28 Dec Egress & Evacuation plan and prep for emergencies
When an emergency strikes—whether it’s a fire, a gas leak, or a structural failure—the difference between safety and tragedy often comes down to seconds. For building owners, facility managers, and employers in Australia, ensuring a clear and compliant “path of egress” is not just a legal requirement; it is a fundamental moral obligation.
In this post, we break down the vital components of a safe evacuation system and the Australian Standards that govern them.
Egress and Emergency Action Plans are key elements of any company’s safety protocol.
These plans not only keep incidents from happening but also keep employees safe during emergencies.
Egress refers to the action of exiting a place, especially in the time of an emergency. An egress plan outlines the routes and exits individuals should take to evacuate a building safely.
On the other hand, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document required by particular OSHA standards. Its purpose? To facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. A well-prepared EAP helps in providing a quick and effective response to different emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, or hazardous material spills. EAPs include information on evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, assembly points, and more, all contributing to minimizing harm to workers, the environment, and the facility.
MOE: Means of Egress The Unobstructed Way Out
The Means of Egress is a path of travel that is the continuous trail from any point within a building to a place of ultimate safety (usually an external assembly point).
• Clutter is the Enemy: Corridors and stairwells are often used for “temporary” storage. In a crisis, a single stray box can become a lethal trip hazard in a smoke-filled hallway.
• Width and Clearance: Paths must be wide enough to accommodate the building’s maximum occupancy without creating bottlenecks.
EEL: Exit and Emergency Lighting
When the power fails during an emergency, a building can become a disorienting maze. Emergency lighting is designed to automatically illuminate the path of travel.
Please see exit & emergency light testing for further information.
• Exit Signs: These must be visible at all times and placed at every change of direction.
• Emergency Luminaires: These provide enough light to see obstacles and navigate stairs safely.
• The 90-Minute Rule: Systems must be capable of operating for at least 90 minutes on battery power to ensure everyone has time to clear the building.
Exit Doors and Hardware
An exit door is only useful if it opens instantly.
Please see exit & fire door testing for further information.
• Direction of Swing: Doors in a path of travel must generally swing in the direction of egress.
• Operation: They must be operable with a single downward action or pushing action (like a panic bar) without the use of a key.
• Fire Integrity: Fire-isolated exit doors must be self-closing to prevent the spread of smoke and flame into the stairwell.
Evacuation Plans and Diagrams
If you don’t know where to go, a clear path won’t help you. Evacuation diagrams must be displayed in prominent locations throughout the building.
• “You Are Here”: Every diagram must be correctly oriented to the viewer’s position.
• Assembly Points: Clearly define where people should gather once they have exited the building to allow for an accurate head count.
Relevant Australian Standards (AS)
In Australia, compliance is non-negotiable. The primary standards governing egress and evacuation include:
AS3745 : Planning for emergencies in facilities. This covers the formation of Emergency Planning Committees and evacuation diagrams.
AS2293.1 : Requirements for the design, installation, and operation of emergency lighting and exit signs.
AS1851 : Routine service and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
MBS002 Ministerial Building Standards: Maintaining the performance of essential safety provisions
The Importance of Maintenance
A “set and forget” mentality is dangerous. Emergency systems degrade over time—batteries fail, light globes burn out, and door closers lose tension.
Regular maintenance ensures:
1. Compliance: Avoid heavy fines and legal liability.
2. Reliability: You have peace of mind knowing the systems will work when the power goes out.
3. Insurance Validity: Many insurance policies are void if fire safety systems are not maintained to AS 1851.
Pro Tip: Conduct “walk-throughs” monthly. Check that no fire doors are wedged open and that all exit paths are 100% clear of debris.
Contacting Us
Fire System Services can assist with all your requirements with Essential Safety Provisions within your building.
If you also need assistance with Form 3, Reporting to the Local Council, please see Form 3 ESPs Maintenance.
Please email us at info@firesys.com.au
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