Clear evacuation information can make a significant difference when people need to respond quickly during an emergency. AFP Groups designs and installs AS3745:2010 compliant evacuation diagrams for commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, and strata properties across Melbourne. Our professional CAD designers and floor plan specialists produce fully customised diagrams — not templates — accurately identifying the ‘You Are Here’ position, emergency exits, evacuation paths, assembly areas and relevant fire safety equipment for each specific location.
What is an evacuation diagram?
An evacuation diagram (also called a fire evacuation plan or emergency egress diagram) is a site-specific floor plan displayed in a building to guide occupants safely out during an emergency. It shows exits, assembly areas, firefighting equipment locations, and evacuation routes from the specific location where the diagram is posted.
Under AS3745:2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, every person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) at a facility must ensure compliant evacuation diagrams are installed throughout their premises. This obligation applies regardless of business size, industry, or number of employees.
Sample Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan and Diagram
What must an evacuation diagram include?
AS3745:2010 specifies the mandatory content elements for every evacuation diagram in Australia:
| Mandatory element | What it must show |
| Floor plan of the level/area | Must show the layout to scale or indicative proportion |
| “You Are Here” marker | Clearly shows the location of the diagram relative to the floor plan |
| Designated exit routes | Primary and alternative evacuation paths clearly marked |
| Exit points | All designated emergency exit doors labelled |
| Emergency assembly area | Location shown in words or pictorial symbol |
| Firefighting equipment | Location of extinguishers, hose reels, hydrant outlets, blankets |
| First aid equipment | Location of first aid kit(s) |
| Emergency contact info | Key phone numbers and emergency procedures |
| North point / orientation | Compass orientation to assist wayfinding |
| Diagram issue date | Date of last review/update visible on the diagram |
Where must evacuation diagrams be installed?
AS3745:2010 specifies the following placement requirements:
- Mounted 1,200–1,600 mm above the finished floor level
- Located in common paths of travel — corridors, stairwells, lift lobbies, room entrances
- Each diagram must show the ‘You Are Here’ marker for its specific location — copying one diagram across multiple locations is non-compliant
- Installed on fire doors, smoke doors, and fire-rated walls using appropriate fixings that do not compromise the fire rating
- The number of diagrams required is determined by the Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) based on floor area, layout, and occupancy
AFP’s team assesses your site and recommends the correct number and placement of diagrams – so your facility is compliant from day one.
Who needs evacuation diagrams in Victoria?
AS3745:2010 applies to any facility where people work, visit, or reside. Common building types and their specific obligations:
| Building type | Standard(s) | Key requirement |
| Commercial offices | AS3745:2010 | Any size — PCBU obligation under WHS Act |
| Retail & shopping centres | AS3745:2010 | All common areas and tenancies |
| Warehouses & factories | AS3745:2010 | All work areas and common egress routes |
| Schools & universities | AS3745:2010 + Education Regs | Near every exit per Education & Care Services National Regulations Reg. 97 |
| Hospitals & healthcare | AS3745:2010 + AS4083:2010 | Enhanced requirements — all wards, corridors and common areas |
| Aged care facilities | AS3745:2010 + AS4083:2010 | All resident areas, corridors and exits |
| Hotels & accommodation | AS3745:2010 | Behind every room door + common areas |
| Strata & apartments | AS3745:2010 | Common areas, fire stairs, each floor landing |
| Childcare centres | AS3745:2010 + Reg. 97 | Near every exit, prominently displayed |
| Government buildings | AS3745:2010 | All floors and common paths of travel |
How often do evacuation diagrams need to be updated?
Under AS3745:2010, evacuation diagrams must be reviewed and updated:
- Whenever the layout of the facility changes (fit-out, renovation, new partitions, relocated equipment)
- Whenever emergency equipment is moved, added, or removed
- Whenever the designated assembly area changes
- As a minimum, as part of the annual emergency plan review
Outdated diagrams that show incorrect exit routes or equipment locations can be as dangerous as having no diagram at all — and still attract non-compliance penalties.
AFP offers an annual evacuation diagram review service. We update your diagrams whenever your facility changes and send reminder notifications when your annual review is due.
AFP’s evacuation diagram design process
- Step 1: Site assessment
For new clients or complex sites, AFP conducts an on-site assessment to capture accurate floor plan dimensions, equipment locations, exit points, and assembly areas. Existing floor plans (as-built drawings, tenancy plans) can be supplied digitally to streamline the process.
- Step 2: Custom CAD design
Our professional CAD designers produce a fully customised evacuation diagram for each location in your facility — not a generic template. Every ‘You Are Here’ marker is accurate, every exit route is specific to that location, and all mandatory AS3745 elements are included.
- Step 3: Client review and approval
Draft diagrams are submitted for client review before production. Any changes to layout, equipment locations, or assembly areas are incorporated at no extra charge.
- Step 4: Production and installation
AFP produces diagrams in your choice of material — photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark), rigid PVC, laminated poster, or framed — and installs them at the correct height and locations throughout your facility. A compliance record is provided on completion
Why choose AFP for evacuation diagrams in Melbourne?
- Professional CAD design — fully customised, not templates
- All building types covered — commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, strata, hospitality
- Multiple material and framing options to suit your facility
- Fast turnaround — contact us for current lead times
- Annual review reminders — never fall out of compliance
- Based in Thomastown — serving Melbourne CBD, North West and inner suburbs
- Bundle with Emergency Response Plans, Fire Safety Training, and fire equipment servicing
Related AFP services
Customers who order evacuation diagrams from AFP frequently combine them with:
- Emergency Response Plans Melbourne — the companion document to your evacuation diagrams
- Fire Safety Training Melbourne — warden training and evacuation drills
- Fire Equipment Servicing — AS1851 maintenance of all fire equipment shown on your diagrams
- Exit & Emergency Lighting Testing Melbourne — ensure lighting is functional for evacuation routes
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What should be shown on an evacuation diagram?
An evacuation diagram can include the building layout, “You Are Here” location, evacuation paths, emergency exits, assembly areas, firefighting equipment, first-aid equipment and other relevant emergency information. The information should accurately reflect the layout of the property.
Do evacuation diagrams need to be customised for each building?
Evacuation diagrams should reflect the actual layout and emergency arrangements of the property. Australia Fire Protection prepares customised CAD-designed diagrams based on the individual building rather than using a generic diagram that may not accurately represent the site.
Where evacuation diagrams should be displayed?
The appropriate locations depend on the building layout and the applicable requirements. Diagrams are generally positioned where occupants can easily see and refer to them, particularly along common access and egress areas. Australia Fire Protection can assess the property and advise on suitable locations.
How often should evacuation diagrams be reviewed?
Evacuation diagrams should be reviewed when there are changes to the building layout, exits, evacuation routes, firefighting equipment or other relevant emergency information. Regular review also helps ensure the displayed information continues to reflect the property.
Do evacuation diagrams need to be updated after renovations?
Yes. Changes such as alterations to floor layouts, walls, exits, access routes or fire safety equipment can affect the information shown on an evacuation diagram. Updated diagrams can help ensure occupants are provided with information that reflects the current building layout.
How much do evacuation diagrams cost in Melbourne?
The cost depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the property, number of floors and diagrams required, existing floor plans, site assessment requirements, materials and installation. Australia Fire Protection can provide a quote based on the specific requirements of your property.
Can Australia Fire Protection design and install evacuation diagrams?
Yes. Australia Fire Protection provides a complete evacuation diagram service, including site assessment, customised CAD design, production and installation for properties across Melbourne.
What is the difference between an evacuation diagram and an emergency response plan?
An evacuation diagram provides a visual representation of the building and helps occupants identify evacuation routes, exits and other important emergency information. An emergency response plan provides broader procedures and responsibilities for managing an emergency. They serve different purposes but can work together as part of an organisation’s emergency arrangements.