To comply with fire safety legislation in Australia, including the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant state regulations, commercial building occupiers must include specific information on evacuation diagrams. The exact requirements can vary depending on the state or territory, but here is a general list of information that is commonly required on evacuation diagrams in commercial buildings:
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Title and Building Information:
- A title indicating that it is an "Emergency Evacuation Diagram."
- Building name or identification.
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North Indicator:
- A north arrow to help orient people.
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Location Plan:
- A site plan showing the building's location in relation to streets, landmarks, and assembly areas.
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Floor Plan:
- Detailed floor plans for each level of the building, including walls, rooms, corridors, and key features.
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Exits:
- Locations of all exits, including primary and secondary exits.
- Clear labels and symbols for exit doors (e.g., "Exit," "Emergency Exit").
- Arrows indicating the direction to exits.
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Exit Paths:
- Pathways to reach exits from various locations within the building.
- Arrows showing the direction of egress.
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Assembly Points:
- Designated assembly points outside the building for occupants to gather after evacuating.
- Clearly marked with symbols and labels.
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Fire Safety Equipment:
- Locations of fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, fire alarm pull stations, and fire blankets.
- Clear symbols for each type of equipment.
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Fire Alarm Panel:
- The location of the main fire alarm control panel, if applicable.
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Emergency Lighting:
- Locations of emergency lighting fixtures.
- Symbols indicating emergency lighting.
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First Aid Stations:
- Locations of first aid stations or first aid kits within the building.
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Disabled Access:
- Highlight accessible routes for individuals with disabilities, including ramps and designated disabled access doors.
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Hazardous Materials:
- If applicable, mark the locations of hazardous materials storage areas and provide instructions for safe handling during an evacuation.
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Stairwells and Elevators:
- Locations of stairwells and elevators.
- Clear instructions regarding whether elevators can be used during emergencies.
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Special Instructions:
- Specific instructions for dealing with unique features or hazards within the building, such as confined spaces or hazardous equipment.
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Emergency Contact Information:
- Emergency contact numbers, including 000 (emergency services), local fire department, and on-site contacts.
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Date of Revision:
- Display the date when the evacuation diagram was last updated to ensure it remains current.
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Scale and Legend:
- Indicate the scale of the diagram.
- Include a legend that explains the symbols and labels used on the diagram.
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Compliance Statement:
- A statement confirming that the evacuation diagram complies with relevant fire safety legislation and standards.
To ensure compliance with fire safety regulations in Australia, building occupiers should work closely with fire safety consultants, fire authorities, or local authorities who can provide guidance and review the evacuation diagrams. Regularly review and update the diagrams to reflect any changes in building layout or safety procedures. Additionally, ensure that the evacuation diagrams are prominently displayed throughout the building for easy access by occupants.
If you need a hand with developing evacuation diagrams for your business get in touch with us at MiFire Australia.
