28/03/2023
What is the AS3745:2010 and why should you know about it?
AS3745:2010 is an Australian Standard for the planning of emergency evacuation of buildings. The standard provides a framework for the development, implementation, review and maintenance of an emergency evacuation plan (EEP) for buildings and structures.
The primary objective of the AS3745:2010 standard is to ensure the safety of all occupants and visitors of a building in case of an emergency. The standard aims to achieve this objective by establishing a systematic approach to planning, implementing and reviewing an EEP that is tailored to the specific needs of each building or structure.
The standard is designed to be applicable to all types of buildings and structures, including office buildings, retail stores, hospitals, schools, factories, warehouses, and multi-unit residential buildings. It provides guidance on how to develop a comprehensive EEP that includes procedures for identifying and managing emergency situations, alarm activation, evacuation, communication, and post-evacuation activities.
The standard also provides guidance on how to establish an emergency planning committee (EPC), which is responsible for developing and implementing the EEP. The EPC is responsible for identifying the risks and hazards associated with the building or structure, establishing emergency procedures, and ensuring that all occupants and visitors are trained on the procedures.
The AS3745:2010 standard requires that the EEP be reviewed and updated at least once a year, or whenever there is a significant change in the building or structure, such as a change in occupancy, layout, or use. The standard also requires that regular emergency evacuation drills be conducted to test the effectiveness of the EEP and to identify any areas that need improvement.
One key aspect of the AS3745:2010 standard is the requirement for the development of evacuation diagrams. Evacuation diagrams are visual aids that provide occupants and visitors with information about the building layout, evacuation routes, and the location of emergency equipment and exits. They are designed to be displayed in prominent locations throughout the building to ensure that they are visible to all occupants and visitors.
Evacuation diagrams must be designed in accordance with the requirements of AS3745:2010 and must include specific information, such as the location of exits, fire-fighting equipment, fire alarm panels, and emergency assembly areas. The diagrams must be designed in a clear and concise manner and must be easy to understand for all occupants and visitors.
The AS3745:2010 standard requires that evacuation diagrams be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that they remain accurate and up-to-date. In addition, the standard requires that evacuation diagrams be tested during emergency evacuation drills to ensure that they are effective in guiding occupants and visitors to safety.
In summary, the AS3745:2010 standard is a comprehensive framework for the development, implementation, review and maintenance of an emergency evacuation plan for buildings and structures. It is designed to ensure the safety of all occupants and visitors in case of an emergency and provides guidance on the establishment of an emergency planning committee, the identification of risks and hazards, the development of emergency procedures, and the conduct of regular emergency evacuation drills. The standard also requires the development of evacuation diagrams, which are visual aids that provide occupants and visitors with information about the building layout, evacuation routes, and the location of emergency equipment and exits.