Evacuation Diagrams for Coworking and Shared Offices AU

Coworking spaces and shared offices are one of the fastest-growing segments of the Australian commercial property market. But the flexible, constantly changing nature of these spaces creates unique challenges for evacuation diagram compliance.

This guide covers what coworking operators need to know about evacuation diagrams and emergency planning.

Who Is Responsible?

In a coworking environment, responsibility typically falls on:

• The coworking operator (WeWork, Hub, Regus, etc.): responsible for diagrams throughout the space, including hot desks, meeting rooms, kitchens, and common areas
• Private office tenants within the coworking space: generally NOT responsible for separate diagrams within their partitioned office, as the space is managed by the operator
• The building landlord: responsible for base building common areas (lobbies, fire stairs, car parks) outside the coworking tenancy
• The coworking operator is effectively the tenant and has the same obligations as any commercial tenant

Changing Layouts

Coworking spaces reconfigure frequently. Desks are moved, partitions are added or removed, and meeting rooms change size. This affects diagrams:

• Diagrams should show the permanent structural layout (walls, doors, fire equipment) rather than desk positions
• Major reconfigurations (new partitions, changed exit routes) require diagram updates
• Moving desks and chairs within an open plan area generally does not require a diagram update
• If a reconfiguration blocks or changes an exit route shown on the diagram, the diagram must be updated immediately

Where Diagrams Are Needed

Typical diagram locations in a coworking space:

• Main reception and entry area
• Each major zone (hot desk area, private offices wing, meeting room corridor)
• Kitchen and breakout area
• Event space or large meeting room
• Near bathrooms (for visitors unfamiliar with the space)
• Server room or IT infrastructure area (if present)

Member Communication

Unlike a traditional office where all staff are employed by one company, coworking members come from dozens of different businesses:

• New member onboarding should include a brief fire safety orientation (exits, fire equipment, assembly area)
• Diagrams are the primary safety communication for casual users and day-pass visitors
• Event attendees in the space may have no prior knowledge of the layout
• Regular evacuation drills should be conducted and all present members encouraged to participate
• Digital screens in common areas can display evacuation information as part of a rotating information display

Get Coworking Space Evacuation Diagrams

EvacPath creates evacuation diagrams for coworking spaces and shared offices across Australia. We understand the flexible nature of these spaces and design diagrams that remain accurate through minor layout changes.

Send us your floor plan and we will deliver AS 3745-compliant, print-ready PDFs in 3 to 5 business days. Pricing starts at A$70 per diagram.