Every business owner/manager has a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all employees and visitors to their building. This includes providing adequate information in the case of an emergency situation. Accurate and current evacuation diagrams are a vital requirement in providing that information.
The Australian Standard responsible for evacuation diagrams, AS 3745 – 2010, was updated in 2014 to provide a greater understanding of the requirements for evacuation diagrams. This update specified changes in what was required to be included in your diagram, how it should be presented and the minimum size needed. Any diagrams designed prior to the 2014 update should be reviewed for compliance.
All diagrams are valid for a period of 5 years, and should be reviewed at least annually. If you have any concerns that your current diagrams may not be complaint, contact us and we will be able to advise you.
No. The requirements for evacuation diagrams in most states falls under the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations 2011, with AS 3745 providing the guidance in how to meet those regulations. Queensland fire safety requirements, including the provision of evacuation diagrams, are controlled by the Building Fire Safety Regulation (BFRS) 2008 and monitored by the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES).
Certain industries have specific requirements for their diagrams, including the childcare, aged-care and accommodation sectors.
All TGE evacuation diagrams are compliant to the necessary state and industry requirements. Contact us for information specific to your business.
There are no definite rules as to how many diagrams you need or where they should be placed within a building. The number and location of diagrams should be decided by the Emergency Planning Committee within your business, and displayed “where occupants and visitors are able to view the diagrams” according to the guidelines set out in the Australian Standard. Note: for Queensland businesses, there are stricter rules regarding the location and placement of evacuation diagrams.
The penalty for not having, or having non-compliant evacuation diagrams at your workplace varies state by state, and can include fines and prosecution in a Magistrates Court and or a Supreme Court Injunction.