When emergencies strike — whether it’s a fire, chemical spill, gas leak, or natural disaster — having a clear and compliant Emergency Evacuation Plan can mean the difference between an orderly evacuation and chaos. In Australia, workplace and building owners have legal obligations to provide accessible, up-to-date evacuation diagrams and procedures that meet Australian Standards.

This in-depth guide explains what an Emergency Evacuation Plan is, how to design one that meets AS 3745:2010 requirements, the symbols you must use, how often to update it, and real-world examples of effective evacuation diagrams.

What is an Emergency Evacuation Map?

An Emergency Evacuation Map or a Fire Evacuation Diagram is a visual and written guide that shows building occupants how to safely and quickly exit the premises in the event of an emergency. It is not just a fire safety measure — it covers all emergencies relevant to the site.

The plan generally includes:

Evacuation diagrams placed in strategic locations.
Emergency procedures for different incident types.
Assembly point locations.
Contact details for emergency services and wardens.

Why Fire Evacuation Plans are Important

Save Lives: Clear guidance reduces panic and ensures a faster, safer evacuation.
Legal Requirement: WHS laws and AS 3745 make it mandatory for certain workplaces and buildings.
Reduce Liability: Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal action, or insurance claim denial.
Assist Emergency Services: Diagrams help firefighters and paramedics locate hazards and escape routes.

Example: In a Sydney childcare centre, an updated evacuation plan meant staff evacuated all children to safety within 2 minutes when a kitchen fire broke out — well before smoke reached play areas.

Australian Standards for Evacuation Plans

In Australia, AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities is the key standard. It sets out:

Design requirements for evacuation diagrams.
Location and placement rules.
Mandatory symbols for consistency.
Review and update requirements.

For high-rise residential buildings, AS 2444 and state-based building codes may also apply.

Key compliance points from AS 3745:

Diagrams must be orientated to the viewer’s position (“You Are Here”).
Must indicate exit routes, fire equipment and its types and locations and assembly points.
Must include the validity date and review frequency.

Components of a Compliant Evacuation Plan

The Site Map is the core visual element of the evacuation diagram. It provides an at-a-glance overview of the building layout and helps people understand where they are and how to exit safely in an emergency.

Key Features of the Site Map:

Entire Building Floor Plan or Relevant Section
- The map should show the complete layout for the relevant floor or area where the plan is displayed.
- For multi-storey buildings, each floor should have its own dedicated plan, focusing only on that level to avoid confusion.
- If the building is large, use sectional diagrams for clarity.
Primary and Secondary Exit Routes
- Primary exit/s is the exit that is shortest and quickest among all exit paths .
- Secondary exits are alternate routes in case the primary route is blocked by fire, smoke, or another hazard.
- These should be clearly marked with green directional arrows following AS 3745 symbol standards.
Fire Safety Equipment Locations
- Extinguishers (red square symbol), hose reels (red circle), fire blankets, and manual call points should all be shown in their exact positions.
- This helps occupants (and emergency services) quickly locate and use them if safe to do so.
Hazardous Areas
- Areas with flammable liquids, chemicals, or electrical hazards should be identified with the yellow hazard triangle symbol.
- This warns occupants and emergency responders to avoid these zones during evacuation or to take extra care.

“You Are Here” Orientation

This shows the exact location and the orientation of the viewer in reference to the building layout.

The diagram must be rotated so it aligns with the real-world orientation of the viewer.
Helps occupants immediately understand their position without mental re-mapping.

Example: If you’re standing facing a corridor, the corridor on the plan should match that direction — not be upside down or reversed.

Standardised Symbols

AS 3745 specifies consistent symbols so anyone can understand the plan regardless of language.

Common symbols include:

Fire extinguisher – Each different classification of extinguisher has different symbols, distinguished by the colour of the band.
First aid kit
Fire Indicator Panel
Direction of travel to exit
Exit doors
Emergency exit
Fire Hose Reel
Fire hydrant
Sprinkler valve.

Emergency Equipment Locations

Fire extinguishers
Fire hose reels
Fire blankets
First aid kits
AED (defibrillators)

Assembly Point

The assembly point is a pre-determined safe area where all occupants must gather once they have evacuated the building. Its main purpose is to ensure everyone can be accounted for and remain at a safe distance from any ongoing hazards during an emergency.

Key Requirements:

Clearly Marked
- The assembly point must be shown on the evacuation diagram using the green “Assembly Point” symbol as per AS 3745.
- On-site signage (if safe to assemble within the premises) should also be placed at the physical assembly location so evacuees can easily identify it.
Located Away from Hazards
- It should be a safe distance from the building and away from potential risks like:
  - Falling glass or debris from upper floors
  - Smoke or heat radiation from the fire zone
  - Gas cylinders, fuel storage, or other hazardous materials
- Must not obstruct emergency service access routes.
Safe Access from All Exit Points
- Evacuation paths from every building exit must lead safely to the assembly point without crossing hazardous zones or vehicle traffic.
- Accessibility for people with disabilities must be considered.
Capacity & Visibility
- The space must be large enough to accommodate all occupants.
- Should be in an open, visible area so wardens can conduct quick headcounts.

Frequency of Review and Validity Dates

Under AS 3745:

Evacuation diagrams must be reviewed every 5 years.
They must be updated immediately if:
- Layout changes (walls, doors, exits).
- Fire equipment is added, moved, or removed.
- The assembly area changes.
The “Validity Date” is to be printed on the diagram.

Best Practice Tip: In commercial setting with multiple tenancies and frequent change over and upgrade of floor layout and fire equipment, it is advisable to review every 12 months to capture minor layout changes and maintain accuracy.

Sample Evacuation Plan Layout

A standard layout might include:

Title – “Emergency Evacuation Plan”
Site Map with “You Are Here” indicator
Legend of all symbols used
Emergency Contact Numbers
Assembly Point Location
Date of Issue / Valid Until
Building name and address

SAMPLE FIRE EVACUATION MAP

Placement of Evacuation Plans

AS 3745 requires that diagrams be placed:

At entry and exit points
Near lifts (but not inside lifts as primary instruction)
In common areas (lobbies, lunchrooms)
Along evacuation routes

Height Requirement: Typically between 1200mm and 1600mm from the floor so both standing adults and wheelchair users can see them.

Why is “You Are Here” important in Emergency Evacuation Plans

The You Are Here feature is arguably the most critical part of the plan:

Reduces decision-making time in emergencies.
Removes the need to “mentally flip” the map.
Allows visitors unfamiliar with the site to orient instantly.

Example: In a shopping centre, an elderly visitor safely exited during a small fire because the diagram clearly showed her position and the nearest accessible exit.

Common Mistakes in Evacuation Plans

Wrong orientation – Map not aligned to real-world position.
Outdated layout – Doors or walls no longer match.
Missing assembly point – People don’t know where to gather.
No validity date – Can result in compliance failure.
Non-standard symbols – Reduces understanding.

Emergency Evacuation Plan for Multi-Site Businesses

If you operate multiple buildings:

Each site must have its own site-specific plan.
Don’t copy-paste one diagram for all — even small differences matter.
Include site-specific hazards (e.g., fuel storage, chemical labs).

Evacuation Drills and Plan Integration

Evacuation diagrams are only effective if drills are conducted:

Conduct drills at least once a year.
Evaluate and update plans based on drill outcomes.
Train staff in reading and following diagrams.

Benefits of a Professionally Designed Evacuation Plan

Compliance with AS 3745 and WHS laws.
Durable materials (laminated or framed) for longevity.
Professional accuracy – Correct symbols, orientation, and scale.

How SPS Fire and Safety Can Help

Designing and maintaining an Emergency Evacuation Plan that is both AS 3745-compliant and easy for occupants to understand requires more than just a basic floor map. At SPS Fire and Safety, we provide a turnkey solution that ensures your diagrams are accurate, durable, and always up to date — so you stay compliant and keep people safe.

Comprehensive On-Site Inspections

We begin with a detailed site visit to capture accurate measurements, identify all fire safety equipment, and note every exit and hazard. This ensures your plan reflects the real layout of your building, not just an outdated blueprint.
Example: For a Sydney-based childcare centre, our inspection revealed two recently added doors and a relocated fire blanket that were missing from the previous plan — both of which were crucial for compliance and child safety.

AS 3745-Compliant Design

Our evacuation diagrams are created strictly in line with Australian Standard AS 3745:2010. We include:
Correct standardised symbols for fire equipment, exits, hazards, and assembly points.
Accurate “You Are Here” orientation to match the viewer’s location.
Clearly marked primary and secondary evacuation routes.

Clear, User-Friendly Legends

Every diagram includes a clear legend explaining all symbols and colour codes, making it easy for both staff and visitors to understand at a glance — even in high-stress situations.

Durable, High-Visibility Materials

We print diagrams on laminated or framed, fade-resistant materials that can withstand cleaning and environmental wear. This ensures your plans remain visible and readable for years, not months.

Ongoing Compliance Management

We offer a diagram update service so your plans never expire or become inaccurate:
Automatic reminders before your diagrams reach their 5-year review deadline.
Immediate updates after any layout, equipment, or hazard changes.
Digital archive of all versions for audit and AFSS submission.

📞 Need Compliant Emergency Evacuation Plans?
Contact us for a free site review.

Business: SPS Fire and Safety
📧 Email: sps@spsservices.com.au
📞 Phone: 1800 799 147
🌐 Website: www.spsservices.com.au