Emergency Evacuation Diagrams

Evacuation diagrams are generally required under Australian Standard AS 3745:2010, which outlines emergency planning requirements for workplaces and facilities. Property owners and facility managers are responsible for ensuring emergency evacuation plans and diagrams meet these compliance requirements.

Evacuation diagrams are typically required for commercial buildings, government facilities, schools, healthcare facilities, aged care environments, retail centres, industrial sites and other workplaces where staff, visitors or members of the public are present.

Evacuation diagrams must align with AS 3745:2010 and be correctly oriented to the viewer’s location. They must also be positioned in highly visible locations and contain mandatory safety information. Professional design, site assessment and compliance reviews help ensure diagrams meet regulatory requirements.

First 5 Minutes provides end-to-end evacuation diagram services, including site assessment, professional design by safety experts, custom branding, high-quality printing and installation. Diagrams can also be updated when building layouts or safety systems change to maintain ongoing compliance.

No.

Under AS 3745, evacuation diagrams must be reviewed for accuracy, not simply re-dated.

If nothing has changed in the building and the diagram remains accurate, it can be revalidated — but this should be supported by a formal review or inspection. Simply editing the date without verification may expose you to compliance risk.

AS 3745 does not strictly mandate A3 or A4 size — it requires that diagrams:

• Be clearly legible
• Be displayed in appropriate locations
• Show required emergency information
• Be easily understood

A3 Diagrams

• Larger and easier to read
• Better for public areas and higher occupancy spaces
• Improved visibility during emergencies

A4 Diagrams

• Suitable for smaller rooms or offices
• More cost-effective
• Common for back-of-house areas

Benefit of larger formats: Faster comprehension in high-stress situations.

Compliance ensures:

Legal defensibility

•  Consistent emergency communication
• Reduced liability
• Clear evacuation instructions
• Alignment with national best practice

Non-compliant diagrams may:

• Cause confusion during evacuation
• Fail audit inspections
• Expose building owners or PCBU’s to liability

In Queensland, evacuation planning requirements are supported by:

• Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008
• Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990

Queensland has specific obligations for:

• Fire and evacuation plans
• Occupier statements
• Annual reviews
• Evacuation coordination procedures

Compliance with AS 3745 is generally expected as it supports regulatory compliance.

You should update evacuation diagrams when:

• Every 5 years (recommended review cycle)
• Fire equipment changes
• Exit paths are modified
• Walls or partitions are added/removed
• Tenancies change
• Assembly areas change
• Any inaccuracy is identified

Accuracy is critical. Even small layout changes can invalidate a diagram.

There is no strict requirement that diagrams be fireproof.

However, they must be:

• Durable
• Clearly visible
• Suitable for their environment

Common Materials:

• Laminated paper
• PVC
• Aluminium composite panels
• Acrylic

Do they need to be fireproof?

Not specifically under AS3745.

Weatherproof?

If installed outdoors or in exposed areas — yes, they must withstand environmental conditions.

Durability should match installation location.

No.

Each evacuation diagram must reflect the “You Are Here” location specific to that area.

Every diagram must:

• Show the viewer’s current location
• Display relevant exits
• Show nearby fire equipment
• Reflect the exact floor layout

Copying one diagram across the facility can create dangerous inaccuracies.

It depends on building type and layout.

Normal Commercial Distribution

• At each exit
• Near lifts
• In common areas
• Along major corridors

Hotels

• Inside every guest room
• Common areas
• Near lifts and exits

Kindergartens / Schools

• Classrooms
• Administration areas
• Common areas
• Staff rooms

The number depends on occupancy type, size, and complexity.

Typical timelines:

• Small tenancy: 1–2 weeks
• Medium commercial site: 2–4 weeks
• Large or complex facility: 3–6 weeks

Factors affecting timing:

• Accuracy of existing plans
• Site access
• Number of diagrams
• Required revisions

To receive an accurate quote, provide:

• Current floor plans (DWG or PDF preferred)
• Number of levels
• Building address
• Occupancy type
• Existing evacuation diagrams (if available)
• Recent building modifications
• Fire equipment layout
• Preferred material type
• Installation requirements

The more accurate the plans, the faster and more cost-effective the process.