Walk through any commercial building and you'll see evacuation diagrams on walls. Most people glance at them once during induction and never look again. But when an emergency happens, these diagrams become critical decision-making tools — which is why AS3745-2010 has specific requirements for what they must show and where they must be placed.
What AS3745 Requires
AS3745 clause 8.4 specifies that evacuation diagrams must be displayed in locations where they can be easily seen by occupants. The diagrams must be clear, accurate, and show:
The diagram must also include emergency contact numbers and any specific instructions relevant to that area.
Placement Requirements
Where diagrams must be displayed:
How many you need:
The standard doesn't specify an exact number, but the principle is that occupants should be able to quickly locate and refer to a diagram. For large or complex floors, one diagram near the lifts isn't enough — you may need diagrams at multiple points.
What Makes a Good Evacuation Diagram
**Orientation matters:** The diagram should be oriented to match the viewer's perspective. If you're standing facing north and the exit is on your right, the diagram should show it on the right — not rotated 180° because that's how the floor plan was originally drawn.
**"You Are Here" must be obvious:** Use a distinctive marker (red dot, star, arrow) that can't be confused with other symbols. People under stress need instant visual clarity.
**Exit routes should be clear:** Use bold arrows or highlighted paths showing the nearest exits. Don't just mark exit locations — show which route to take from "You Are Here."
**Use standard symbols:** AS3745 doesn't mandate specific symbols, but using familiar iconography (ISO fire safety symbols) improves recognition. A fire extinguisher symbol should look like what people expect a fire extinguisher symbol to look like.
**Readable from a distance:** Text should be large enough to read from at least 2 meters away. Tiny font sizes defeat the purpose.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Outdated diagrams
Layouts change. Walls get moved, exits get relocated, equipment gets shifted. But diagrams often don't get updated. An evacuation diagram showing an exit that no longer exists is worse than no diagram at all — it actively misleads people.
Mistake 2: Generic diagrams
Some facilities buy generic evacuation diagrams from sign suppliers. These show theoretical exits and equipment locations that don't match reality. Every diagram must be site-specific and location-specific.
Mistake 3: Placed too high or too low
Diagrams mounted near the ceiling are invisible. Diagrams mounted behind doors or furniture are useless. The ideal height is eye level, in clear view as people move through the space.
Mistake 4: No assembly area information
AS3745 requires assembly areas to be shown, but many diagrams only mark exits. Knowing where to go *after* exiting the building is essential for accountability and preventing re-entry.
Mistake 5: Missing emergency equipment
Defibrillators, spill kits, emergency showers, eyewash stations — if it's safety-critical equipment, it should be on the diagram. Knowing where the nearest defibrillator is shouldn't require asking during a cardiac emergency.
Digital vs Physical Diagrams
Physical diagrams are mandatory under AS3745. You can't replace them with QR codes or digital displays, because emergencies often involve power failures and technology breakdowns.
However, digital diagrams can supplement physical ones:
Just don't rely solely on technology that might fail when you need it most.
Maintenance and Review
AS3745 requires the Emergency Planning Committee to review evacuation diagrams at least annually. But reviews should also happen whenever:
**Documentation:** Keep records of diagram reviews and updates. Note who reviewed them, what changes were made, and when. This demonstrates active compliance management.
Multi-Language Considerations
For facilities with multilingual workforces or high visitor numbers, consider whether diagrams should include multiple languages or rely on visual symbols. International airports and hotels typically use symbol-heavy diagrams that transcend language barriers.
For workplaces with established non-English-speaking employee populations, bilingual diagrams can improve comprehension — but symbols should still be the primary communication method.
Accessibility Considerations
People with visual impairments can't use standard evacuation diagrams. AS3745 requires individual emergency evacuation plans for people who need assistance, but facilities should also consider:
Integration with Emergency Plans
Evacuation diagrams aren't standalone documents. They're visual representations of your emergency evacuation procedures. That means:
Inconsistency between diagrams and procedures creates confusion during emergencies.
Procurement and Quality
When purchasing evacuation diagrams:
**Work with professionals:** Fire safety consultants or specialized diagram providers create accurate, compliant diagrams. Cheap generic diagrams from sign shops often miss requirements.
**Provide accurate floor plans:** The supplier needs current architectural drawings, not 15-year-old plans that no longer reflect reality.
**Verify before installation:** Review draft diagrams carefully. Walk through the building comparing the diagram to actual conditions. Check that equipment symbols match real locations.
**Use durable materials:** Diagrams fade, peel, and deteriorate over time. UV-resistant, waterproof materials extend lifespan, especially in harsh environments (warehouses, outdoor areas).
Enforcement and Liability
Building surveyors, fire safety auditors, and WHS inspectors all check evacuation diagrams during inspections. Non-compliance can result in:
Practical Implementation Checklist
To ensure your evacuation diagrams meet AS3745 requirements:
✅ Diagrams are displayed at all required locations
✅ "You Are Here" is clearly marked on each diagram
✅ Exit routes are clearly shown with directional indicators
✅ All fire-fighting equipment is accurately marked
✅ Emergency equipment (first aid, defibrillators) is shown
✅ Assembly areas are clearly identified
✅ Emergency contact numbers are current
✅ Diagrams are oriented to match viewer perspective
✅ Text is readable from at least 2 meters distance
✅ Diagrams reflect current building layout
✅ Physical condition is good (not faded, damaged, or obscured)
✅ Annual review is documented
✅ Diagrams align with written emergency procedures
The Bottom Line
Evacuation diagrams are easy to get wrong and easy to neglect. They're often treated as set-and-forget compliance items, installed once and ignored for years.
But they're critical safety tools. When an alarm sounds, people look to these diagrams for direction. Ensuring they're accurate, visible, and current isn't just regulatory compliance — it's life safety.