When it comes to workplace safety and emergency preparedness, a well-designed fire evacuation diagram can be the difference between chaos and calm in a life-threatening situation. Whether it’s a commercial office, industrial site, school, or healthcare facility, Australian laws require the implementation of clear and accurate fire evacuation diagrams as part of an effective emergency management plan. This guide breaks down the essential requirements, compliance standards, and best practices to help your organisation stay both safe and legally compliant.

What Is a Fire Evacuation Diagram?

A fire evacuation diagram is a visual representation of an emergency evacuation route within a building. It is intended to guide occupants to the nearest safe exit in the event of an emergency such as a fire, chemical spill, or gas leak. These diagrams are typically displayed throughout a facility in common areas, corridors, and near exits.

Unlike simple floor plans, a fire evacuation diagram must contain specific information such as the location of exits, fire equipment, assembly points, and a “You Are Here” marker. The goal is to make emergency egress as clear and accessible as possible, regardless of a person’s familiarity with the building.

Design Best Practices

While meeting minimum compliance standards is essential, implementing best practices in design can enhance clarity and usability during emergencies. A high-quality fire evacuation diagram should be:

Easy to read from a distance
Printed in full colour with standard safety symbols
Positioned at a height between 1200mm and 1600mm from the floor
Displayed at key decision points: near exits, in hallways, and at the entrance of each floor
Updated regularly or whenever building layouts change

Design simplicity is key. Avoid cluttering the diagram with unnecessary details that might overwhelm someone in a high-stress situation. Colour coding for different emergency routes and clear legends can greatly improve readability.

Placement Strategy Across Facilities

Compliance isn’t just about having a diagram — it’s also about where and how it is displayed. The standard recommends that fire evacuation diagrams be installed in all occupied areas, particularly where people gather or pause. These include:

Reception areas
Elevators and lift lobbies
Hallways and stairwells
Near fire doors or alarm panels
Break rooms or kitchens

Large or complex facilities may require multiple diagrams to reflect different orientations and access routes. Activate Safety offers on-site assessments to help determine the optimal placement and number of diagrams required for full compliance and maximum safety.

Updating and Reviewing Evacuation Diagrams

Maintaining up-to-date diagrams is not just good practice—it’s a legal necessity. AS 3745 2010 requires that fire evacuation diagrams be reviewed and, if necessary, updated at least every five years or whenever there is a change to the floor plan, emergency equipment, or evacuation procedure.

Changes in occupancy or business use can also trigger a review. For example, a warehouse converted into office space will require a completely different emergency layout. Activate Safety provides ongoing diagram review services to ensure your diagrams stay accurate, functional, and compliant.

Training and Awareness

Having a fire evacuation diagram is only part of an effective emergency plan. Occupants must be familiar with the diagrams and know how to interpret them in the event of an emergency. Training sessions and evacuation drills help reinforce this knowledge and reduce panic in the event of an emergency.

As part of a complete emergency planning service, Activate Safety offers fire warden training and evacuation drill coordination to ensure your team knows exactly what to do when every second counts.

Conclusion

Fire evacuation diagrams are not just a legal requirement; they are a vital part of protecting lives and property. By following the guidelines outlined in AS 3745 2010, your organisation can create a safer environment for employees, visitors, and contractors.

Working with a trusted provider like Activate Safety ensures that your diagrams are professionally designed, accurately placed, and fully compliant with all relevant regulations. Don’t wait for an emergency to find out your diagrams are outdated—take proactive steps now to safeguard your facility.