Fire Evacuation Map Requirements

In case of a fire at work, do you know where the fire extinguishers are? Can you locate the best exit quickly, and do you know where to meet your colleagues after exiting the building? The US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains that "a disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury, and property damage." To help prevent confusion and chaos, an important part of an organized evacuation plan is a properly designed evacuation map.

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• An evacuation map must contain an accurate diagram of the hallways, rooms, exits and the location of fire extinguishers within the building. The map's location must be clearly marked so employees can quickly know where they are in the building.

Primary and Secondary Exit Routes

• An evacuation map must designate one primary exit route and at least one secondary route. According to OSHA, "These exits must be remote from each other and so arranged as to minimize any possibility that both may be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition." Additionally, emergency exit routes must lead away from areas containing hazardous material. Wheelchair accessible exits must also be clearly marked on the floor plan.

Stairs and Elevators

• Evacuation maps of multi-story buildings should indicate the location of stairwells and elevators. However, evacuation routes should designate stairs as exits during an emergency, whereas elevators are clearly marked as not for use during an emergency.

Assembly Area

• An area away from the building should be designated for employees to meet after evacuating in order to account for all employees. The area should be large enough to accommodate all employees and should be clearly marked on the emergency evacuation map.