Do your fire evacuation diagrams comply with Australian standards?
In all states of Australia, evacuation diagrams must comply with safety regulations and standards. It’s a requirement of the Australian standard AS3745-2010 to have evacuation diagrams in common areas in all facilities that are undertaking as a business
What does an evacuation diagrams provide?
Evacuation diagrams are an important part of your Evacuation Plan. They inform people where all of the exits in your building are located, indicating the closest with a green egress line. They also indicate all of the fire safety equipment located in the building.
What information do Evacuation maps have on them?
A title saying “Evacuation Diagram”.
A pictorial representation highlighting the exits and fire equipment on the premises.
Each diagram has an individual orientated “you are here” marker highlighting the closest exit with a green egress line.
The location of the nearest fire equipment – such as extinguishers, hose reels and fire blankets.
A legend to help people understand the symbols on the diagram.
A site map highlighting the emergency assembly area.
What are their minimum elements?
The Australian Standard 3745 planning for emergencies in facilities” requires that your diagram should display the following information:
A pictorial representation of the floorplan.
A “you are here” marker.
The designated exits in the facility.
Warden intercom panels, Manual call points, emergency call points, fire indicator panels and main control panels.
Hose reels.
Fire extinguishers.
Fire blankets.
Refuges.
Validity date.
Location of the assembly area.
A legend which shall reflect the symbols on the diagram.
What elements are optional?
While not a basic requirement, optional elements can make the diagram simpler to understand and therefore provide valuable efficiencies during an emergency. Some may include:
Direction of opening of doors on designated exits.
North marker.
First aid stations and kits.
Hazardous chemical store.
Spill response kits.
Emergency information as documented in the emergency plan.
Emergency telephone numbers, emergency response procedures, fire orders, and procedures for use of lifts in an evacuation during a fire emergency (where
regulatory approval has been obtained).
Paths of travel, coloured green.
Specialised evacuation devices, including stairwell evacuation devices, if provided.
Fire and smoke doors.
Hydrants, which shall be red
Where and how many diagrams?
Diagrams should be located in high traffic areas.
Diagrams are usually placed by the major exits and entries.
Your Emergency Planning Committee should determine this exact the number and locations.
What size should they be?
The minimum size of an evacuation diagram is A4, using only the minimum requirements / elements. If any optional elements are used, it should be A3
The minimum size of the floor plan should be 200mm x 150mm
How should they be positioned and oriented?
Your diagrams should be positioned between 1200mm and 1600 mm from the floor level
They should be oriented according to the ‘You are Here’ location, ensuring the building is rotated correctly as per the person viewing the sign.
The Site Plan indicating the assembly area, must also be oriented in the same direction as the Floor Plan.
Note: Evacuation Diagram Standards are subject to change – therefore it’s important to ensure you’re up to date with Australian Standards, and undergo regular ongoing maintenance.