Evacuation Diagram Printing and Installation Guide for Australia

You have your evacuation diagrams designed and delivered as PDFs. Now you need to print, mount, and install them correctly. Getting this wrong can result in diagrams that fade, peel, or fail inspection.

This guide covers the practical steps for printing and installing evacuation diagrams to AS 3745 standards.

Printing Specifications

AS 3745 sets minimum size requirements:

• Minimum diagram size: A4 (210mm x 297mm) for basic diagrams with mandatory elements only
• If optional elements are included (first aid, AED, refuge areas): minimum A3 (297mm x 420mm)
• Most commercial installations use A3 as standard for better readability
• Print in full colour on a quality inkjet or laser printer (minimum 300 DPI)
• Use a professional print shop for large quantities or premium finish

Paper and Finish Options

The choice of paper and finish affects durability and longevity:

• Laminated print (most common): A3 or A4 printed on heavy paper (200+ gsm) and encapsulated in gloss or matt laminate. Protects against moisture, UV fading, and handling damage. Typical lifespan: 5 to 8 years indoors.
• Acrylic frame: diagram printed and inserted into a clear acrylic wall-mounted frame. Easy to swap out when updating. Professional appearance. Higher upfront cost but lower replacement cost.
• PVC or aluminium composite panel: diagram printed directly onto rigid material or adhered to a panel. Durable and tamper-resistant. Common in high-traffic or vandal-prone areas.
• Self-adhesive vinyl: printed on adhesive-backed vinyl and applied directly to the wall or door. Used in hotel rooms (inside entry doors) and where frames are not practical.

Mounting Height

AS 3745 specifies that evacuation diagrams must be mounted between 1,200mm and 1,600mm from the finished floor level to the centre of the diagram.

Practical guidance:

• 1,400mm to centre is a common default that works for most situations
• In wheelchair-accessible buildings, mount toward the lower end (1,200mm to 1,300mm)
• On the back of hotel room doors, position at eye level for a standing adult (approximately 1,500mm)
• Ensure the diagram is not obstructed by door handles, furniture, or signage

Orientation Rules

This is one of the most important and most commonly misunderstood requirements:

• The diagram must be oriented so that "up" on the diagram matches the direction a person would walk forward from the diagram location
• This means the same floor plan will be rotated differently depending on which wall it is mounted on
• A diagram on the north wall of a corridor will be oriented differently from the same floor plan on the south wall
• The "You Are Here" marker must accurately reflect the diagram's installed position
• If a diagram is moved to a different location, both the orientation and "You Are Here" marker must be updated

This is why you cannot simply print one generic diagram and install it everywhere on the same floor. Each location needs its own version.

Installation Tips

Practical tips for a clean, compliant installation:

• Use a spirit level to ensure the diagram is straight
• For laminated prints, use double-sided mounting tape or Velcro strips (allows easy removal for updates)
• For acrylic frames, use appropriate wall anchors for your wall type (plasterboard vs masonry)
• In fire stairs, ensure the diagram does not obstruct handrails or fire signage
• Never mount diagrams on fire doors (this can interfere with fire door operation)
• In car parks, mount at a height where they will not be hit by car doors or trolleys
• Use tamper-resistant screws in public areas if vandalism is a concern

Replacement and Maintenance

Even well-installed diagrams degrade over time:

• Inspect diagrams during annual fire safety checks
• Replace if faded, yellowed, peeling, or physically damaged
• Check that mounting is secure and diagram has not shifted or fallen
• Confirm "You Are Here" is still accurate (diagrams sometimes get swapped between locations during cleaning or painting)
• Keep digital PDF copies for easy reprinting

Get Print-Ready Diagrams

EvacPath delivers evacuation diagrams as high-resolution, print-ready PDFs. Each diagram is customised with the correct orientation and "You Are Here" position for its specific installation location.

Simply print at your local print shop or office printer, laminate or frame, and install. If you need help with printing, we can recommend print partners in your area.