Introduction
The current standard is BS 1635 : 1990 and has been produced with the agreement of the Fire Standards Policy Committee and replaces BS 1635: 1970. During preparation the international standard ISO 6790 Graphical symbols for fire protection plans, was considered and those symbols have been used wherever possible, with consideration of the content of BS 1635 : 1970. The format uses the style as recommended in BS 1192 Part 3: 1987 and ISO 6790, and incorporates precedents that exist in best British drawing practice. The names given to symbols have wherever possible been derived from BS 4422 and the wording used in group 9, Fire safety signs, complies with BS 5499: Part 1. BS 1635:1990 The rationale they have used, is to produce simple icons that representing one piece of fire engineering and are called element. You then combine a number of these elements into a symbol, for example the element for any type of extinguisher is a triangle, insert into the triangle the element for water, a circle with a vertical line and you have a Water Extinguisher. You can make them more complex and they are then called applications. The symbol for a hose reel is a semicircle, with the water element inserted, add an outlet which is an arrow, and the element for length of hose in meters and you have an application. The application for a hose reel shows the length of the hose in metres in the upper right hand corner and although contrary to the standard I believe it should be also apply to portable extinguishers. The above is only a very brief introduction and the symbols are simple sketches produced by me consequently you need to research the British Standard by purchasing a copy or use the local reference library who may have copies.
Group Table
Information Devices
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Alarm
Means of Escape
5.1 Routes
Risk Areas
Fire Precautions
Emergency Lighting
8.1 Lighting
9.1 Descriptions
Smoke Control
Note. The symbols taken from ISO 6790 without modification are noted with an asterisk.
Group 1 Information
1.101
1.102
1.103
1.104
Return
Water2.1E1 *
Halon Gas2.1E7
Foam2.1E2 * *
Wall Mounted2.1E9
BC Powder2.1E4
ABC Powder2.1E5 *
Fire Blanket2.1E11
Symbols
Any Type2.101 * *
Water Bucket2.110 *
Sand Bucket2.111
*
Applications
Return
Outlet 2.2E1 *
Hydraulic Operation2.2E6
Inlet 2.2E2 *
Manual Operation2.2E7
Total Application2.2E3
Mechanical Operation2.2E8
Pneumatic Operation2.2E9
Electrical Operation2.2E5
Thermal Operation2.2E10
Symbols
Applications
Return
Indicator or Meter3.1E5
Chamber in Ground3.1E3
Valve3.1E4 *
Symbols
Fire Point3.109 *
Hosereel3.110
Applications
Under ground Fire Main with Metered by Pass3.1E1 + 3.1E3 + 3.1E4 + 3.1E5
Return
Sounder4.1E1 * *
Illuminated Signal4.1E2
Symbols
Return
Smoke4.2E1
Beam4.2E3
Flame4.2E2
Symbols
Return
Manual Sounder4.3E1 *
LoudSpeaker4.3E3
Electric Bell4.3E2 *
Telephone4.3E4
Symbols
Applications
Return
Directional Arrow5.1E1
Symbols
Escape Route5.101
Return
Flammable Materials6.1E1
Explosive Materials6.1E3
Oxidizing Materials6.1E2
Symbols
Return
Elements
Ramp Gradient7.1E1
Vision Panel7.1E9
Guarding Handrail7.1E10
Security Lock7.1E4
Key in Box7.1E5
Fusible Link7.1E12
Fire Resisting7.1E13
Self Closing7.1E7
Smoke Resisting7.1E14
Symbols
Fire Damper7.117
Applications
Final Exit Door set Double Leaves Single Swing with push bar door ironmongery7.110 + 7.1E11
30 min Fire Resisting Door set, Single Leaf, Single Swing7.118 + 7.104 +7.1E2 + 7.113
60 min Fire Resisting Door set, Single Leaf, Single Swing7.118 + 7.104 +7.1E2 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E14
Wall Opening with Roller Shutter 30 mins Fire Resistance operated by Fusible Link7.102 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E12
30 min Fire and Smoke Resisting Door set, Double Leaf, Single Swing, Self Closing. Normally held open on electro magnetic devices7.118 + 7.110 + 7.1E2 + 7.1E8 + 7.1E13 + 7.1E14
Return
Emergency / Safety8.1E5
Symbols
Emergency, Enclosed8.101
Return
General Prohibition9.1E1
Smoking is Prohibited9.1E2
Fire Exit9.1E22
Slide to Open9.1E23
General Warning9.1E5
Flammable Materials9.1E6
Oxidizing Materials9.1E7
Risk of Explosion9.1E8
No Means of Escape9.1E9
Fire Telephone9.1E29
Fire Extinguisher9.1E31
Foam Inlet9.1E32
Dry Riser9.1E33
Wet Riser9.1E34
Fireman`s Switch9.1E35
Door to be Unlocked9.1E18
Fire Plan9.1E38
Symbols
Fire Exit9.101
Applications
Return
Fan10.1E6
Symbols
Pressurized Space10.102
Smoke Reservoir10.105
Return
Standard Number Title
BS 1635:1990
Recommendations for graphic symbols and abbreviations for fire protection drawings