Evacuation Diagrams – Australian Standard 3745-2010
Effective emergency planning is a legal and moral responsibility for every facility manager. In industries such as building and construction, commercial property management, education, and healthcare, maintaining a compliant evacuation diagram isn’t just good practice, but it’s an essential part of emergency preparedness. Under Australian Standard AS 3745‑2010, evacuation diagrams guide people to safety during fires, gas leaks, chemical spills, or other incidents.
In this blog, you will learn about the role of evacuation diagrams, what you must include to meet compliance, and who can help you develop fully compliant diagrams in Australia.
What is an Evacuation Diagram?
An evacuation diagram is a visual tool that shows occupants their location within a building and provides instructions on how to evacuate safely. These diagrams form part of the emergency evacuation plan, as outlined in AS 3745‑2010: Planning for Emergencies in Facilities. The standard applies to all facilities where people gather, including commercial buildings, schools, healthcare centres, and residential complexes.
Facility owners and managers use evacuation diagrams to comply with AS 3745‑2010 and fulfil their duty of care under workplace health and safety laws. These diagrams reduce confusion, speed up evacuations, and ultimately save lives. According to industry data, buildings with clear evacuation routes reduce occupant evacuation time by up to 30% during emergencies.
AS 3745‑2010 requires you to install these diagrams in accessible, visible locations, such as near exits, corridors, stairwells, and communal areas. You must also ensure the diagrams align with the actual layout of the facility so that the “YOU ARE HERE” marker reflects the user’s physical orientation.
What Should I Include on My Evacuation Diagrams?
Mandatory elements that every diagram must contain:
A clear pictorial representation of the floor or area
The title “Evacuation Diagram” is displayed prominently
The validity date (must be updated at least every five years)
The facility name and full address
Access streets and nearest cross streets, shown in text or visually
The location of assembly area(s), represented in words or as an icon
A legend explaining all the symbols used in the diagram
A correctly placed “You Are Here” marker, aligned with real-world orientation
Clearly marked designated exits shown in green
Travel paths leading to those exits
The location of manual call points (MCPs), warden intercommunication points (WIPs), and other emergency communication devices
Firefighting equipment such as extinguishers, fire hose reels, fire blankets, and the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP)
The emergency planning committee may decide to include additional information, such as:
Direction of door openings on designated exits
A north direction indicator for orientation
Locations of first aid stations and first aid kits
Hazardous chemical stores and spill response kits
Key emergency contact numbers and emergency procedures (as determined by your Emergency Planning Committee)
Specialised evacuation devices for mobility-impaired occupants
Locations of fire and smoke doors
Positions of hydrants, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), electrical switchboards, and solar power isolation points
It’s also important to follow the technical specifications outlined in the standard, such as correct colour coding (green for exits, red for fire equipment), minimum size requirements (200 mm x 150 mm or larger), and mounting height (between 1200 mm and 1600 mm from the floor).
Who Should I Contact for Expert Advice on Evacuation Diagrams?
When creating compliant evacuation diagrams, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand the technical and safety requirements. Across Australia, various providers offer evacuation diagram services, ranging from general safety consultants to highly specialised emergency planning firms. The right expert will not only draft a basic floor plan, but they will also conduct detailed assessments, apply the correct iconography and colour coding, and ensure that each diagram is placed and sized according to regulations. Many also assist with audit preparation, revalidation, and updates following structural changes or new installations.
Activate Safety is a leading provider, recognised for its expertise and commitment to comprehensive compliance. With over thirteen years of experience, we’ve helped businesses across South Australia and remotely across the country by developing clear, reliable evacuation diagrams that enhance emergency readiness and meet regulatory standards. Our solutions are designed to support your broader emergency evacuation plan, ensuring your facility is not only compliant but also well-prepared for real-world emergencies.
Our services include:
On-site or remote assessments
Custom diagram design using standard-compliant symbols
Recommendations on diagram size, placement, and orientation
Fast updates for layout or equipment changes
Diagrams with validation details ready for audits or inspections
Contact us at info@activatesafety.com.au to ensure your emergency diagrams are current, compliant, and ready when you need them most.