--- title: "AS 3745 vs NCC: Australian Emergency Compliance Guide" description: "Confused about AS 3745 and the National Construction Code? This guide explains how they work together and what building owners need to know about emergency compliance." canonical: https://evacpath.com/blog/as-3745-vs-ncc-australian-emergency-compliance source: https://evacpath.com/blog/as-3745-vs-ncc-australian-emergency-compliance --- # AS 3745 vs NCC: Australian Emergency Compliance Guide > Confused about AS 3745 and the National Construction Code? This guide explains how they work together and what building owners need to know about emergency compliance. _EvacPath Team · 2026-04-03 · 6 min read_ If you are a building owner, facility manager, or tenant in Australia, you have probably encountered two key references when it comes to emergency planning: [AS 3745](https://evacpath.com/blog/evacuation-diagram-requirements-australia) and the NCC. They are related but different, and understanding how they work together will help you stay compliant without overcomplicating things. ## What Is AS 3745? Australian Standard AS 3745:2010 is titled "Planning for Emergencies in Facilities." It is the standard that covers how buildings should prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. AS 3745 covers: - Establishing an Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) - Writing an emergency plan for the facility - Creating and installing evacuation diagrams - Defining roles: Chief Warden, Floor Wardens, First Aid Officers - Conducting evacuation exercises and drills - Reviewing and updating the plan regularly When people talk about "AS 3745-compliant evacuation diagrams," they are referring to the specific requirements in this standard for what a diagram must include, how large it must be, and where it must be placed. ## What Is the NCC? The National Construction Code (NCC) is Australia's primary set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings. It is maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and is adopted by all states and territories. The NCC is split into three volumes: - Volume One: commercial buildings (Class 2 to 9) - Volume Two: residential buildings (Class 1 and 10) - Volume Three: plumbing and drainage The NCC sets requirements for fire safety systems in buildings: fire exits, fire stairs, fire-rated walls, smoke detection, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and exit signs. It defines the physical infrastructure that makes evacuation possible. ## How Do They Work Together? Think of it this way: - The NCC tells you how to build a safe building (exits, fire stairs, fire systems) - AS 3745 tells you how to plan for emergencies in that building (diagrams, wardens, drills) The NCC ensures your building has the right exits, fire doors, and safety systems. AS 3745 ensures that everyone in the building knows where those exits are and what to do when the alarm sounds. You need both. A building with perfect fire exits but no evacuation diagrams is non-compliant. A building with perfect diagrams but blocked fire exits is dangerous. ## Which One Requires Evacuation Diagrams? AS 3745 is the standard that specifies evacuation diagram requirements. The NCC does not directly require evacuation diagrams, but it creates the framework that makes them necessary. In practice, local councils, fire authorities, and building certifiers reference AS 3745 when checking whether a building has compliant evacuation diagrams. If your building is Class 2 through 9 under the NCC (essentially any building that is not a standalone house), you will need evacuation diagrams as part of your emergency plan. ## State and Territory Variations While AS 3745 and the NCC apply nationally, each state and territory has its own legislation that references them: - NSW: Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, Annual Fire Safety Statements - VIC: Building Regulations, Essential Safety Measures (ESM) reports - QLD: Building Fire Safety Regulation, fire safety advisements - SA: Development Regulations, Essential Safety Provisions - WA: Building Regulations, building approval conditions - TAS: Building Regulations, Director's Determinations - NT: Building Act, fire safety requirements - ACT: Building Act, fire safety obligations The specifics vary, but the core requirement is the same: occupied buildings need emergency plans, evacuation diagrams, and regular reviews. ## What About the Building Code of Australia (BCA)? The BCA is the former name for what is now the NCC. You may still see references to "BCA" in older documents, leases, or fire safety reports. They refer to the same thing. The NCC replaced the BCA name in 2011, but the transition in everyday language has been slow. ## What Building Owners Actually Need to Do To stay compliant with both AS 3745 and the NCC: - Ensure your building meets NCC fire safety requirements (exits, fire systems, emergency lighting) - Establish an Emergency Planning Committee or appoint an emergency coordinator - Write an emergency plan for your facility - Install AS 3745-compliant evacuation diagrams at all required locations - Train wardens and conduct evacuation drills (at least annually) - Review and update the plan after any building changes For most building owners, the evacuation diagrams are the most visible and frequently checked element. They are also the easiest to get right. ## Get Compliant Diagrams EvacPath creates AS 3745-compliant evacuation diagrams for all building types across Australia. We work from your floor plans, so there is [no site visit](https://evacpath.com/how-it-works) needed. Print-ready PDFs delivered in 3 to 5 business days. Pricing starts at A$70 per diagram. Simple, transparent, and fully compliant.