In any commercial or public building, ensuring occupant safety during an emergency is not just a matter of best practice—it’s a legal requirement. One of the most essential components of emergency preparedness is the evacuation diagram, which provides critical visual guidance for safe and orderly egress during fire, medical, or security-related emergencies.
To be effective—and legally compliant in Australia—these diagrams must align with the requirements set by AS 3745 2010, the Australian Standard for planning for emergencies in facilities. Understanding what this standard demands can help building managers, facility operators, and safety professionals ensure that their evacuation signage meets national safety benchmarks.
What Is AS 3745 2010?
AS 3745 2010 is the Australian Standard titled Planning for emergencies in facilities. It provides a framework for emergency planning in workplaces and public buildings, including the development of emergency plans, emergency response procedures, and most importantly, evacuation diagrams.
This standard applies to all types of facilities—including commercial offices, hospitals, educational institutions, retail centers, and industrial sites—and outlines the responsibilities of emergency planning committees and emergency control organizations (ECOs).
At the heart of the standard is a clear directive: every facility must have compliant and clearly displayed evacuation diagrams that assist all occupants in identifying escape routes and safety features.
Purpose of an Evacuation Diagram
An evacuation diagram is more than just a building map. It serves a critical life-safety function by visually guiding occupants to emergency exits and alerting them to the location of emergency equipment.
A compliant evacuation diagram will:
Show the current location (“You Are Here”)
Identify emergency exits, evacuation routes, and assembly points
Highlight fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, and first aid kits
Outline emergency contact numbers
Provide clear orientation of the floor or building layout
The clarity and accuracy of these elements can directly influence the outcome of an emergency event, especially in facilities with large or transient populations.
Key Requirements Under AS 3745 2010
To comply with AS 3745 2010, an evacuation diagram must meet a specific set of structural and content-based criteria.
1. Location and Visibility
Diagrams must be conspicuously displayed in locations where occupants and visitors are likely to see them (e.g., entrances, corridors, lift lobbies).
They should be placed at a height between 1200mm and 1600mm from the floor for visibility.
2. Mandatory Diagram Elements
According to AS 3745 2010, the following must be included:
A pictorial representation of the floor or area
Location of exits and evacuation paths
“You Are Here” marker
Emergency assembly point(s)
Fire equipment and first aid kits
Designated shelter-in-place areas (if applicable)
Optional but highly recommended features include location of warden intercom points and evacuation chairs.
3. Orientation and Accuracy
The orientation of the diagram must match the viewer’s perspective at the mounting location.
All exits, rooms, and features must be shown to scale and in correct proportions.
Diagrams should be updated whenever structural or procedural changes occur.
Design Specifications
Beyond content, AS 3745 2010 also prescribes design parameters for evacuation diagrams:
Minimum size: Diagrams must be no smaller than A4 (210mm x 297mm) for basic facilities, and A3 for larger or more complex sites.
Color coding: Use standardized icons and colors—for example, green for exits, red for fire equipment.
Language: All text must be in English and use legible fonts.
Legend: Include a legend for all symbols used in the diagram.
Common Compliance Pitfalls
Many facilities unknowingly fall out of compliance due to outdated diagrams or incomplete information. Common issues include:
Diagrams not updated after renovations or layout changes
Missing “You Are Here” indicators
Incorrect or omitted emergency equipment locations
Placement at heights not in compliance with AS 3745 2010
Inconsistently oriented diagrams across multiple floors
Regular audits and reviews of evacuation signage are essential to maintaining both compliance and safety readiness.
Benefits Beyond Compliance
While adhering to AS 3745 2010 is a legal obligation, compliant evacuation diagrams also deliver broader benefits:
Boost occupant confidence in emergency procedures
Improve emergency response times and reduce panic
Aid emergency personnel during evacuation coordination
Demonstrate due diligence for insurers and regulators
Enhance safety culture within the facility
Incorporating modern materials, tamper-resistant frames, or digital display panels can further improve the functionality and resilience of evacuation signage in high-traffic environments.
Final Thoughts
A properly designed evacuation diagram, compliant with AS 3745 2010, is not just a legal formality—it’s a critical tool for protecting lives. By ensuring that every detail from location markers to fire equipment symbols is accurately presented and regularly reviewed, facility managers can uphold both safety standards and occupant trust.
Incorporating compliant evacuation signage is one of the simplest yet most impactful steps in any comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. It ensures that, in times of urgency, every second counts—and every person knows exactly where to go.
