An emergency evacuation diagram is a critical safety tool designed to provide building occupants with clear guidance during an emergency. Whether it’s a fire, chemical spill, or security threat, a well-designed diagram can significantly reduce confusion and save lives. For workplaces, schools, hospitals, and residential complexes, having a compliant and easily understandable emergency evacuation diagram is not just best practice—it’s often a legal requirement.

This guide outlines the step-by-step process for creating an effective emergency evacuation diagram that meets regulatory standards and serves its life-saving purpose.

Step 1: Understand Regulatory Requirements

Before creating any diagram, familiarize yourself with relevant regulations. In Australia, the AS 3745-2010 standard outlines specific requirements for emergency evacuation diagrams. In the United States, guidelines may vary by state but often follow OSHA standards. These regulations cover what must be included on the diagram, how it should be displayed, and the minimum and maximum dimensions.

Key elements typically required include:

• A “You Are Here” marker

• The location of emergency exits

• Firefighting equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets)

• Assembly areas

• Emergency contact details

• Evacuation routes

Understanding these baseline requirements ensures that your diagram will be compliant and useful during audits or emergency inspections.

Step 2: Conduct a Site Assessment

Walk through the premises to assess the layout and identify all safety-critical elements. Take note of:

• All exit routes, including stairwells and emergency-only exits

• Locations of firefighting equipment

• Any areas that may require special attention, such as laboratories, kitchens, or disabled access points

A detailed site assessment will help you ensure that the emergency evacuation diagram accurately reflects real-world conditions.

Step 3: Create a Scaled Floor Plan

Your diagram must be a clear representation of the building’s layout. Use a CAD tool, architectural software, or a professional diagramming service to create a scaled drawing of the floor plan. The diagram should be oriented correctly—north should be clearly marked—and walls, doors, and corridors must be accurate in scale.

Ensure that every part of the building relevant to emergency evacuation is included. A diagram that excludes a wing, stairwell, or annex may leave occupants vulnerable.

Step 4: Add Required Emergency Features

Once the basic floor plan is ready, overlay all required emergency symbols and features. Use standardized icons and colors to enhance legibility and compliance. For example:

• Green for exit routes

• Red for fire equipment

• Blue or yellow for assembly areas

Be sure to include:

• The “You Are Here” indicator

• All emergency exits and stairwells

• Paths of travel to the nearest safe exit

• Assembly points outside the building

• Locations of fire alarms, extinguishers, hose reels, and emergency telephones

Label all symbols clearly and consistently. Including a legend or key is essential to ensure users can understand the symbols quickly during a stressful situation.

Step 5: Position Diagrams Strategically

An emergency evacuation diagram is only useful if it’s visible and accessible. Install them in key locations such as:

• Near entrances and exits

• In hallways and stairwells

• Next to fire equipment

• Inside meeting rooms and common areas

Make sure diagrams are mounted at eye level (typically between 1200 mm and 1600 mm from the floor) and are illuminated or in glow-in-the-dark frames if used in low-light environments.

Step 6: Review and Approve

Have the diagram reviewed by a qualified safety officer or facility manager. Ideally, the diagram should also be cross-checked against current safety procedures and emergency plans. In some jurisdictions, it may be necessary to have the diagram approved by a certified fire safety professional or OHS consultant to ensure compliance.

Step 7: Regularly Update the Diagram

Evacuation diagrams are not a set-and-forget solution. They must be updated whenever there is:

• A change in the building’s layout

• Relocation of emergency equipment

• Modification in evacuation procedures

• An update to safety regulations

Schedule periodic reviews (at least annually) to ensure the information remains accurate and relevant. Outdated diagrams can lead to dangerous misinformation during emergencies.

Step 8: Train Building Occupants

Creating an emergency evacuation diagram is just one part of a comprehensive emergency management plan. Make sure that all building occupants are familiar with the diagrams. Include them in safety inductions, fire drills, and refresher training sessions. The goal is to ensure that everyone knows where to find the diagram and how to interpret it quickly.

Conclusion

A well-crafted emergency evacuation diagram is an indispensable component of any building’s safety infrastructure. It not only ensures compliance with health and safety regulations but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives during emergencies. By following these steps—understanding legal requirements, conducting a site assessment, using clear and compliant symbols, and regularly updating the diagrams—you can create a tool that truly enhances workplace safety. To ensure the highest level of compliance and effectiveness, consider consulting an experienced OHS Consultant when designing or reviewing your evacuation diagrams.