If you’re organising evacuation diagrams for a workplace or commercial building, one of the first questions will usually be:
How many evacuation diagrams do we actually need?
There is no standard answer based purely on the building’s floor area. A small building may need several diagrams if it has separate work areas or multiple exits, while a simple open-plan workplace may need fewer.
The correct number depends on the building’s layout, evacuation routes, exits and where occupants and visitors are likely to be located.
Is There a Minimum Number of Evacuation Diagrams?
AS 3745-2010 does not provide a simple rule such as one diagram per floor or one diagram for every set number of square metres.
Instead, evacuation diagrams must be displayed where occupants and visitors can view them. The facility’s Emergency Planning Committee, commonly referred to as the EPC, is responsible for determining the appropriate number and locations.
This means the decision should be based on whether the diagrams provide practical coverage throughout the building—not simply meeting a predetermined number.
What Determines How Many Diagrams Are Needed?
When assessing a building, several factors should be considered.
The Number of Floors
Multi-level buildings will generally require evacuation diagrams on each occupied level.
A diagram displayed on the ground floor is not useful to someone trying to evacuate from the second floor. Each level also has its own layout, exits, evacuation paths and “You Are Here” locations.
The Size and Layout of Each Floor
One diagram near the front entrance may not provide adequate coverage in a large office, warehouse or commercial tenancy.
Additional diagrams may be appropriate in:
- Separate wings or work areas
- Long corridors
- Staff rooms and common areas
- Reception or waiting areas
- Areas with different evacuation routes
- Locations close to commonly used exits
The aim is for occupants to be able to view a relevant diagram without having to search for one.
The Number and Location of Exits
Different parts of a building may have different nearest or alternative exits.
In Queensland, evacuation diagrams must be appropriately located along evacuation routes, having regard to the number and position of the building’s exits. They must also be displayed conspicuously and oriented so that the route shown corresponds with the viewer’s actual direction of travel. Queensland Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008
Separate Tenancies or Occupied Areas
Shopping centres, office complexes, industrial sites and other multi-tenancy buildings may need diagrams within individual tenancies as well as common areas.
The diagram inside a tenancy should show the evacuation route from that particular area. A general diagram displayed elsewhere in the complex may not provide enough useful information for the people occupying that tenancy.
Areas Used by Visitors
Diagrams should not only be positioned for permanent staff.
Consider areas regularly accessed by customers, contractors, patients, residents or other visitors who may be unfamiliar with the building, including:
- Reception areas
- Meeting rooms
- Waiting areas
- Shared kitchens
- Amenities
- Accommodation areas
Visitors are often the people most likely to rely on an evacuation diagram during an emergency.
Why Each Installation Location Matters
Every evacuation diagram includes a “You Are Here” marker. It must identify the exact location where that particular diagram is displayed.
The diagram must also be correctly oriented to the viewer. If two identical diagrams are installed on opposite walls or in different sections of a building, the orientation and evacuation information may no longer be correct.
This is why simply printing multiple copies of one diagram and placing them throughout the building is generally unsuitable. Different installation points can require individually prepared and oriented diagrams.
FPA Australia’s guidance confirms that the EPC determines the number and location of diagrams and that each diagram must be correctly oriented in relation to its “You Are Here” position and direction of egress. FPA Australia – Evacuation Diagrams
A Practical Example
A small, single-level office with one open work area and two clearly visible exits may only require a few evacuation diagrams.
A two-storey office with separate tenancies, meeting rooms, corridors and several exits will generally need more. Suitable positions might include:
- The main entry or reception
- Common areas on each floor
- Main corridors
- Individual tenancy areas
- Locations along different evacuation routes
These are examples only. The final quantity should be assessed against the actual building layout, occupancy and applicable state requirements.
What About Buildings Under 300 Square Metres?
Requirements can vary between Australian states and according to the building’s use.
In Queensland, section 30 of the Building Fire Safety Regulation—which covers the display of evacuation signs and diagrams—does not apply where the building’s total floor area is less than 300 square metres. However, this should not be treated as a general Australia-wide exemption or an exemption from every emergency-planning obligation.
If you are unsure, seek advice based on your building’s location, classification, use and occupancy.
Need Help Working Out the Quantity?
EvacNow can review your building information and help identify the number and locations of evacuation diagrams likely to be required.
Outside Brisbane, send us your floor plans, existing diagrams, proposed display locations and any available information about exits, fire equipment and the assembly area.
For Brisbane properties, EvacNow can attend the site to assess the layout, verify the required information and identify suitable diagram locations before preparing, printing and installing the completed diagrams.
There is no need to guess the quantity before getting in touch.
Need evacuation diagrams for your building? Contact EvacNow for a fixed-price quote or view our Brisbane site assessment and installation service.
