Safety Way Guidance Systems (SWGS). We recommend at least Class C+ for critical safety signage such as emergency exit marking and fire equipment identification.

Our premium option for the brightest and longest lasting glow. Particularly useful in settings where safety cannot be compromised and ambient lighting is less reliable, e.g. car parks and stairwells.

By aligning with these standards, SafetySigns4Less offers peace of mind, maximizing safety, reliability, and compliance.

Regulatory Compliance. Meeting Safety Standards

While not mandatory in the UK, photoluminescent signs meet the spirit of UK safety regulations by ensuring visibility in low-light and emergency conditions.

Key standards include:

The Health & Safety (Safety Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996

Encourages the use of phosphorescent or reflective materials where natural light is insufficient, supporting clear visibility during power outages.
Highlights the importance of uninterrupted legibility in emergency situations to enhance safety.

BS 5499-4:2013 – Safety Signs for Escape Routes

This standard mandates the proper illumination of escape route signs, ensuring they remain visible and effective in any lighting condition.
Where photoluminescent materials are used, they must meet BS ISO 17398:2004, classification C, equivalent to Class C photoluminescent material, such as Class C+ material.

The Building Regulations 2010 – Fire Safety Approved Document B

The 2020 amendment requires wayfinding signage for fire services in buildings above 11 meters.
Although it doesn’t mandate photoluminescent signs, legibility in low-light conditions is essential, making photoluminescent options ideal for compliance.

BS ISO 16069:2017 – Safety Way Guidance Systems (SWGS)

Sets standards for safety way guidance systems, which direct individuals to safety during emergencies like fires or power failures.
While photoluminescent materials are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended and must meet minimum luminance requirements (equivalent to Class C+, or PSPA class C) where used.

Standard Material Options

Self Adhesive Vinyl

Our most cost effective solution, offering a gloss finish. Quick and easy to affix, suitable for flat or curved non-porous surfaces. Recommended for indoor use and guaranteed for 4 years. Available in photoluminescent classes B+, C+ or D+.

1.2mm Rigid Plastic

Lightweight and durable material, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. More flexible that thicker plastic alternatives, making it less likely to snap or break. Supplied with adhesive pads for installing on flat surfaces. Guaranteed for 4 years. Available in photoluminescent classes B+, C+ or D+.

Types of Signs

Traditional wall signs can often be missed if viewed from the wrong angle. That’s why we’ve created a range of alternative photoluminescent signs, designed to be viewed from various angles.

From hanging signs to identify fire exits, to 3D signs sitting above Fire Extinguishers, we’ve got the right sign for any circumstance.

Glow In The Dark Fire Exit Signs

Clear fire exit signage is an essential part of every fire safety plan, guiding people to safety quickly and calmly in an emergency. These signs provide high-visibility direction even during power failures or low-light conditions, ensuring escape routes remain easy to follow even when lights go out - with no batteries needed. Available in Class B+, C+ or D+ Photoluminescent.

View Range

Glow In The Dark Fire Equipment Signs

In an emergency, every second counts. Ensuring that staff and visitors can quickly locate essential fire safety tools is vital for effective evacuation and first-response actions. These signs help clearly identify extinguishers, fire hoses, alarms, and other emergency apparatus during power failures or smoky conditions. Available in Class B+, C+ or D+ Photoluminescent.

View Range

Glow In The Dark Warning Signs

In environments where lighting conditions can change unexpectedly, these signs help prevent accidents and reinforce safe working practices around the clock. Ideal for factories, warehouses, schools, construction sites, and public facilities. Available in Class B+, C+ or D+ Photoluminescent.

View Range

Glow In The Dark First Aid Signs

In an emergency, visibility can save lives. These signs help ensure first aid points remain clear and easy to find, even when lighting fails. Ideal for offices, schools, warehouses, factories, and public buildings, these signs provide reliable guidance and peace of mind for staff and visitors alike. Available in Class B+, C+ or D+ Photoluminescent.

View Range

Why Buy From SafetySigns4Less?

Safety signs are a legal requirement for all kinds of organisation to meet basic health and safety obligations, and photoluminescent signs add enhanced visibility to critical safety messages.

Compliance doesn’t have to be onerous or expensive and we aim to make it as easy as possible for our customers. 

We manufacture our own signs in Poole, Dorset which enables our customers to save money by buying directly from a UK manufacturer.

Many of our signs are designed using official ISO symbols, and laid out in accordance with HSE Signs & Signals regulations, unlike some competitors.

We offer the widest range of photoluminescent materials, sign types and finishes and fixings, all available at the click of the button, so you can order a complete signage solution in seconds. As standard, we offer high quality durable materials and UV stabilised inks so our signs will stand the test of time, we guarantee it!