Implications and Consequences of Non-compliant Evacuation Diagrams
Evacuation Planning requirements are taken from the Australian Standard AS 3745: - 2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities. There are many organisations and buildings within the country that do not fully comply with this standard, despite emergency planning being mandatory.
There are many regulations and standards that need to be followed to make sure that building owners and managers are effectively prepared for an emergency within their facility.
AS 3745: -2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities
Australian Standard 4083: – 2010 Planning for Emergencies in Health Care Facilities.
Australian Standard 1851: – 2012 Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment.
Other Australian Standards that deal with specific requirements
State Workplace Health and Safety legislation and codes of practice
State Fire Safety Regulations (such as the Queensland Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008)
State Fire and Rescue / Fire Brigade acts
Building Codes of Australia
The implications of non-compliance can lead to devastating consequences for the corporation, directors and managers who may become liable in the event of a disaster.
If adequate procedures are not in place the organisation may be putting at risk the many people who use the building, as well as surrounding communities and buildings.
Structural damage is not the issue during an emergency. These devastating events can lead to the loss of innocent lives.
What to do to make sure your Facility is Compliant?
Going further than bare compliance is a critical aspect of safety. Safety always comes first and should always be one step ahead of any hazards within the facility. If you have already started your Emergency Planning, but you are unsure what to do next, the steps below will help you achieve and maintain compliance within your facility and enable you to meet your emergency planning obligations:
Establish an Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) and appoint a Fire Safety Advisor
Document your Emergency Plan and Response Procedures
Keep your Emergency Evacuation Diagrams up to date and as per AS 3745: -2010 Section 3.
Establish your Emergency Control Organisation (Wardens)
Complete Training Requirements
Participate in regular Evacuation Exercises
Usually, the responsibility for Emergency Planning tends to fall to facility managers. Having a multitude of requirements and regulations to follow can seem a daunting task, especially for a large organization with many people, so facility managers tend to seek expert assistance from professional providers such as COAD88 EVAC PLAN.
Working together for your Facility & Community Safety
COAD88 EVAC PLAN has a strong determination when it comes to due diligence and keeping your Facility and Community safe. Our team strives to achieve accurate and complaint Evacuation Diagrams for your Facility.
We keep our knowledge up to date on all relevant and current Australian Standards for all Essential Safety Measures and will always endeavours to seek the answers for any questions or problems you may come across on your Emergency Management Plan journey