Evacuation Diagrams

Emergency Evacuation Diagrams are vital to show fire and evacuation information to your occupants and visitors.

This is an Australian Standard requirement as part of your facility’s evacuation plan, in accordance with AS 3745-2010 & failure to adhere can result in penalties up to $30,000.

Fire Evacuation Diagrams need to clearly show evacuation procedures, fire & safety equipment, designated exits, details of emergency assembly areas & more.

Evacuation diagrams help to;

• Prevent personal injuries
• Provide clarity and direction when moving to an assembly area during an emergency
• Prevent loss of lives in the event of an emergency
• Reduce effects if an amergency
• Reduce interruptions to business
• Prevent damage to property

Minimum Elements

Australian Standard AS 3745-2010 Clause 3.5.5 lists a range of elements which must be included in an evacuation diagram:

• You Are Here symbol
• Designated exit points and evacuation paths- Fire extinguishers and types
• Fire blankets
• Validity Date (this is slightly different for Queensland)
• A symbol legend
• Location of the workplace & site address/facility name if applicable
• “EVACUATION DIAGRAM” heading
• Assembly point location either written or in a picture

The most important thing to remember when installing Evacuation Diagrams is to follow the position requirements mentioned above – 1200mm to 1600mm off finished floor level.

Evacuation diagrams are often installed to fire doors (e.g. entrance doors to apartments, or hotel rooms, and fire stairs), as well as smoke doors and fire rated walls. In doing so care must be taken to ensure the fire-rating of the door or wall is not impacted by using screws or similar fasteners.