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Emergency management

  1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Services
  4. Emergency management

WSP's specialised Emergency Management compliance service unit, formerly known as TrimEVAC and in operation since 1987, provides a comprehensive range of Emergency Management consulting, training, and documentation services across Australia and New Zealand. 

At a glance: 

  • Tailored, end-to-end solutions: From compliance documentation to evacuation diagrams and emergency procedures, WSP delivers fully customised services aligned with Australian and New Zealand standards
  • Expert-led, practical training: Engage your teams with hands-on, site-specific training for Chief Wardens, Emergency Planning Committees, and general occupants. Ensuring confidence and compliance in real-world scenarios
  • Smart tools for ongoing readiness: Stay audit-ready with WSP’s EMPORT portal, your real-time dashboard for emergency plans, training records, and fire safety compliance across all your sites.

WSP offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs and risk profiles of each organisation. Our practical and engaging training programs are designed for members of the Emergency Control Organisation and building occupants. Our multi-disciplinary consulting staff bring broad industry experience and qualifications to every project. We provide comprehensive and user-friendly Emergency Management documentation, including the development of emergency procedures, manuals and evacuation diagrams, ensuring that your organisation is well-prepared for any emergency situation. 


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Image: Building occupants assembling at the designated assembly area during a scheduled emergency scenario. This achieved the goal of keeping all staff safe with no injuries or impact to work. 

Emergency documentation and procedures

WSP assists clients with the development procedures and emergency management documentation. These follow the requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards.

 

Emergency procedures manual / evacuation diagrams

An emergency procedures manual documents the assigned responsibilities and actions to respond to and manage emergencies as laid out in AS3745-2010. Buildings must display evacuation diagrams to show occupants and visitors how to exit the building in an emergency, where emergency equipment is located, and where to assemble following an evacuation. WSP provides an end-to-end service, from site-inspection/profiling to drafting and printing.

 

Emergency management training

WSP delivers a complete range of practical and engaging emergency training programs. Training is generally conducted at client sites and can be modified to cover a range of emergency scenarios.

 

Emergency Planning Committee

An integral part of an effective emergency management program is to have a proactive Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) to ensure that all Emergency Management requirements are met. We conduct training for the EPC to ensure members have the necessary knowledge required to fulfill their roles within the committee. We can also attend yearly EPC meetings to provide specialist support for emergency planning initiatives.

 

Evacuation exercises

We run full evacuation exercises for buildings and workplaces to determine the effectiveness of the Emergency Response Procedures (ERP), ensuring that occupants are acquainted with escape paths, emergency exists, muster points, and assembly areas. Practical exercises solidify the understanding of emergency procedures and give confidence that staff can evacuate the building quickly and safely in an emergency.

 

Chief Warden training

Understanding the Chief Warden role is a critical part of the emergency response process. WSP provides training for Chief Wardens that covers their roles and responsibilities as laid out in the emergency plan. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Decision-making, command and control
  • Coordination of communication during emergencies, including use of any installed specialised communication equipment
  • Coordination of evacuation activities
  • Liaison with Emergency Services.

This training will provide Chief Wardens with the skill set required to assess the risk and manage different types of emergencies in the workplace, ensuring a safe and prompt evacuation of all occupants in your building when required.


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Image: One of our Emergency Management trainers working closely with a client, helping them understand how the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) and Emergency Warning Intercommunication System (EWIS) operate within their building.

EWIS / EWS training

The Emergency Warning Systems (EWS) and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS) are a vital component when an evacuation is required. The Chief Warden must have a thorough understanding of the use and practical applications of these systems. WSP provides hands-on instruction in the use of the EWS and EWIS panels to the Chief Warden to effectively manage and coordinate an emergency response. 

 

Warden training / scenario exercises 

WSP provides Warden Training that is specific to the site and type of threat that may be encountered. Wardens are responsible for coordinating an emergency response in their designated areas taking direction from the Chief Warden.

Scenario exercises can be conducted in relation to a wide range of potential threat situations to practice and validate Emergency Management plans and processes. They enable the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) members to gain confidence in their roles. These can be either desktop exercises or more complex practical scenarios involving interaction with both ECO members and building occupants. 

 

General occupant training - General Evacuation Instructions (GEI) in Queensland 

Every occupant plays a vital role in a facility’s emergency response procedures, especially as hybrid work environments become increasingly common. It’s more important than ever for everyone to understand their responsibilities and actively participate in ensuring a safe and effective response during emergencies. WSP Emergency Management provides an online training program to capture the requirement of AS3745-2010 for all occupants within a facility to be trained annually in emergency response procedures.

General Occupant training  - General Evacuation Instructions (GEI) in Queensland includes:

  • Roles and responsibilities of wardens
  • Identification of Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) members
  • How to react safely to emergencies and alarms
  • Evacuation procedures for their facility

 

Online training 

We provide several online training modules (accessible via desktop or iOS/Android tablet or phone). This interactive training is self-paced for convenience and complements our current face-to-face offering. There are a number of options available, including the ability to host on the client's Learning Management System, and to provide content that is site-specific. 

Other options are: 

  • Download a training status report at any time to track a user's progress and completion of the training 
  • Access certificates of completion of the training specific to each user. 

 

Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) and Fire Safety Assessment (FSA)

WSP has accredited fire practitioners who can conduct specialist fire safety assessments in line with current Regulations. Where required, fire safety statements must be issued each year, covering the essential fire safety measures that apply to a building. WSP will conduct the required fire safety assessments and produce a report highlighting any non-compliance issues. 

 

Emergency management portal - EMPORT 

Our emergency management portal allows clients to effectively manage their portfolio of sites. Compliance and emergency management data is stored and may be accessed from virtually any device with internet connectivity. Key features of the software include: 

  • Real-time compliance dashboard 
  • Easy access to Emergency Management information and reporting - such as training records, emergency plans, evacuation diagrams and fire safety statements.  

 

Further services we offer

Is the service you're looking for not listed? Please get in contact with us to discuss. 

  • Fire Warden Training
  • Chief Warden Training
  • Emergency Warden Identification
  • Warden Vests / Hats / Kits
  • Warden Responsibilities
  • Emergency Warden Refresher Course
  • Warden's role in evacuation
  • Warden training compliance
  • Evacuation exercises and training
  • Emergency Management Plans (EMP)
  • Evacuation Diagrams AS3745
  • Site-specific Emergency plans
  • Emergency flip charts 
  • Evacuation Procedures
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Emergency Planning for Workplaces
  • Compliance Emergency Documentation
  • Fire Safety Advisor Consultants
  • Emergency Diagrams AS4083 
  • Emergency Coordinators AS4083 
  • Emergency Officers 4083 
  • General fire instructions 

AS 1851 2012 & Emergency planning for buildings in NSW

Effective 13 February 2026, references to Emergency Planning (or similar) on a building's Fire Safety Schedule require mandatory compliance with AS 1851:2012 Section 14 – Emergency Planning in Facilities as part of the annual fire safety certification process.

While AS 3745:2010 remains applicable for all PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) in Australia, industry attention has largely centred on fire systems maintenance. The introduction of AS 1851:2012 Section 14 imposes significant additional requirements for designated buildings. It is noteworthy that Section 14 has always existed; however, the New South Wales government now mandates its application for buildings listed on the Fire Safety Schedule.

 

What facilities managers need to know

How AS 3745: 2010 and WHS Regulation 43 still apply

AS 3745 and WHS Regulation 43 is still the foundation for most buildings. For all PCBUs and facilities in NSW, emergency planning continues to be governed by:

  • Work Health and Safety Regulation 43 (Duty to prepare, maintain and implement an emergency plan)
  • AS 3745:2010 – Planning for emergencies in facilities

Under WHS Regulation 43, PCBUs must ensure that:

  • Emergency plans are prepared and maintained
  • Emergency procedures are tested
  • Workers receive information, training and instruction

AS 3745 remains the recognised standard and best practice used to meet these WHS obligations in all places of work.

AS 3745 has not been replaced and is still compliant for WHS purposes.

When AS 1851 2012 Emergency Planning (or similar) Section 14 becomes mandatory

AS 1851 2012 does not apply to every building in NSW automatically.

Section 14 – Emergency Planning in Facilities becomes mandatory only when:

  • Emergency Planning (or similar) is listed on the building’s Fire Safety Schedule

In these buildings:

  • Emergency planning becomes part of annual fire safety compliance
  • 6 monthly and annual check need to be undertaken. Evidence needs to be provided to review for the AFSS.
  • Compliance is assessed alongside emergency training with the addition of conducting 6 monthly evacuation exercises.

These are to ensure the occupants are responding to the alarm correctly. This is the key distinction Facilities Managers need to understand.

What are the practical differences for Facilities Managers?

AS 3745 vs AS 1851 Section 14 – What actually changes? 

Under AS 3745 (WHS compliance), all workplaces already should have:

  • A documented Emergency Management Plan
  • An Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)
  • Evacuation diagrams
  • Training and exercises (often annual and scenario based)
  • Annual Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) Meetings 

AS 3745 focuses on planning, preparedness and response frameworks.

Under AS 1851 2012 Section 14 (Fire Safety Schedule compliance)

Where Section 14 applies, emergency planning becomes reportable, auditable and evidence based, similar to fire system maintenance.

 

What evidence and records are now required?

6 monthly evacuation exercises

Evacuation exercises must be conducted every six months and must actively test all elements of the evacuation system, including:

  • ECO equipment (warden identification, communications, PPE where applicable)
  • Alarm system activation, audibility and occupants’ response
  • Assembly area location suitability
  • Occupant response, communication and movement through the emergency scenario.
  • Interfaces with fire safety systems where applicable

These are to be scenario-based drills, testing occupant response to the installed fire alarm system.

 

Emergency planning logbook (hard copy and onsite)

A hard copy emergency planning logbook or similar must be kept onsite, consistent with fire maintenance records.

The logbook should include:

  • Records of 6 monthly evacuation exercises. AS1851:2012 - 14.4.2 Verification and records—Six-monthly
  • Annual emergency planning inspections aligned with AS1851:2012 - 14.4.3 Verification and records—Yearly
  • Observations, deficiencies and corrective actions
  • Evidence supporting annual fire safety compliance

This logbook must be readily available directly after an inspection for audit or inspection.

 

 

All PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) buildings: AS 3745 + WHS Regulation 43 continue to apply.

Buildings with Emergency Planning (or similar) on the Fire Safety Schedule: Section 14 is mandatory and must be implemented to support annual fire safety compliance.

Understanding which category your building falls into is now essential.

 

For more information, contact the WSP Emergency Management team. 

 

Contact us

adam-davenport-wsp
Adam Davenport
Client Relationship Manager, Emergency Management
Australia
jonny-rewt-wsp
Jonny Rewt
Team Leader, Emergency Management Projects
Australia
jasmine-mansour-wsp
Jasmine Mansour
Team Leader, Emergency Management Training
Australia
rizalito-mercado-wsp
Rizalito Mercado
Team Leader, Graphics
Australia
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Is AS 3745 still compliant with WHS Regulation 43?

Yes. AS 3745:2010 remains the primary standard used to support compliance with WHS Regulation 43 in all PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking).

Does AS 1851 replace AS 3745?

No. AS 1851 2012 does not replace AS 3745.

The two standards operate in different regulatory contexts:

  • AS 3745 supports WHS emergency planning obligations
  • AS 1851 Section 14 applies only where referenced on the buildings Fire Safety Schedule

Can a site conduct a lockdown or shelter in place exercise instead of an evacuation?

No. According to AS1851, a lockdown or shelter-in-place exercise cannot substitute for an evacuation, as such exercises typically do not involve activation of the fire alarm system.

However, if a lockdown or shelter in place leads to an evacuation as it's testing the buildings alarm system, it can be used as part of the 6 monthly inspection cycle.

Why is record-keeping so important?

Because where AS 1851 applies, emergency planning records:

  • Form part of annual fire safety Statement (AFSS)
  • Must be retained 6 monthly onsite
  • Must be available for regulatory inspection.

In these buildings, “having a plan” is no longer enough, performance must be proven.

How does WSP support clients?

At WSP – Emergency Management, we recognised early that Section 14 would apply only to certain buildings but would significantly change expectations where it does apply.

As a result:

  • Our emergency management services were proactively aligned to AS 1851 2012 Section 14
  • Existing WSP clients have already had these requirements implemented
  • 6 monthly evacuations, documentation and logbooks are now embedded where required.