Evacuation Diagrams

Yes. Every Australian state requires workplaces and facilities to display an evacuation diagram as part of emergency planning.

In Victoria, this requirement originates from the Building Act 1993. Additionally, the Building Code of Australia references AS 1851 and AS 3745, both of which outline obligations for evacuation diagrams and emergency procedures.

To check the specific legal requirements in your state, visit your state’s SafeWork government website.

Yes. It’s not enough to simply create an evacuation diagram—Australian Standards require that it be clearly displayed in your building.

The details of what must be shown and how it should be presented are outlined in Australian Standard AS 3745-2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities. This standard specifies placement, visibility, and essential elements such as exit routes, assembly areas, and fire safety equipment.

AS 3745 also references other standards, including AS 1851, which provide additional requirements for fire protection systems and equipment maintenance.

Displaying compliant evacuation diagrams is critical for emergency preparedness, legal compliance, and audit readiness.

The Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) is responsible for deciding how many evacuation diagrams to display and where to place them. This decision must comply with AS 3745-2010, which states that diagrams must be positioned so occupants and visitors can easily view them.

Best practice is:

• At every building entrance and exit

• In common areas such as:

  • Elevators

  • Reception desks

  • Conference rooms

  • Break rooms and other high-traffic zones

Proper placement ensures compliance with Australian Standards and improves emergency preparedness and audit readiness.

Note: schools are required to include a diagram in every classroom.

At Northern Plains Building Services, every evacuation diagram includes all compulsory elements required by AS 3745-2010, plus optional features for enhanced safety and compliance.

Mandatory elements include:

• Warden intercommunication points

• Manual call points

• Hose reels

• Hydrants

• Fire extinguishers (shown in AS-allocated colours)

• Fire blankets

• Fire indicator panel

• North orientation mark

• Paths of travel

Optional elements we can include:

• First aid stations

• Hazardous chemical stores

• Spill response kits

• Emergency information

Our diagrams are designed to meet Australian Standard AS 3745-2010, ensuring full compliance for emergency planning and fire safety.

A Path of Travel is the designated route a person follows to reach an exit door that leads to a safe open space during an emergency.

The National Construction Code (NCC) prescribes strict requirements for the maximum distance a person can travel from any point in a building to an exit. These rules ensure safe and efficient evacuation in compliance with Australian building regulations.

At Northern Plains Building Services, we work with a qualified Building Surveyor to determine both the primary path of travel and an alternative path of travel, ensuring your evacuation diagrams meet AS 3745-2010 and NCC requirements.

Yes. Under Australian Standard AS 1851, evacuation diagrams must undergo a six-monthly inspection to ensure your emergency response plan remains accurate and effective.

This inspection verifies that:

• Fire service equipment has not moved or changed

• Building alterations, demolitions, or additions have not impacted evacuation routes

• The emergency plan and diagrams remain compliant

The inspection is part of a broader requirement to check critical emergency evacuation system elements, including the emergency plan itself.

After the inspection:

• A logbook and/or report is issued

• The logbook must be presented to Fire Authorities or the Municipal Building Surveyor within 24 hours of a request

• The report serves as a reference for audits and ongoing compliance

Regular inspections help maintain AS 1851 compliance, improve emergency preparedness, and ensure your facility meets legal obligations.