---
title: "Evacuation Diagrams for Factories and Manufacturing AU"
description: "Guide to evacuation diagram requirements for Australian factories, manufacturing plants, and production facilities. Covers hazardous materials, machinery layouts, shift work considerations, and WorkSafe compliance."
canonical: https://evacpath.com/blog/evacuation-diagrams-for-factories-manufacturing
source: https://evacpath.com/blog/evacuation-diagrams-for-factories-manufacturing
---

# Evacuation Diagrams for Factories and Manufacturing AU

> Guide to evacuation diagram requirements for Australian factories, manufacturing plants, and production facilities. Covers hazardous materials, machinery layouts, shift work considerations, and WorkSafe compliance.

_EvacPath Team · 2026-04-04 · 3 min read_

Factories and manufacturing facilities combine many of the challenges found in warehouses, construction sites, and hazardous materials storage. Heavy machinery, chemical processes, high noise levels, and rotating shift work all affect how evacuation should be planned and communicated.

This guide covers what factory operators need to know about evacuation diagram compliance.

## Factory-Specific Hazards

Manufacturing facilities have hazards that directly affect evacuation planning:

- Heavy machinery that cannot be quickly shut down during evacuation
- Chemical storage and processing areas with toxic, flammable, or explosive materials
- High noise environments where alarms may not be heard (visual alarms and strobes needed)
- Hot work areas (welding, grinding, furnaces) with increased fire risk
- Confined spaces where workers may be isolated from normal exit routes
- Conveyor systems and automated equipment that create physical barriers
- Dust and fume extraction systems that may need to remain operational during certain emergencies

## Diagram Requirements for Manufacturing

Beyond standard [AS 3745](https://evacpath.com/blog/evacuation-diagram-requirements-australia) elements, factory diagrams should show:

- Production floor layout including major machinery positions and conveyor lines
- Chemical storage areas and dangerous goods segregation zones
- Emergency shutdown points (Emergency Stop buttons, gas isolation valves)
- Eye wash stations and emergency shower locations
- Spill kit locations
- First aid room location
- Loading dock exits and truck marshalling areas
- Clean room or controlled environment areas with specific exit procedures
- Visitor and contractor reporting points

## Shift Work Considerations

Factories operating multiple shifts face unique challenges:

- Night shift workers may have fewer wardens and less management oversight
- Shift changeover periods have double the normal occupancy for a short time
- New or casual workers may not be familiar with the facility layout
- Contractors and maintenance crews working outside normal hours need orientation
- Evacuation drills should be conducted on each shift, not just day shift

## WorkSafe and WHS Compliance

Factory fire safety is overseen by both fire authorities and WorkSafe:

- WorkSafe inspectors include evacuation planning in workplace safety audits
- WHS regulations require emergency plans for all workplaces
- Major Hazard Facilities (MHF) have additional requirements under Schedule 15 of WHS Regulations
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for stored chemicals must be accessible during emergencies
- Worker consultation is required when developing or changing emergency procedures

## Food Manufacturing

Food factories have additional considerations:

- Cold storage and freezer areas may have pneumatic or heavy doors that require specific opening procedures
- Workers in cold storage areas may be wearing heavy PPE that restricts movement
- Commercial kitchen areas with deep fryers and gas equipment require specific fire equipment (wet chemical extinguishers, fire blankets)
- Ammonia-based refrigeration systems create toxic gas risks during leaks
- Hygiene zones may have airlocks or gowning areas that slow evacuation

## Get Factory Evacuation Diagrams

EvacPath creates evacuation diagrams for factories and manufacturing facilities across Australia. We account for production layouts, hazardous materials zones, and the specific safety equipment locations relevant to your operations.

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.