Evacuation Diagram Requirements QLD (What Buildings Actually Need to Know)
If you’re responsible for a building or workplace in Queensland, evacuation diagrams aren’t something you want to get wrong.
They’re often checked during fire safety audits, inspections, and tenancy reviews — and if they’re missing or incorrect, it gets picked up quickly.
The issue is, most people aren’t clear on what’s actually required.
Are Evacuation Diagrams Required in QLD?
In many cases, yes — evacuation diagrams are required as part of your overall emergency planning.
In Queensland, this typically ties back to:
- The need for an emergency plan
- The building’s use and occupancy
- Fire safety obligations under relevant regulations and standards
If your building requires an emergency plan, evacuation diagrams are generally expected to support it.
What Standard Applies?
Evacuation diagrams in Queensland are typically prepared in accordance with:
While it’s a standard rather than legislation, it is widely used as the benchmark during:
- Fire safety audits
- Compliance inspections
- Building management reviews
From a practical point of view, if your diagrams don’t align with AS 3745, there’s a strong chance they’ll be flagged.
When Are Evacuation Diagrams Required?
Evacuation diagrams are generally expected in buildings such as:
- Offices and commercial workplaces
- Retail shops and shopping centres
- Warehouses and industrial sites
- Apartment buildings and strata complexes
- Any building with multiple occupants or visitors
They’re especially important where:
- Occupants may not be familiar with the layout
- There are multiple exits
- Fire safety equipment is installed
- Emergency procedures are in place
What We See on Site (Common Issues in QLD)
From a Fire Safety Advisor perspective, these are the most common problems:
- No evacuation diagrams installed at all
- Diagrams that don’t match the current layout
- Missing or unclear “You Are Here” markers
- Incorrect exit paths or outdated routes
- Fire equipment shown incorrectly
- Diagrams well past their review date
Most of these aren’t picked up until someone actually looks for them.
What Do Evacuation Diagrams Need to Show?
Under AS 3745, evacuation diagrams should clearly include:
- A “You Are Here” location
- Primary and alternative exit routes
- Emergency exits
- Fire equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, alarms)
- Assembly area
- Relevant emergency instructions
They also need to be:
- Easy to read
- Oriented correctly to the viewer
- Positioned where occupants will see them
How Often Should Evacuation Diagrams Be Updated?
As a general guide:
- Diagrams should be reviewed at least every 5 years
- Updated sooner if:
- Layouts change
- Tenancies are modified
- Fire equipment is relocated
- Procedures are updated
Outdated diagrams are one of the easiest things to pick up during an audit.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Compliant Diagrams?
In Queensland, evacuation diagram issues are usually identified during:
- Fire safety inspections
- Routine compliance audits
- Building certification processes
- Lease or tenancy changes
When issues are found, it typically leads to:
- Requests to update or install diagrams
- Delays in approvals or compliance sign-off
- Additional follow-up inspections
Most of this is avoidable with the right setup.
Quick Compliance Check (QLD)
Ask yourself:
- Are evacuation diagrams installed in key locations?
- Do they reflect the current building layout?
- Are exits and fire equipment accurately shown?
- Is there a clear “You Are Here” marker?
- Have they been reviewed in the last 5 years?
If there’s any uncertainty, it’s worth reviewing before it gets picked up later.
Not Sure If Your Building Is Compliant?
If you’re unsure whether your evacuation diagrams meet current QLD expectations, or whether they would pass an audit, it’s worth checking before it becomes an issue.
Send your questions to hello@evacnow.com.au
Evacuation Diagrams Prepared for QLD Compliance
We provide evacuation diagrams prepared in accordance with AS 3745, reviewed by a Certified Fire Safety Advisor, and delivered Australia-wide.
Designed to reflect real-world conditions — click to get a quote.
