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Evacuation Diagram Development
Evacuation Diagram Development
Importance of an Evacuation Diagram
Safety is paramount for building owners and managers, whether it's a school, office, shopping facility, or warehouse. Emergencies can arise suddenly, and in such moments, an evacuation diagram can be crucial for saving lives.
What is an Evacuation Diagram?
In 2010, the 'Australia Standard on planning for emergencies in facilities' (AS 3745-2010) was implemented, making evacuation diagrams a critical component of a facility’s emergency plan
Imagine a fire breaking out on the 7th floor of a building. As the fire alarm blares, smoke quickly engulfs the area, impairing vision and adding to the chaos with intense heat. In such a panic-stricken environment, knowing where to go becomes essential.
Evacuation diagrams, placed in prominent locations, provide clear guidance during emergencies. Evacuation diagrams display crucial evacuation routes and emergency procedures, including the nearest fire exits and fire extinguisher locations, and emergency contact numbers.
Components of an Evacuation Diagram
Given the potential for saving lives, evacuation diagrams must be clear and comprehensive. According to the Australian Standard AS 3745-2010, essential elements of an evacuation diagram include:
Pictorial Representation of the Floor or Area
Purpose:
Essential for visitors and younger students unfamiliar with the building, a visual map helps in understanding the layout and reduces panic.
Details:
This component includes a scaled, visual representation of the floor or area. It should clearly depict all rooms, corridors, staircases, and significant areas to help individuals quickly understand the building layout and find the nearest exits.
Heading "Evacuation Diagram"
Purpose:
This heading indicates the importance of the information, aiding recognition during an emergency.
Details:
The heading should be prominently displayed at the top of the diagram in bold letters, making it immediately clear that the information is critical for evacuation purposes.
"You Are Here" Marker
Purpose:
Knowing your current location is crucial for navigating to safety.
Details:
A clear and prominent marker, such as a red dot or arrow, should indicate the viewer's current location on the map. This helps in quickly determining the best evacuation route.
Designated Exits
Purpose:
Highlighting the closest exits ensures quick and orderly evacuation.
Details:
The diagram should clearly mark all designated exits in the facility, typically with green symbols. It should show primary and secondary exits to avoid congestion and facilitate smooth evacuation.
Location of Assembly Areas
Purpose:
Designating a safe gathering place outside the building facilitates headcounts and ensures everyone is accounted for.
Details:
The assembly area should be indicated on the diagram, with clear instructions on how to reach it from various exits. This area should be a safe distance from the building.
Validity Date
Purpose:
Diagrams are valid for five years but must be updated to reflect any changes in the building’s layout or emergency equipment.
Details:
The diagram should include the date of creation and the date of the next required review. It must be updated whenever there are significant changes to the building’s layout or emergency equipment.
Legend/ Key for Symbols
Purpose:
Symbols must be clearly explained to ensure easy comprehension.
Details:
The legend or key should explain all symbols used on the diagram, such as those for exits, fire extinguishers, and assembly points. This ensures that everyone can easily understand the diagram.
Paths of Travel
Purpose:
Green lines and arrows indicate the safest routes to exits.
Details:
The diagram should show paths of travel with green lines and arrows, directing occupants to the nearest designated exits. These paths should be clear and unobstructed.
Facility Information
Purpose:
Including the address and relevant location details aids emergency services.
Details:
The diagram should include the facility’s address, postcode, nearest cross streets, and the name of the building. This information is crucial for emergency responders.
Firefighting Equipment
Purpose:
Marked in red, this includes hose reels, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets.
Details:
Locations of firefighting equipment should be clearly marked in red on the diagram. This includes hose reels, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets.
Fire Indicator Panels and Refuges
Purpose:
Safe areas for people with disabilities who cannot use stairs during a fire.
Details:
The locations of fire indicator panels and designated refuges for people with disabilities should be clearly indicated. These areas provide safe spots for those who cannot evacuate via stairs.
Communications Equipment
Purpose:
Clearly marked locations of phones and other communication devices for emergency use.
Details:
The diagram should show the locations of phones, walkie-talkies, pagers, or other communication devices. These are essential for coordinating with emergency responders and managing the evacuation.
Optional Elements for a More Detailed Evacuation Diagram
Direction of Door Openings
Purpose:
Prevents delays by indicating which way doors open.
Details:
Arrows or symbols showing the direction in which doors open can prevent delays and ensure smooth evacuation.
Electrical Switchboard Locations
Purpose:
Identifies critical electrical control points.
Details:
The locations of electrical switchboards should be marked, as shutting down power during an emergency can be crucial.
Fire and Smoke Doors
Purpose:
Enhances fire safety by identifying containment doors.
Details:
Fire and smoke doors should be clearly marked to show where these barriers are located.
Fire Hydrants
Purpose:
Shows the locations of fire hydrants for firefighting use.
Details:
Fire hydrants should be marked with specific symbols to help firefighters quickly locate them.
First Aid Kits, Stations, and Defibrillators
Purpose:
Indicates locations of medical supplies.
Details:
The locations of first aid kits, stations, and defibrillators should be marked on the diagram for easy access during emergencies.
Hazardous Chemical Stores
Purpose:
Identifies areas with dangerous substances.
Details:
Hazardous chemical stores should be marked to inform emergency responders and occupants of potential risks.
Solar Power Isolation Point
Purpose:
Shows where to disconnect solar power systems.
Details:
The diagram should indicate the location of the solar power isolation point for safety in buildings with solar power installations.
Spill Response Kits
Purpose:
Indicates where spill containment supplies are located.
Details:
Spill response kits should be marked on the diagram for handling chemical or other hazardous spills.
North Indicator
Purpose:
Provides orientation on the diagram.
Details:
A compass symbol showing North helps users orient the diagram with the actual building layout.
Text
Purpose:
text
Details:
text
Why is an Evacuation Diagram Important?
Integral Part of an Emergency Plan
Purpose:
They put emergency plans into action, guiding people to safety or firefighting equipment.
Details:
An evacuation diagram activates emergency procedures by providing a visual map that directs people to exits and firefighting tools, ensuring everyone knows where to go during an emergency.
Informative
Purpose:
They educate occupants about emergency procedures, reducing panic and potential injuries during an emergency.
Details:
By seeing the evacuation diagram regularly, occupants become familiar with the layout and procedures, which helps reduce panic and prevent injuries when an actual emergency occurs.
Lifesaving
Purpose:
Properly placed evacuation diagrams can be the difference between life and death, providing clear directions during critical moments.
Details:
In an emergency, clear and accessible evacuation diagrams can save lives by providing precise directions to safety, minimizing confusion, and ensuring a swift and orderly evacuation.