Do You Need Evacuation Diagrams? Australian Checklist

Not every building owner or tenant knows whether they need evacuation diagrams. The rules can feel unclear, especially for small businesses, shared spaces, or buildings that have changed use over time.

This quick checklist will help you work out whether your building needs them.

The Simple Test

Ask yourself these questions. If you answer yes to any of them, you almost certainly need evacuation diagrams:

• Does your building have employees, staff, or workers on site?
• Do members of the public visit your building (customers, patients, guests)?
• Is your building used for education (students, children)?
• Does your building have more than one floor?
• Does your building store flammable or hazardous materials?
• Has your local council, insurer, or fire authority asked about your emergency plan?
• Are you about to undergo a fire safety audit or building inspection?

If you answered yes to even one of those questions, evacuation diagrams should be part of your emergency plan.

Buildings That Definitely Need Them

These building types require evacuation diagrams under normal circumstances:

• Offices and commercial buildings
• Retail shops and shopping centres
• Restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars
• Hotels, motels, and short-term accommodation (including Airbnb)
• Warehouses, factories, and distribution centres
• Schools, childcare centres, and universities
• Medical clinics, hospitals, and aged care facilities
• Churches, community halls, and event venues
• Gyms and fitness centres
• Co-working spaces and shared offices

What About Small Businesses?

Size does not determine whether you need diagrams. A small cafe with 20 seats has the same obligation as a large restaurant. A single-room office with staff and visitors should still have a diagram showing the exit route, fire extinguisher location, and assembly point.

The cost of a single diagram (around A$70 from EvacPath) is far less than the cost of a failed inspection or an insurance issue after an incident.

What About Home-Based Businesses?

If you run a business from home and do not have employees or public visitors, you generally do not need formal evacuation diagrams. However, if clients visit your home office or you employ staff who work from your premises, it is worth considering.

What About Rented or Leased Spaces?

If you are a tenant, check your lease. Many commercial leases require the tenant to maintain compliant evacuation diagrams for their tenanted area. The building owner or manager is typically responsible for common areas (lobbies, fire stairs, car parks).

If you are unsure, ask your landlord or building manager. It is better to clarify now than during an inspection.

What If My Building Already Has Diagrams?

Check when they were last updated. If the building layout has changed, exit routes have moved, or fire equipment has been relocated, the diagrams need to be updated. Outdated diagrams are a compliance risk.

Look at the date on the diagram. If it is more than 5 years old, it is probably time for a refresh.

Next Steps

If you have determined that your building needs evacuation diagrams, here is what to do next:

• Locate your floor plans (or prepare to sketch them)
• Identify where fire equipment is located (extinguishers, hose reels, alarm points)
• Count the number of diagram locations you need
• Get a quote or order directly

EvacPath makes it simple. Send us your floor plan, we create AS 3745-compliant diagrams, and you receive print-ready PDFs in 3 to 5 business days. Starting at A$70 per diagram.