Refresher: New Year, New Evacuation Plan!

Looking for a fresh start in 2023? Start with an up to date evacuation plan

Happy New Year! January is a perfect time to take stock and think about planning for any training or compliance obligations over 2023, and a good place to start is your evacuation plan.

Does my facility need an evacuation plan?

Put simply, yes. Every workplace and multi-residency facility in Australia must have Evacuation Plans clearly displayed throughout the facility. The Work Health and Safety Regulation requires a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to implement evacuation plans and procedures to allow persons within the facility the ability to reach a point of safety in an emergency.

Basically evacuation diagrams are a simple and efficient way for people to move away from danger, and towards the nearest exit or safe place.

What is included in an evacuation plan?

There are strict regulations that govern the design and content of these plans. Some things they must contain include:

Floor layout of the area with specific minimum dimensions.
Title “Evacuation Diagram”
Markers indicating “You are here”
Designated exits in the area
Fire Hydrants
Fire Extinguishers
Validity date

What if my facility doesn’t have one?

Failing to install or display evacuation diagrams in your facility in accordance with AS3745 can result in penalties of up to $30,000, and will put people and property at risk if there is an emergency. If you don’t have one then take action immediately.

Safety101 have a team of experts who can work to design fully compliant evacuation diagrams for your facility.

Stephanie DietzJanuary 6, 2023emergency management, workingatheights, whs