Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Australian Workplaces

Quick answer: Under the Model WHS Regulations, every workplace must have a written emergency plan, trained wardens, tested alarms, and records of drills. Use this checklist to confirm your emergency preparedness meets the minimum requirements before an incident occurs.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects current Model WHS Regulations.

Emergencies do not give advance notice. A fire, medical event, chemical spill, or severe weather event can unfold in minutes, and the difference between a controlled response and a chaotic one is almost always preparation done well before the emergency occurred.

This checklist is designed for WHS officers, site supervisors, and business owners conducting a self-audit of their workplace emergency preparedness. Work through each section, tick off completed items, and use any gaps to build a corrective action list.

1. Emergency Plan Documentation

The emergency plan is the foundation of your preparedness. It must be in writing, current, and accessible to all workers.

• A written emergency plan exists for the workplace.
• The plan covers all credible emergency scenarios (fire, medical, chemical spill, severe weather, bomb threat, power failure).
• The plan identifies the roles and responsibilities of all emergency wardens.
• The plan specifies the procedure for contacting emergency services.
• The plan includes arrangements for communicating with workers during an emergency (PA system, wardens, radio, etc.).
• The plan includes procedures for assisting persons with a disability or mobility limitation to evacuate.
• The plan has been reviewed within the last 12 months (or after any significant workplace change or drill debrief that identified gaps).
• All workers have been informed of the emergency plan relevant to their work area.
• The plan is stored where it can be quickly accessed during an emergency — not locked in a filing cabinet.

2. Evacuation Routes and Exits

Clear, unobstructed escape routes are a non-negotiable requirement. Confirm the following during a physical walkthrough of the site.

• All designated evacuation routes are clearly marked with compliant signage (AS/NZS ISO 7010 or equivalent).
• Exit doors are unlocked and operational during all working hours.
• No exit or corridor is blocked by stored materials, plant, or equipment.
• Evacuation route maps are posted prominently in all work areas and near lifts and stairwells.
• Emergency lighting is installed and functional along all evacuation routes.
• Evacuation route maps show the current floor layout (not an outdated version).

3. Assembly Points

• At least one designated assembly point exists for each building or work area.
• Assembly points are clearly signed and known to all workers.
• Assembly points are located at a safe distance from the building, away from emergency vehicle access routes.
• A headcount or roll-call procedure exists to account for all persons at the assembly point.
• Visitors and contractors are included in the headcount procedure.

4. Emergency Wardens

• A chief warden (or equivalent senior warden role) has been appointed in writing.
• Floor wardens or area wardens have been appointed for each distinct work area or building level.
• All wardens have completed a recognised emergency warden training course.
• Warden training is current (refreshed at intervals recommended by your training provider, typically every two years).
• Warden contact details are displayed in each work area.
• A deputy or backup warden is nominated for each warden role to cover leave and absence.
• Wardens are issued with appropriate equipment (e.g., warden vest, torch, two-way radio where applicable).

5. Emergency Contacts

• Emergency contact information is displayed at or near every telephone and workstation.
• The display includes: 000 (Police/Fire/Ambulance), the workplace address (including floor/unit number), the chief warden's name and number, and relevant facility contacts (building manager, security, after-hours maintenance).
• Contacts for specialist emergency services are included where relevant (e.g., hazmat, Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26).
• Emergency contact displays are legible and not faded or obscured.

6. Fire Safety Equipment

• All fire extinguishers are in their designated locations and clearly visible.
• Fire extinguishers have been serviced by a licensed technician within the last 6 months (or as required by AS 1851).
• The correct extinguisher type is installed for the fire risks present (e.g., CO₂ near electrical equipment, wet chemical in kitchens).
• Fire hose reels (where installed) are unobstructed and serviceable.
• Sprinkler systems have been inspected and tested as per the maintenance schedule.
• Fire doors are self-closing, undamaged, and not wedged open.
• All workers who may be required to use a fire extinguisher have received fire extinguisher training.

7. First Aid

• First aid kits are installed in all required locations (consult the Safe Work Australia First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice for ratios).
• First aid kit contents have been checked within the last three months and restocked where necessary.
• Expiry dates on first aid supplies have been reviewed.
• At least the minimum number of trained first aiders are available during working hours (including shift coverage).
• First aider certificates are current (typically renewed every three years for HLTAID011 or equivalent).
• First aider names and locations are posted in each work area.
• A defibrillator (AED) is available where required, is registered with your state ambulance service, and pads/batteries are within expiry.

8. Emergency Drills

Regular drills are how you test whether your plan actually works.

• At least one emergency evacuation drill has been conducted in the last 12 months.
• Drill records include: the date, type of drill, number of participants, time to full evacuation, and any issues identified.
• A post-drill debrief was conducted and outcomes were documented.
• Corrective actions identified in the debrief have been completed or are being tracked.
• New workers are informed of emergency procedures as part of their site induction (not just at annual drill time).
• See What is an Emergency Drill Record? for guidance on what your drill records must contain and how to store them.

9. Alarm and Warning Systems

• The fire alarm/smoke detection system is connected to monitoring or tested at required intervals per AS 1851.
• Manual call points (break-glass alarms) are unobstructed and clearly labelled.
• All workers know the meaning of different alarm signals (evacuation tone vs. alert tone, where applicable).
• The alarm can be heard in all areas of the workplace, including amenities, plant rooms, and loading docks.
• Alarm test records are maintained and available for inspection.
• Any faults identified during testing have been rectified and reinspected.

10. Scenario-Specific Preparedness

Fire

• Ignition risk areas (electrical switchboards, kitchens, storage of flammables) have been identified and risk-controlled.
• Flammable materials are stored in accordance with the applicable dangerous goods code.
• Hot work activities are covered by a permit-to-work system. See Permit to Work Systems for a guide to implementing an effective permit system.

Medical Emergency

• Workers know how to call 000 and clearly communicate the workplace address.
• The site address (including building and floor number) is displayed at every workstation.
• Procedures cover defibrillator use, CPR, and managing common workplace medical events (hypoglycaemia, anaphylaxis, cardiac events).
• Workers are aware of any colleagues with known medical conditions that may require emergency response (where disclosed).

Chemical Spill

• A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) register is maintained and accessible for all hazardous chemicals on site.
• Spill kits are available, correctly located, and stocked for the chemicals present.
• Workers who handle hazardous chemicals have been trained in spill response procedures.
• Drainage or containment controls are in place to prevent chemical spills from reaching stormwater.
• The Poisons Information Centre number (13 11 26) is displayed prominently.

Severe Weather

• A shelter-in-place procedure exists for severe weather events (cyclone, hail, lightning, flood, extreme heat).
• Workers in exposed roles (outdoor, mobile, elevated) have a defined response procedure for sudden severe weather.
• The workplace subscribes to or monitors relevant severe weather warnings (Bureau of Meteorology, state emergency services alerts).
• Outdoor work is suspended or relocated when lightning is within the defined exclusion zone.

State and Territory Variations

This checklist is based on the Model WHS Regulations published by Safe Work Australia, which have been adopted (with minor variations) by most jurisdictions.

Always verify requirements with your state or territory regulator, as specific technical standards for alarms, signage, and equipment may vary.

Related guides

• What is an Emergency Drill Record?
• Permit to Work Systems
• What to Do When a SafeWork Inspector Visits Your Site
• Notifiable Incidents: What Must Be Reported to SafeWork

Frequently asked questions

How often should a workplace conduct an emergency evacuation drill?

The Model WHS Regulations do not set a fixed frequency, but most regulators recommend at least one full evacuation drill per year. High-risk workplaces should consider drilling every six months. The key requirement is that drills are conducted, recorded, and that outcomes are reviewed to drive improvement.

Who can be appointed as an emergency warden?

Any worker can be appointed as a warden provided they receive appropriate training. There is no licensing requirement, but wardens should complete a recognised training course and be physically capable of performing their duties. Large or multi-storey workplaces typically require both floor wardens and a chief warden.

Is a written emergency plan a legal requirement in Australia?

Yes. Under the Model WHS Regulations (Regulation 43), a PCBU must prepare, maintain, and implement an emergency plan for the workplace. The plan must cover emergency procedures, testing, and worker training. Similar obligations apply under state-based legislation including Victoria's OHS Act 2004.

What is the difference between an emergency plan and an evacuation procedure?

An emergency plan is the overarching document covering all emergency scenarios, warden roles, and communication arrangements. An evacuation procedure is one component of that plan, detailing the specific steps workers follow to safely exit. Both are required, and both should be tested through drills.

Manage your emergency preparedness documents in one place

A checklist identifies the gaps. Closing them requires current, accessible documentation — emergency plans, drill records, warden registers, and SDS registers — that workers can find when it matters most.

Want to keep all your WHS documents organised and audit-ready? Explore BlueSafe Online.

This checklist is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary depending on your jurisdiction, industry, and specific workplace circumstances. Always consult the relevant legislation and, where necessary, a qualified WHS professional.