Accurate, easy-to-read apartment evacuation diagrams and safety signs for your building or complex.
Fire safety regulations and the Australian Standard for Planning for emergencies in facilities (AS3745-2010) set out strict guidelines for evacuation plans and diagrams for every class of building, with the exception of class 1a and class 10 buildings. Apartment buildings are considered to be a class 2 building, with each apartment considered to be a sole-occupancy unit (SOU). Apartment evacuation diagrams are key to compliance.
While AS3745 2010 and fire safety regulations do not require separate Fire and Evacuation plans for each SOU, the Managing Entity (Body Corporate) is required to have a Fire and Evacuation plan for the whole building. This includes a requirement to have evacuation diagrams in common areas.
Regulations for evacuation diagrams and safety signs in Apartment buildings and complexes
Accurate, easy-to-read evacuation diagrams and safety signs are crucial to ensuring the safety of every occupant and visitor in the event of an emergency situation. To comply with the standard, evacuation diagrams in apartment buildings must:
- show an accurate uncomplicated, floor plan of the building or complex, and
- a brief, easy-to-understand description of the emergency procedures to be followed.
The standard also requires that the Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) for the apartment building or complex, ensures their building/s have the required number of evacuation signs and exits.
Failure to comply with any of the regulations set out in the standard may result in fines of up to $30,000.
Minimum elements required in evacuation diagrams for Apartment buildings and complexes
The minimum elements required in evacuation diagrams, according to AS3745-2010, include:
- an “EVACUATION DIAGRAM” heading on the sign,
- a validity date,
- a “YOU ARE HERE” indicator,
- the location of the designated exit – marked in green,
- the route to the designated exit,
- the location of fire alarms,
- the location of the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), if applicable,
- the location of fire blankets, hose reels and hydrants in relation to the “YOU ARE HERE” indicator – marked in red,
- the location of fire extinguishers in relation to the “YOU ARE HERE” indicator – marked in red with the appropriate colour, indicating the type of extinguisher (per AS/NZS1841.1),
- the location of other safety equipment in relation to the “YOU ARE HERE” indicator,
- the location of and route to the designated evacuation assembly point/s outside the building or complex – either in words or pictorially,
- a legend explaining the meaning of any symbols used in the diagram, and
- the address of the building or complex (and the name of the building or complex, if applicable).
A more detailed site plan showing other exits and routes to the emergency assembly point/s may also be included.
Requirements for positioning, orientation and size of evacuation diagrams in Apartment buildings and complexes
AS 3745-2010 specifies that evacuation diagrams must be:
- displayed in conspicuous locations where they can be easily viewed,
- located in common areas (passageway, corridor, stairway, or foyer), along each evacuation route,
- attached to a wall or door (ensuring the fire rating of the door is not compromised),
- positioned at a height of between 1200mm and 1600mm from floor level, and
- correctly oriented to the building and the “You are here” indicator.
Where the evacuation diagram uses only the minimum elements required, it must be a minimum A4 size, with the pictorial representation of the floor plan being at least 200mm x 150mm. Where optional elements (e.g., telephone numbers, emergency response procedures, North direction) are included, the evacuation diagram must be a minimum A3 size, with the pictorial representation of the floor plan being at least 200mm x 300mm (or A4 size).
Why do Apartment buildings and complexes need evacuation diagrams?
Apartment buildings and complexes must abide by the same rules for evacuation planning and signage as other buildings, however extensive electrical outlets and wiring, air conditioning, and the potential for careless use of faulty appliances, heaters, incandescent materials and hazardous chemicals within each SOU, can exponentially increase the possible safety risks within an apartment building or complex.
Evacuation diagrams and safety signs provide simple and concise information in a format that enables the reader to quickly determine what they need to do and where they need to go if they are required to evacuate the building. Evacuation diagrams and safety signs:
- provide clear directions to safety equipment and exits,
- help to orient a confused, anxious or panicked person,
- help to prevent personal injuries or loss of life, and
- help to prevent or lessen property damage.
How can Safety Maps help your Apartment building or complex meet its legal obligations and ensure occupants are prepared for emergency situations?
Safety Maps is one of the premier safety signage providers in Australia, with over 20 years of experience in producing specialist industry graphics and supplying high quality, durable and reasonably priced visual solutions that adhere to strict Australian standards for evacuation diagrams and safety signs.
Servicing the whole of NSW, and all Australian capital cities, Safety Maps has all of your evacuation diagram and safety signage needs covered. To find out how Safety Maps can fulfil all your evacuation diagram or safety signage needs, call us today on (02) 8078 0302, send us an email at ,or fill out our Contact form to have a Safety Maps representative contact you.
