When Are Exit & Evacuation Signs Used?

Quick definition

Exit signs are wayfinding devices that identify the direction of travel to an exit, final exit or a safe egress route. Evacuation diagrams (often called "evac maps") are building plans displayed at key points showing the current location, exit routes, fire equipment and assembly area.

In practice, both are used together: exit signs provide step‑by‑step guidance while evacuation diagrams give occupants an overall picture of how to get out and where to assemble.

Looking for products? Browse our ready-to-install ranges and custom options here:

• Exit signs — illuminated and non‑illuminated options, custom sizes and materials.
• Evacuation diagrams — artwork, print and frame packages to AS 3745.

Where they apply

As a rule of thumb, if members of the public, staff, contractors or visitors may be inside a building or enclosed structure, exit and evacuation signage should be considered. That includes offices, hospitality, retail, health, education, industrial facilities and temporary event structures.

Typical triggers include new fit‑outs, layout changes, fire safety upgrades, changes to occupant load, new mezzanines or partitions, and any situation where egress paths change. In multi‑tenant sites, common area signage often needs coordination with the building manager.

• Workplaces and public buildings where unfamiliar people may need to evacuate.
• Spaces with complex corridors, multiple levels or areas without natural light.
• Venues or events with temporary partitions, stages or marshalling areas.
• Warehouses with racking or machinery that can obscure sightlines.
• Schools, healthcare and aged care where clear, legible guidance is critical.

Standards and regulatory framework (Australia)

Compliance for exit signs and evacuation diagrams is governed by a combination of the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards. Always confirm project‑specific requirements with your building certifier, fire safety engineer or responsible person.

• NCC (current edition): Requires exit signs and emergency lighting for Class 2–9 buildings. Key parts include performance and placement of emergency lighting and exit signs along required egress paths. The NCC references AS/NZS 2293 for design, installation and maintenance.
• AS/NZS 2293 series – Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings:
  • Part 1 – System design, installation and operation: Siting principles (e.g. at or near required exits, changes in direction, corridor intersections), visibility, and power supply arrangements.
  • Part 2 – Inspection and maintenance: Periodic testing (e.g. six‑monthly discharge tests), cleaning, recordkeeping and defect rectification procedures.
  • Part 3 – Luminaires and exit signs: Product performance (luminance, pictogram requirements, durability) for compliant exit sign units.
• AS 3745 – Planning for emergencies in facilities: Content, placement and maintenance of evacuation diagrams; roles of the Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) and Emergency Control Organisation (ECO).
• Accessibility: Braille and tactile signage at certain exit doors may be required under the NCC and AS 1428 series. Coordinate with your access consultant so tactile/raised signage complements visual exit signs.

Important: Photoluminescent pathway markers can supplement egress visibility. Where exit signs themselves are required by the NCC/AS/NZS 2293 to be electrically powered and illuminated, photoluminescent panels should be used as supplementary guidance only unless your approvals and the applicable standards explicitly permit otherwise.

Common locations by industry

While every site is different, the following locations are frequently used in Australia. Always confirm placement with your building's fire safety plan or responsible person.

• Offices: Above final exits, at corridor junctions, near lifts (signs should direct to stairs), and beside fire stairs on each level.
• Retail and hospitality: Over main exits, through service corridors to back‑of‑house exits, and at changes of direction behind bars or counters.
• Warehousing and light industrial: At ends of long aisles, across production floors, and at cross‑aisles leading to final exits.
• Education and childcare: Classroom doorways, hallways, and near primary evacuation routes to assembly areas.
• Healthcare and aged care: At nurse stations, wards, and fire compartment boundaries to assist staged evacuation plans.
• Tourism, events and venues: Temporary structures, marquees, and backstage corridors where layouts change frequently.

Exit signs versus evacuation diagrams

Both serve evacuation, but they do different jobs. The table below clarifies the distinction so you can specify the right combination for your site.

Materials and manufacturing options

Sign Portal manufactures exit and evacuation signage in‑house using commercial equipment and clean print rooms. For rigid panels, we direct UV print on sheet substrates using Mimaki JFX EX flatbed printers for durable, high‑contrast graphics. Complex shapes, rounded corners or mounting slots are produced on our MultiCam SM2412 CNC router for rigidity and accuracy.

For premium finishes and fine edges, our Trotec Speedy 500 laser or large‑format CO2 laser clean‑cuts acrylic and polycarbonate. Where flexible or adhesive signage is preferred, the Roland VG‑640 prints and contour‑cuts self‑adhesive vinyls, including photoluminescent films for low‑light visibility.

• Aluminium composite panels (ACP): Robust, lightweight and flat; suitable for corridors, carparks and service areas.
• Acrylic or polycarbonate: Sleek interior finish; polycarbonate is excellent where impact resistance is valued.
• Photoluminescent (glow) options: Printed or applied as film to rigid panels or as floor‑level markers to aid egress in low light.
• Traffolyte/laminate tags: Laser‑engraved labels for doors, switchboards or plant room wayfinding accompanying evacuation plans.
• Protective laminates: Anti‑graffiti, anti‑glare or matte laminates improve legibility and service life in high‑touch areas.

Illuminated and non‑illuminated options

Sites may use illuminated exit signs, non‑illuminated photoluminescent panels, or a combination. Illuminated units remain visible during power loss (typically via back‑up power) and are common along primary egress paths. Photoluminescent panels store ambient light and emit a visible glow in low‑light conditions, providing guidance when mains power is unavailable.

Choosing between them depends on your building approvals, physical environment and risk assessment. For powered installations, engage a licensed electrician, and confirm any requirements with your building certifier or fire safety professional.

Design and artwork tips

Evacuation information must be legible, intuitive and consistent. Keep symbol sets clear, maintain strong contrast and avoid visual clutter. For evacuation diagrams, ensure the plan orientation matches the viewer’s standing position, and that routes are clearly distinguishable from other lines.

• Use vector artwork for crisp symbols and arrows; supply files as PDF, AI or EPS with fonts outlined.
• Maintain high contrast between pictograms and background for readability at a distance.
• Keep arrow directions consistent with actual travel paths and door swings.
• For diagrams, commonly included elements are a “You are here” mark, exit routes, fire equipment locations and assembly point notes.
• Consider bilingual or symbol‑led designs in public venues to aid non‑English speakers.

For evacuation diagrams to AS 3745, also include: facility name and address, plan title and version/date, legend, north indicator, ECO/warden contact or instructions where applicable, and the location of key equipment such as extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, fire indicator panel (FIP), manual call points, first aid and AED (if present). Diagrams are typically A3 or A4 and mounted so they are easy to read without obstruction.

Installation basics

Installation methods vary with substrate and surface. Rigid signs may be fixed with screws, rivets or stand‑offs to masonry or partition walls. Adhesive vinyl suits glass, painted walls and metal doors where a flush, low‑profile finish is preferred. In stairwells and smoke‑prone paths, many facilities add low‑level markers to maintain visibility beneath smoke layers.

Always follow site safety procedures, isolate work areas where required and use appropriate PPE. For any powered or illuminated sign, use a licensed electrician and coordinate with the building manager to avoid interfering with fire systems.

• Mechanical fixings: Screws with wall anchors, rivets to metal, or stand‑offs for a premium look.
• Adhesive mounting: High‑tack tapes or structural adhesives on clean, degreased surfaces; observe cure times.
• Frames and holders: Snap frames or lockable cases for evacuation diagrams that require periodic updates.
• Low‑level markers: Photoluminescent strips or decals along skirting, stair treads or handrails.

Practical placement checks for exit signs:

• Stand at each decision point on the egress path; you should see either the final exit or the next directional exit sign without ambiguity.
• Avoid installation where doors, racking or open doors can routinely obscure sightlines.
• In lift lobbies, ensure signs direct occupants to the nearest fire‑isolated stair, not the lifts.
• For illuminated units, verify supply, automatic change‑over to battery, and that test switches are accessible.

Commissioning, testing and records

On completion, function‑test each illuminated exit sign and any connected emergency lighting. Record results in the site’s emergency lighting logbook. Per AS/NZS 2293.2, most facilities perform a six‑monthly 90‑minute discharge test on maintained/non‑maintained emergency luminaires and exit signs, with annual cleaning and inspection. Keep test schedules and defect close‑out evidence on file for audits.

Maintenance and replacement

Plan regular inspections to confirm signs remain visible, legible and accurate to the current floor layout. Replace any panel that is faded, damaged, vandalised, physically obstructed or no longer reflects the actual egress route. For evacuation diagrams, schedule reviews after fit‑outs, tenancy changes or fire equipment relocations.

For cleaning, use mild detergent and a soft cloth; avoid harsh solvents that can fog acrylics or degrade protective laminates. Check adhesive edges for lifting and re‑bond or replace where necessary. Keep digital artwork on file to speed up reprints.

• Testing cadence: Six‑monthly discharge test for emergency lighting/exit signs, plus annual detailed inspection and clean (AS/NZS 2293.2).
• Logbooks: Maintain a current emergency lighting logbook with unit locations, test results, defects and rectifications.
• Spare parts: Keep spare frames, screws, wall plugs, and a small stock of replacement diagram inserts for rapid swaps after damage or updates.

Repair

Many defects can be repaired without full replacement. Prioritise safety and compliance—if in doubt, replace with a certified unit.

• Illuminated exit signs: A licensed electrician can replace failed LED boards, drivers or backup batteries (commonly NiCd, NiMH or LiFePO4 depending on model). After replacement, perform a full function and 90‑minute discharge test and update the logbook.
• Acrylic/polycarbonate faces: Light scuffs can be polished; crazed or cracked lenses should be replaced to restore clarity and flame/smoke performance.
• Photoluminescent panels and markers: If surface wear reduces brightness, replace the panel/film. Ensure adequate ambient lighting is available to charge the material per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Frames for evacuation diagrams: Replace scratched covers or broken locks. Swap in updated inserts immediately after layout changes.
• Fastenings/adhesives: Re‑secure loose panels, re‑bond lifted edges using compatible adhesive, and reseal penetrations in fire‑rated elements in accordance with the fire‑stopping system.

Ordering with Sign Portal

We manufacture in‑house with two Mimaki JFX EX UV flatbeds, a MultiCam SM2412 CNC router, Trotec Speedy 500 laser, a large‑format CO2 laser, and a Roland VG‑640 print/cutter. This enables consistent colour, precise finishing and custom sizes or shapes across your site package.

Supply vector artwork or floor plans for evacuation diagrams, and we’ll print to durable substrates with optional anti‑glare or anti‑graffiti laminates. We ship Australia‑wide, including regional and remote delivery, with careful packaging for rigid panels and framed diagrams.

• Shop now: Exit signs — standard and custom.
• Order or refresh: Evacuation diagrams — artwork assistance available.

Troubleshooting and common non‑compliances

• Blocked line of sight: Relocate or add intermediate directional signs at corridor bends and intersections.
• Non‑matching symbols: Standardise to the running‑man pictogram; remove legacy text‑only “EXIT” plates unless specifically permitted.
• Outdated diagrams: Implement a change‑control trigger with your EPC so any fit‑out approval automatically requests a diagram update.
• Dirty or yellowed lenses: Clean during annual maintenance; replace if transmittance/legibility is impaired.
• Unlabelled test switches or inaccessible isolators: Re‑label and ensure safe access for routine testing.

Need help specifying the right mix of products for your site? Our team can review drawings and recommend a compliant package that aligns with the NCC and AS/NZS 2293/AS 3745 requirements.

Related Sign Portal resources: Exit & Evacuation - Exit Door Open Inwards Sign · Exit & Evacuation - Evacuation Route Sign · Exit & Evacuation - Evacuation Route Right Arrow Sign