Frequently Asked Questions
Evacuation Diagrams & Requirements
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An evacuation diagram is a visual guide showing a floor or area of a building, the viewer’s location, exits, evacuation routes, assembly information and relevant emergency equipment.
It helps occupants and visitors understand where they are and how to follow the facility’s evacuation arrangements.
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No. An emergency management plan sets out how a facility prepares for and responds to emergencies, including procedures, responsibilities, communication and training.
An evacuation diagram presents key information visually. It forms part of the facility’s emergency arrangements and should reflect the relevant procedures.
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Requirements depend on the building’s use, applicable legislation, approvals and emergency arrangements. Workplaces, apartment buildings, education facilities, healthcare premises and accommodation properties can have different obligations.
We can review the available information and help identify the diagram work needed. Questions about building approvals or broader emergency planning may also require input from your building surveyor or emergency planning team.
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AS 3745–2010 — Planning for emergencies in facilities sets out requirements for evacuation diagrams, including their content, orientation, display and validity period.
Other requirements may also apply. For example, healthcare facilities may need to consider AS 4083, while education and care services covered by Regulation 97 have specific requirements for displaying emergency and evacuation information.
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A diagram includes the relevant floor or area, a “You Are Here” marker, designated exits, paths of travel, assembly information, facility identification, a legend and a validity date.
Relevant installed fire and communication equipment must also be considered. Additional information depends on the facility’s emergency plan.
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There is no fixed quantity that suits every building. The number and locations depend on the layout, occupants, access points and emergency arrangements.
We can assess proposed display positions and recommend a coordinated set for consideration by the people responsible for your emergency planning. Each diagram is oriented for its particular location; one drawing should not simply be copied onto every wall.
Existing Diagrams, Reviews & Changes
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Under AS 3745, the nominated validity period should not exceed five years and may be shorter. Arrange a review before the displayed validity date expires.
Diagrams also need attention sooner if changes affect the information shown, such as renovations, relocated equipment, different exits or revised assembly areas.
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Not necessarily. A review checks whether the existing information remains accurate and suitable.
Depending on the condition of the diagrams, available drawing files and changes to the property, they may be revalidated, amended or redrawn. A review involves more than changing the date.
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Yes—we can review diagrams originally prepared by another provider.
Whether they can be amended depends on their accuracy, legibility and the source files available. If suitable editable files are unavailable, a redraw may be the more practical option.
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If the changes affect information shown on the diagrams, they should be reviewed. Examples include altered walls, doors, tenancy boundaries, storage racking, exits, fire equipment or evacuation routes.
Changes to the display position itself can also affect the required orientation and “You Are Here” marker.
Site Inspections, Supply & Project Coordination
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We can arrange an on-site inspection to measure and document the information needed for evacuation diagram preparation.
Existing plans, even if incomplete, can still be useful. We will assess what is available and identify what needs checking at the property.
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Yes—we can assess the layout, exits and relevant site conditions and assist with suitable evacuation routes, assembly areas and display locations.
These need to be coordinated with the facility’s emergency arrangements and confirmed with the responsible people before the drawings are finalised.
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Yes—where suitable current plans and reliable site information are available.
Remote projects may use marked-up drawings, photographs, existing diagrams and confirmation from a nominated site contact. We will explain what needs verifying and whether an inspection is necessary.
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Yes. You can choose digital files, printing, framing or a coordinated supply-and-install service.
On-site services are available across Melbourne and most of Victoria. Regional attendance depends on location and project scope, particularly for larger projects. Sizes, finishes and installation arrangements are confirmed before production.
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Yes—we work on individual premises, multi-building facilities and property portfolios.
Work can be staged around access, operating hours and project priorities. Each property and display location is considered individually, while presentation and revision records can be coordinated across the project.
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Yes—we can prepare diagrams using your branding and an agreed format while you remain the client’s main contact.
We confirm the scope, source information, feedback process and any site-access arrangements before starting. Support is available for individual projects and ongoing drafting requirements.
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The main factors are the number of diagrams, building complexity, quality of available plans, inspection requirements and chosen supply options.
Let us know your preferred timing, including any handover or inspection dates. We confirm the scope and expected delivery before proceeding.
Other Plans & Signage
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A fire alarm zone block plan relates the alarm panel’s zone references to physical areas of the building.
A fire hydrant block plan shows the hydrant system and relevant information, such as connections, valves, fire mains and water supplies.
They serve different purposes and use different technical references: AS 1670.1 for fire alarm systems and AS 2419.1 for hydrant installations, subject to the applicable system and project requirements.
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Useful documents include current building and fire services drawings, existing block plans and marked-up changes.
Alarm zone details or hydrant system information need confirmation from the relevant fire protection contractor or consultant. We prepare the drawing from confirmed information; block plan drafting does not replace system design, testing or certification.
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Yes—we supply directional signs, assembly-area signs, fire-equipment identification and selected Braille and tactile signage.
Wording, arrows, materials and intended locations are agreed before production. Signs can be posted Australia-wide, with on-site assistance available in Melbourne and suitable Victorian locations.
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Yes—we prepare area maps showing surrounding streets, off-site assembly points, evacuation routes and relevant landmarks.
Maps can include distances and estimated travel times to support the school’s emergency management planning. Routes and destinations need to reflect the school’s confirmed arrangements.
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A red line plan is a venue floor plan showing the boundary of a proposed or approved liquor-licensed area.
We prepare drawings for new applications and changes to existing licensed areas. Preparing a drawing does not itself grant a licence or change an approved boundary.
Still Have a Question?
Contact COAD88 EVAC PLAN to discuss your property, the information you have and the assistance you need.