If you’re responsible for a building, evacuation diagrams aren’t just a box to tick — they’re something that will get looked at closely during a fire safety audit.
From a Fire Safety Advisor perspective, these are the exact issues that regularly get flagged during inspections. The problem is, most of them aren’t obvious until someone points them out.
If your diagrams include any of the mistakes below, there’s a good chance they won’t meet AS 3745 requirements — and that’s where issues start.
1. Incorrect Orientation
This is one of the most common failures.
If the diagram doesn’t match the viewer’s perspective (i.e. the way they are facing when looking at it), people will read it wrong. In an emergency, that causes hesitation — and from an audit point of view, it gets flagged straight away.
Fix: Every diagram needs to be positioned and rotated so it aligns with the viewer’s direction at that exact location.
2. Missing or Incorrect “You Are Here”
Seems basic, but it gets missed more than you’d think.
If the “You Are Here” marker is unclear, incorrectly placed, or missing altogether, the diagram loses its purpose. Auditors will pick this up immediately.
Fix: Make sure the marker is:
- Clearly visible
- Accurate to the exact location
- Easy to understand at a glance
3. Exit Paths That Don’t Reflect Real Conditions
This is where things can get risky.
We often see diagrams showing ideal exit paths — not actual ones. Changes to layouts, locked doors, or reconfigured spaces mean the diagram no longer reflects reality.
That’s a major compliance issue.
Fix: Exit routes and alternative paths must match the building exactly as it is today — not how it was when the plans were first drawn.
Quick check: If your layout has changed and your diagrams haven’t… they’re already out of date.
4. Missing or Incorrect Fire Equipment Locations
Fire extinguishers, hose reels, alarms — these all need to be shown correctly.
If equipment is missing from the diagram, shown in the wrong spot, or outdated, it’s something inspectors will flag straight away.
Fix: Confirm all fire equipment locations on site and ensure they’re accurately reflected on every diagram.
5. Outdated or Missing Review Dates
Under AS 3745, evacuation diagrams should be reviewed regularly (typically every 5 years, or sooner if things change).
One of the easiest things for an auditor to check is the date on the diagram — and if it’s out of date, that’s an instant red flag.
Fix: Ensure every diagram includes:
- A clear issue/review date
- Updates whenever layouts or procedures change
Quick Compliance Checklist
Use this to sanity check your current diagrams:
- “You Are Here” clearly marked
- Orientation matches viewing direction
- Exit paths and alternative routes accurate
- Fire equipment correctly shown
- Assembly area identified
- Diagram is within 5-year review period
If you’re unsure on any of the above — it’s worth taking a closer look before your next inspection.
What Fire Auditors Actually Look For
From experience, audits aren’t just about whether a diagram exists — it’s about whether it’s usable and accurate.
The common issues that get picked up are:
- Diagrams not matching the building layout
- Poor positioning or visibility
- Missing compliance elements
- Outdated information
It’s not uncommon for buildings to have diagrams on the wall that look fine at a glance… but wouldn’t pass a proper review.
Don’t Leave It Until It Gets Flagged
Most of the time, evacuation diagram issues only come up when:
- An inspection happens
- A warden raises it
- Or something goes wrong
By that point, you’re reacting instead of staying ahead.
Need Compliant Evacuation Diagrams?
If your diagrams are outdated, incorrect, or you’re just not confident they’d pass an audit — it’s worth sorting it properly.
We provide evacuation diagrams prepared in accordance with AS 3745, reviewed by a Certified Fire Safety Advisor, and delivered Australia-wide.
Order your evacuation diagrams online here:
FAQ – Evacuation Diagram Compliance
What causes evacuation diagram audit failures?
Evacuation diagram audit failures are usually caused by incorrect orientation, missing AS 3745 requirements, outdated layouts, poor placement, or use of non-compliant templates.
How often should evacuation diagrams be reviewed?
Under AS 3745, evacuation diagrams should be reviewed at least every five years or immediately after layout or equipment changes.
What does AS 3745 require on evacuation diagrams?
AS 3745 requires evacuation diagrams to include a “You Are Here” indicator, evacuation routes, fire equipment locations, emergency assembly area, north point, issue date, and review period.
