Do your fire evacuation diagrams comply with safety standards?

Aug 10, 2019

In all states of Australia, evacuation diagrams must comply with safety regulations and standards.

It’s a requirement of AS3745 2010 (‘Planning for Emergencies in Facilities’ Section 3.5) to have evacuation diagrams in all facilities, including common areas when referring to multi-tenanted buildings.

Not sure if your fire evacuation diagrams are compliant? Here’s our guide to help you understand your requirements in line with Australian standards and regulations.

What benefits do evacuation diagrams provide?

Evacuation diagrams are an important part of your Evacuation Plan. By making escape quicker and more effective, they can:

Reduce the negative impact of an emergency
Prevent loss of life and injuries
Prevent property damage
Minimise business interruptions

What information do they contain?

The Floor Plan and Site Plan of the facility, its Assembly Point and its Emergency Procedures
Orientation for the individual (“You are here”), pointing them to the nearest and safest exit
The location of the nearest fire equipment – such as extinguishers, hose reels and fire blankets
A legend to help people better-understand the symbols on the diagram

Learn more about emergency evacuation plans here

What are their minimum elements?

The Australian Standard (AS) 3745 “planning for emergencies in facilities” requires that your diagram should display the following information:

‘You are here’ location
Fire stairs
Fire indicator panel
Firefighting equipment locations
Emergency exit points
Assembly points
Legends and more

What elements are optional?

While not a basic requirement, optional elements can make the diagram simpler to understand and therefore provide valuable efficiencies during an emergency. Some may include:

Other emergency information
A more detailed site plan
First aid stations
Warden details
Spill kits, etc.

Where and how many diagrams?

Diagrams should be located in the most accessible place possible on each evacuation route
Your Emergency Planning Committee should determine this exact the number and location.

What size should they be?

The minimum size of an evacuation diagram is A4, using only the minimum requirements / elements. If any optional elements are used, it should be A3
The minimum size of the floor plan should be 200mm x 150mm

How should they be positioned and oriented?

Your diagrams should be positioned between 1200mm and 1600 mm from the floor level
They should be oriented according to the ‘You are Here’ location, ensuring the building is rotated correctly as per the person viewing the sign.
The Site Plan, if displayed, should also be oriented in the same direction of the Floor Plan.

Learn more about evacuation diagrams here

Note: Evacuation Diagram Standards are subject to change – therefore it’s important to ensure you’re up to date with Australian Standards, and undergo regular ongoing maintenance.

Not sure if your evacuation diagrams comply with safety standards? Fire Block Plans is here to help you and your team. Our highly-qualified experts will help find a suitable emergency evacuation plan, no matter how unique your requirements may be. Contact us today for more information.