If you manage or own any premises in Western Australia where people work, study, receive care or visit, the short answer is almost certainly yes. Evacuation diagrams are not optional for most facilities and the obligation covers far more than just business premises. Schools, childcare centres, aged care facilities, hospitals, sporting clubs, strata buildings and government facilities all carry the same obligations as commercial workplaces.
Here is what you need to know.
Who needs an evacuation diagram?
AS 3745-2010 applies to all buildings, structures or workplaces that are occupied by people. The only exception in the standard is a Class 1a building — a single private dwelling that is not also used as a workplace. Beyond that narrow exception, there is no exemption based on the size of your business, the number of staff you employ or the industry you operate in.
In practical terms this means offices, retail premises, warehouses, factories, schools, childcare centres, medical centres, aged care facilities, strata buildings, hospitality venues, sporting clubs and government buildings all need compliant evacuation diagrams. If people come onto your site — whether they are employees, clients, students, patients or visitors — you need diagrams.
What the law says
In Western Australia, workplace fire safety obligations sit across two pieces of legislation. The Work Health and Safety General Regulations 2022 require all persons conducting a business or undertaking to maintain a safe working environment, which includes ensuring appropriate emergency procedures and evacuation information are in place. The older OSH Regulations 1996 remain relevant for certain workplaces and carry similar obligations.
Both sets of regulations align with Australian Standard AS 3745-2010 — Planning for Emergencies in Facilities — which is the recognised standard for emergency planning in all facilities and the benchmark WorkSafe WA uses when assessing compliance.
What counts as a compliant evacuation diagram?
Not just any floor plan will do. Under Clause 3.5.5 of AS 3745-2010, every evacuation diagram must include a specific set of mandatory elements including the title EVACUATION DIAGRAM, a floor plan of at least 200mm x 150mm, the YOU ARE HERE location, designated exits shown in green, fire safety equipment locations shown in the correct colours, assembly area, validity date, facility name and address including access street, and a compliant legend.
Diagrams must also be positioned at the correct height, between 1,200mm and 1,600mm above the finished floor and must not be fixed to fire doors or smoke doors.
What are the consequences of not having one?
Non-compliance can result in improvement notices or fines from WorkSafe WA. Beyond the regulatory consequences, missing or outdated evacuation diagrams slow evacuation in an emergency and increase the risk of injury to the people in your building. Your organisation also carries increased legal liability if an incident occurs and diagrams are found to be inadequate.
Learn more on our Evacuation Diagram service page.
How do I get one?
CMG Fire and Safety Services handles the entire process for businesses across Perth, including site assessment, design, supply and on-site installation.
If you are not sure whether your current diagrams are compliant or your premises needs new ones, contact CMG for a no-obligation conversation.
📞 1300 355 686 📧 info@cmgsafety.com.au
