How to Read an Evacuation Diagram in Australia

Evacuation diagrams are posted in almost every commercial building, hotel, school, and workplace in Australia. But most people walk past them without a second glance. In an emergency, knowing how to quickly read an evacuation diagram could save your life.

This guide explains what each part of an evacuation diagram means and how to use it.

Find the "You Are Here" Marker

The first thing to look for is the "You Are Here" marker. It is usually a red or green dot, arrow, or text label showing your current position on the floor plan.

The diagram is oriented so that "up" on the diagram matches the direction you are facing. If you are standing at the main entrance looking into the building, the corridor ahead of you will be shown going up on the diagram. This makes it intuitive to follow routes without having to mentally rotate the map.

Identify the Exit Routes

Exit routes are shown as green arrows or dashed green lines leading from your location to the nearest exit. There should be at least one primary route and ideally an alternative route in case the first is blocked.

Follow the green arrows from "You Are Here" to the nearest exit. Count the number of doors or turns so you can find the route in smoke or darkness.

Understand the Symbols

Australian evacuation diagrams use standardised symbols. The most common ones:

• Green running figure: emergency exit door
• Red square with white extinguisher: fire extinguisher location
• Red circle with hose: fire hose reel
• Red square with "H": fire hydrant
• Red square with hand pressing button: manual call point (break glass alarm)
• Blue "i" or first aid cross: first aid kit or station
• Green cross: assembly area
• Yellow triangle: warning or hazard area

Find the Assembly Area

The assembly area is where everyone gathers after evacuating. It is shown on the diagram, usually as a green shaded area or a label reading "Assembly Area" or "Assembly Point."

The assembly area is always outside the building and away from emergency vehicle access routes. In multi-story buildings, a site plan on the ground floor diagram shows the assembly area location relative to the building.

Locate Fire Equipment

Even if you are not a fire warden, knowing where fire equipment is located can be valuable. The diagram shows the position of:

• Fire extinguishers (different types for different fires)
• Fire hose reels (typically in corridors and near stairwells)
• Manual call points (to trigger the fire alarm if it has not activated automatically)
• Fire blankets (common in commercial kitchens)

Check the Emergency Numbers

Every diagram must display emergency contact numbers. At minimum, you will see 000 (the Australian emergency number). You may also see:

• Building management or security desk number
• Fire warden contact number
• Local fire brigade direct number
• Poisons information centre (for buildings with hazardous materials)

Tips for Using Diagrams Effectively

Do not wait for an emergency to read the diagram for the first time. A few seconds of preparation can make a real difference:

• When you arrive at a hotel, office, or unfamiliar building, spend 10 seconds looking at the nearest diagram
• Count the doors between your location and the nearest exit (you may need to find it by touch in smoke)
• Note whether the nearest fire stair is to your left or right
• Check the assembly area location so you know where to go
• If you are in a hotel room, read the diagram on the back of your door before you settle in