An evacuation diagram should provide clear, easy-to-understand information that helps occupants safely leave a building during an emergency.
It generally shows the viewer’s location, designated exits, evacuation routes, fire and emergency equipment, and the nominated assembly area. However, placing this information on a floor plan is only part of the process. The diagram must also be correctly oriented, easy to read and specific to where it will be installed.
This guide explains what should be included on an evacuation diagram and highlights some of the common issues EvacNow identifies when reviewing existing diagrams.
What information should an evacuation diagram include?
Evacuation diagrams are generally prepared as part of a facility’s emergency planning arrangements.
Depending on the building, installation location and emergency plan, an evacuation diagram may include:
- A clear representation of the relevant floor or area
- A correctly positioned “You Are Here” marker
- Designated exits
- Primary evacuation routes
- Alternative evacuation routes, where applicable
- Fire and emergency equipment
- The nominated emergency assembly area
- Emergency contact information
- Basic emergency response procedures
- A legend explaining the symbols used
- The facility name or address
- The diagram’s issue or review information
- Other relevant site-specific information
The exact content will depend on the building layout, the emergency arrangements for the site and where the diagram will be displayed.
In Australia, evacuation diagrams are commonly prepared with reference to AS 3745–2010: Planning for emergencies in facilities, including its current amendments.
The “You Are Here” location
The “You Are Here” marker identifies the viewer’s position within the building.
This marker must correspond with the physical location where the evacuation diagram is installed. If the marker is positioned incorrectly, the viewer may misunderstand their location and follow the wrong direction during an emergency.
This is why a building will often require several individual evacuation diagrams rather than one diagram copied and displayed in multiple locations.
For example, two diagrams displaying the same floor plan may still need different:
- “You Are Here” positions
- Orientations
- Evacuation routes
- Directional information
Each version should be prepared for its nominated installation point.
Correct orientation of the diagram
An evacuation diagram should be oriented to match the direction faced by the person viewing it.
The top of the diagram should generally represent what is directly in front of the viewer. This allows occupants to relate the diagram to the building around them without mentally rotating the floor plan.
Placing north at the top of every diagram is not always appropriate.
A floor plan may be technically accurate but still confusing if it is displayed in an orientation that does not correspond with the viewer’s position. Correct orientation is particularly important in buildings with several corridors, stairways, tenancies or similar-looking areas.
Exits and evacuation routes
Designated exits should be clearly identifiable on the diagram.
The evacuation route shows occupants how to travel from the diagram’s location towards an appropriate exit. Depending on the building and its emergency procedures, the diagram may also show an alternative route.
Routes may pass through:
- Corridors
- Doorways
- Fire-isolated stairs
- Common areas
- External paths
- Final exits from the building
Evacuation routes should be clear and easy to follow without obscuring important parts of the floor plan.
The route shown must also reflect the actual building layout. Floor plans should be checked for renovations, locked areas, changed doorways or other alterations that could affect evacuation.
Fire and emergency equipment
Relevant fire and emergency equipment should be shown using clear and consistent symbols.
Depending on what is installed at the site, this may include:
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Fire hose reels
- Fire hydrants
- Manual fire alarm call points
- Fire blankets
- Fire indicator panels
- First-aid equipment
- Automated external defibrillators
- Emergency communication equipment
Not every building contains every type of equipment. Only equipment that is relevant and confirmed as being installed should be included.
When diagrams are prepared remotely, the equipment locations may need to be confirmed using existing plans, marked-up drawings, photographs or information provided by someone familiar with the building.
Unconfirmed equipment locations should not simply be assumed.
Emergency assembly areas
The nominated assembly area is the location where occupants gather after evacuating the building.
An evacuation diagram should identify the assembly area and provide enough information for occupants to understand where it is located. For larger properties, this may require a separate site plan or assembly-area map.
The assembly area should be confirmed by the building owner, manager or person responsible for the site’s emergency planning.
When determining whether an assembly area is suitable, the responsible parties may need to consider:
- Distance from the building
- Access for emergency services
- Traffic and vehicle movements
- Other hazards near the location
- The expected number of occupants
- Whether the area could be affected by the emergency
- The needs of people requiring assistance
Safe Work Australia advises that workplace emergency plans may include a map identifying fire protection equipment, emergency exits and assembly points. Emergency plans must be appropriate for the nature, size, location and occupancy of the workplace. Further guidance is available from Safe Work Australia.
Emergency procedures and contact information
An evacuation diagram may also contain concise instructions explaining what occupants should do if there is a fire or another emergency.
These instructions may cover:
- Raising the alarm
- Calling Triple Zero (000)
- Alerting other occupants
- Evacuating by the nearest safe exit
- Proceeding to the assembly area
- Following directions from wardens or emergency services
- Not using lifts during a fire, where applicable
- Assisting people who require help in accordance with the emergency plan
Instructions should be brief and readable. An evacuation diagram supports the site’s emergency plan but does not replace proper emergency procedures, training or evacuation exercises.
Diagram size, presentation and installation
An evacuation diagram needs to remain legible when printed and installed.
AS 3745 provides specifications relating to diagram size, the representation of the floor area, positioning and presentation. The appropriate format will depend partly on whether the diagram contains only the minimum elements or includes additional information.
A4 may be suitable for some simpler diagrams, while A3 is often more practical where the floor plan is detailed or additional emergency information is included.
A professionally prepared diagram should use:
- Clear lines and labels
- Recognisable safety symbols
- Legible text
- Appropriate colour contrast
- An uncluttered layout
- A clear separation between the floor plan, legend and emergency instructions
The printed diagram should also be protected against damage and displayed where occupants and visitors can readily view it.
A technically accurate diagram can still be ineffective if it is printed too small, mounted in a poor location or hidden behind furniture, doors or other items.
Does every evacuation diagram contain the same information?
No. Evacuation diagrams should be specific to the building and their individual installation locations.
Diagrams within the same building may vary because of:
- Different “You Are Here” positions
- Different viewing orientations
- Different evacuation routes
- Separate floors or tenancies
- Different available exits
- Equipment located in different areas
- Different assembly-area directions
A generic diagram should not automatically be reproduced throughout a building without checking whether each copy is accurate for its intended position.
The number and location of diagrams should be considered as part of the facility’s emergency planning process, taking into account the layout and where occupants and visitors are likely to need the information.
Common problems with existing evacuation diagrams
Evacuation diagrams can become inaccurate over time or may have been incorrectly prepared in the first place.
Common problems include:
- An incorrect “You Are Here” marker
- The floor plan facing the wrong orientation
- Missing or relocated fire equipment
- Exit routes that no longer reflect the building
- Unmarked or incorrectly identified exits
- An assembly area that has not been confirmed
- Renovations that are not shown
- Poor-quality or unreadable printing
- Diagrams copied into unsuitable locations
- Missing issue or review details
- Diagrams damaged, faded or covered
These problems are not always obvious without comparing the diagram against the current building layout and emergency arrangements.
When should an evacuation diagram be updated?
Evacuation diagrams should be reviewed when changes occur that could affect their accuracy or the way occupants evacuate.
This may include:
- Refurbishments or fit-outs
- Changes to walls, doors or internal layouts
- Relocated or removed exits
- New or relocated fire equipment
- Changes to the nominated assembly area
- Changes in building use or tenancy
- Changes to emergency procedures
- Damage that makes the diagram difficult to read
A review does not necessarily mean that every diagram must be replaced. If the layout and emergency information remain correct, an update may not be required.
However, if any information is inaccurate, the affected diagrams should be revised so that they reflect the current site conditions.
Need evacuation diagrams prepared for your building?
EvacNow prepares clear, site-specific evacuation diagrams for commercial buildings, workplaces, accommodation properties and other facilities throughout Australia.
You can send us your:
- Existing floor plans
- Fire-service drawings
- Current evacuation diagrams
- Marked-up plans
- Site photographs
- Equipment and exit information
We’ll review the available information, explain what else may be required and provide a fixed-price quotation.
For Brisbane sites, an on-site assessment can also be arranged when suitable floor plans or accurate site information are unavailable.
