Emergency Management & Evacuation policy template
Comprehensive emergency procedures for Australian workplaces. Outlines procedures for emergency situations including fire, medical emergencies and evacuations. Covers warden roles, assembly points and emergency contact procedures.
Emergency evacuation policy
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Why you need an emergency evacuation plan
Under Australian WHS law, every workplace must have documented emergency procedures. This includes evacuation plans, fire warden appointments and regular drills to ensure everyone can exit safely.
Being unprepared for emergencies puts lives at risk and exposes your business to serious liability. A clear evacuation policy ensures everyone knows what to do when seconds count.
Regular testing and drills keep your procedures current and ensure both staff and wardens are confident in their roles during an actual emergency.
Key elements of this policy
Essential components of emergency management
Emergency types
Fire, medical emergencies, natural disasters and other critical events.
Evacuation procedures
Step-by-step process for safe and orderly evacuation.
Warden roles
Responsibilities of fire wardens and emergency coordinators.
Assembly points
Designated safe locations for gathering after evacuation.
Emergency contacts
Key contacts and communication protocols during emergencies.
Drills & testing
Regular evacuation drills and emergency procedure testing.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive emergency procedures
Purpose & scope
Why this policy exists and who it applies to.
Types of emergencies
Fire, medical, natural disaster, bomb threat and other scenarios.
Evacuation procedures
Detailed steps for evacuating the workplace safely.
Warden responsibilities
Roles of wardens, coordinators and floor managers.
Assembly points
Location and protocols for designated assembly areas.
Emergency contacts
Who to contact and when during different emergencies.
Communication procedures
How emergency information is shared with staff.
Drill requirements
Frequency and conduct of evacuation practice drills.
Special needs provisions
Supporting people with disabilities during evacuations.
Review & maintenance
Keeping the plan current and effective.
Who should use this template?
Essential for every Australian workplace
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian WHS requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You must customise this plan to match your workplace layout, specific hazards and occupancy. Consider engaging a fire safety professional for high-risk or complex buildings.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to prepare for emergencies?
Download our Emergency Evacuation Policy template and ensure your workplace is ready for any critical situation. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
Looking for more templates? Browse all safety & compliance templates
Emergency evacuation policy FAQ
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific workplace hazards, industry requirements, and applicable WHS legislation. Consult with your workers and health and safety representatives during the customisation process.
- Distribute the policy during safety induction for new employees and via toolbox talks or safety meetings for existing staff. Ensure the policy is accessible on noticeboards or your intranet. Using HR software with policy management can track acknowledgements.
- Most workplaces should conduct evacuation drills at least annually, with higher-risk workplaces (aged care, childcare, high-rise buildings) requiring more frequent drills. Evaluate each drill and address any issues identified.
- Appoint sufficient wardens to cover all areas and shifts. Wardens should be reliable, calm under pressure, and physically capable. They need formal training in emergency procedures, use of equipment, and managing evacuations.
- Emergency plans should cover evacuation procedures, assembly points, warden roles, communication methods, procedures for visitors and people with disabilities, equipment locations, and coordination with emergency services.
Related guides
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.