The AS 3745 Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is a critical element of workplace safety management under Australian standards. This article provides essential information about the ECO structure, its roles and responsibilities, and the training requirements necessary for effective emergency management. It outlines duties, compliance expectations, and methods to prepare for emergencies, reduce risks, and meet legislative requirements.

What Is AS 3745 and Why Does It Matter for Every Workplace

When it comes to safety in the workplace, preparation can mean the difference between chaos and control during an emergency. That’s where Australian Standard AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities comes in.

AS 3745 is the Australian Standard that sets out the requirements for effective emergency planning in workplaces and facilities. It outlines how to establish and implement procedures to manage different types of emergencies

At its core, AS 3745 provides guidelines for forming an Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) and an Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)—these are the people responsible for creating emergency plans and safely managing evacuations.

Why Does It Matter?

 Workplace safety isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a moral responsibility. Here’s why every organisation should take AS 3745 seriously:

•   Compliance with Australian laws and regulations
•   Clear roles and responsibilities during emergencies
•   Reduced risk of injury or loss of life
•   Increased confidence and preparedness of staff
•   Faster, more organised emergency response

 Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be.  The ECO is vital because it serves as the central body for managing emergencies. Its structured procedures ensure that evacuations are orderly, communication remains clear, and incidents are managed efficiently and rapidly.

With a dedicated ECO, employees are promptly informed about emergencies and follow predefined evacuation routes, which reduces panic and minimizes risk.

Additionally, systematic record-keeping after an incident supports ongoing improvement in emergency preparedness and mitigates legal and financial risks through compliance with safety regulations.

What Is the Emergency Control Organisation Under AS 3745?

The Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) under AS 3745 is a structured group created to manage and coordinate responses to emergencies within workplaces. It includes the chief warden, wardens, deputy wardens, and other designated members who work together to ensure safe evacuations, maintain order, and manage communications during emergencies.

The standard provides clear guidelines for ECO structure and member conduct, ensuring prompt and coordinated action. This systematic approach helps workplaces comply with safety requirements and remain prepared for unexpected incidents.

How Does AS 3745 Define the Emergency Control Organisation?

AS 3745 defines the ECO as a formal group of individuals responsible for executing an organisation’s emergency response plan. The standard requires that the ECO be established, organised, and trained so that each member knows their specific role. Critical to this definition is the clear assignment of responsibilities and establishing a chain of command for immediate and effective decision-making. The ECO must manage evacuations, maintain communication with emergency services, and account for all personnel, forming the foundation for safe work practices and compliance with regulatory requirements.

What Are the Key Components of an ECO Structure?

In workplace emergency management, the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) plays a crucial role in ensuring an orderly and safe response to any emergency situation. But what exactly makes up an effective ECO structure? Here are its key components.

Chief Warden

The leader responsible for overall emergency response coordination, making key decisions, and liaising with emergency services.

Deputy Chief Warden

Supports the Chief Warden and steps in if the Chief Warden is unavailable.

Communications Officer

Manages internal communication and ensures information is relayed quickly and accurately during emergencies.

Area or Floor Wardens

Coordinate evacuation or emergency procedures within their designated areas, assisting people and ensuring no one is left behind.

Wardens

Carry out specific emergency procedures, including guiding people to safety, checking facilities, and reporting back to the Chief Warden.

An effective ECO structure ensures that everyone involved has clear roles and responsibilities, which helps minimise confusion during high-stress situations. It enhances the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses, allowing for a more organised and controlled approach when every second matters.

Additionally, having a well-established ECO supports compliance with AS 3745:2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, helping organisations meet legal and safety requirements.

To maintain this level of readiness, regular training and drills are essential, keeping the ECO sharp, prepared, and capable of protecting lives when it counts the most.

Training Requirements: How Many Hours Does AS 3745 Mandate?

When it comes to ensuring workplace safety, Australian Standard AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities sets the benchmark for how organisations should prepare for and respond to emergencies. A critical part of this preparedness is ensuring that the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) receives the appropriate training to perform their roles effectively when it matters most.

 But how much training is actually required under AS 3745? How often should refresher courses be conducted? Let’s break it down.

What Are the Training Requirements Under AS 3745?

While AS 3745 does not prescribe a fixed number of training hours, it mandates that members of the Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)—including Chief Wardens, Deputy Chief Wardens, Area/Floor Wardens, and Wardens—must receive regular and comprehensive training to ensure they can carry out their responsibilities in the event of an emergency.

Training should cover:

•   Understanding the Emergency Plan
•   Recognising emergency warning systems
•   Evacuation procedures
•   Emergency equipment use
•   Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
•   Effective communication under pressure

 The initial ECO training session typically takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the facility and the types of emergencies identified in the risk assessment.

 For Chief Wardens and Deputy Chief Wardens, an additional 1–2 hours of leadership-focused training is often recommended to ensure confidence in making decisions and managing the evacuation process.

Refresher Training: Keeping Compliance Mid-Year and Beyond

AS 3745 is clear that ongoing refresher training is essential to maintain readiness. Best practice recommends:

•   ECO members should receive refresher training every 6 to 12 months
•   Evacuation drills should be conducted at least annually, but ideally every 6 months
•   Chief Wardens and Deputy Chief Wardens should receive scenario-based refresher sessions as part of mid-year compliance efforts

Regular refresher training is key to avoiding complacency and ensuring that in a real emergency, your team reacts swiftly, calmly, and in accordance with your emergency plan.

Unit Requirements: What Should Be Included in ECO Training?

To align with AS 3745 and keep your site compliant, your emergency warden training or ECO training should include the following core units:

•   Introduction to Emergency Management & AS 3745 Overview
•   Roles and Responsibilities of ECO Members
•   Emergency Identification & Types of Emergencies
•   Evacuation Procedures & Assembly Area Management
•   Communication Protocols & Dealing with Authorities
•   Special Needs Evacuations (PEEPs)
•   Practical Scenario-Based Exercises and Drills

 For high-risk facilities or larger properties, additional units may cover Bomb and Substance Threats, Active Threats/Lockdowns, and Post-Evacuation Debriefing.

Why Regular Training Matters

For property managers, safety officers, and facility supervisors, keeping up with ECO training guidelines isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s about ensuring the safety of tenants, staff, and visitors.

 Emergencies can strike without warning. A well-trained ECO can make all the difference between a smooth evacuation and a potential disaster. By staying proactive with mid-year compliance refresh sessions, regular drills, and training updates, you help create a culture of safety and preparedness within your organisation.

Why Mid-Year Is the Ideal Time for ECO Training and Updates

Safety compliance isn’t just a once-a-year obligation—it’s a continuous commitment. As we move into the middle of the year and approach Quarter 3 (Q3), it’s the perfect time to schedule your Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) training and updates.

Mid-year is not only strategically positioned within the compliance cycle, but it also provides an opportunity to refresh and sharpen your team’s emergency readiness before the change of seasons and increased risks that come with spring and summer.

Why Timing Matters: The Value of the Q3 Training Cycle

Many organisations focus on annual compliance at the start or end of the year, but this can create a long gap where skills fade and preparedness weakens. Conducting ECO training or refreshers in Q3—typically around July to September—offers several strategic advantages:

Avoids End-of-Year Rush: Many businesses are overwhelmed in Q4 with project completions, reporting, and holiday shutdowns. Mid-year training ensures emergency preparedness doesn’t get sidelined.

Balances the Compliance Cycle: Scheduling mid-year training splits the year into manageable intervals, keeping your ECO team engaged and up-to-date.

Seasonal Readiness: As winter transitions to spring, weather patterns shift, bringing new risks such as bushfires, heatwaves, or storm events. A mid-year refresher ensures your team is ready for the months ahead.

Aligns with Insurance and Safety Audits: Many organisations conduct internal audits mid-year. This is an ideal time to align ECO preparedness with broader safety and compliance reviews.

Why Conduct A Mid-Year Refresher?

Improved Memory Retention: Training every 6 months helps keep evacuation procedures, roles, and emergency protocols fresh in the minds of your ECO team.

Increased Confidence: Regular practice builds confidence. In real emergencies, this can translate into faster response times and better decision-making.

Better Engagement: Staggered training prevents complacency and keeps safety top of mind across all levels of the organisation.

 Winter Safety Planning: Mid-year is also an ideal time to review and update winter-related emergency risks—heating equipment, power outages, slips and falls—ensuring your safety plans remain relevant.

What Should Mid-Year ECO Training Cover?

To meet AS 3745:2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, your Q3 training cycle should include:

•   Refresher on Roles & Responsibilities of Chief Wardens, Deputy Chief Wardens, and Area/Floor Wardens.
•   Evacuation Procedure Review including updated diagrams and emergency assembly points.
•   Communication Practice using emergency warning systems and radios.
•   Scenario Drills covering possible seasonal risks (fires, severe weather, active threats).
•   Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) Updates for new or at-risk occupants.

Emergencies don’t follow a calendar, but your preparation can. By integrating a mid-year ECO compliance refresher into your Q3 training cycle, you create a proactive safety culture that protects your people, your property, and your peace of mind.

How to Structure an ECO for Compliance and Efficiency

An effective Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is the backbone of any workplace emergency response plan. Under AS 3745:2010 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, every facility must have a clearly defined emergency hierarchy and communication chain to ensure swift, coordinated action during any crisis.

The ECO Hierarchy: Clear Roles for Clear Action

A compliant ECO structure typically includes: 

Chief Warden – The leader of the emergency response who oversees the situation, makes key decisions, and liaises with emergency services.

Deputy Chief Warden – Assists the Chief Warden and steps up in their absence.

Communications Officer – Manages the flow of information between the ECO and building occupants, as well as emergency services.

Area or Floor Wardens – Responsible for managing evacuations in specific zones, ensuring all occupants are accounted for.

Wardens – Assist with directing occupants, managing exits, and supporting evacuations on the ground level.

Ready to Review Your ECO? Start With a Compliance Check

For many organisations, the ECO is created, trained once, and then quietly forgotten. That’s a recipe for disaster. A mid-year compliance check helps ensure your emergency structure stays current, relevant, and effective—especially before seasonal safety audits or emergency training deadlines.

 Your ECO Compliance Checklist:

1. Review Your Current ECO Team: Are the Chief Warden and other roles still current? Have there been staffing changes?
2. Update Your Emergency Plan: Does it reflect any recent facility renovations, layout changes, or updated evacuation routes?
3. Check Communication Tools: Are your alarms, radios, and contact lists functional and up to date?
4. Conduct a Skills Refresher: Have your ECO team members participated in a mid-year training session or evacuation drill?
5.  Update Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs): Are vulnerable occupants still accounted for?

 

Even the most well-structured ECO will falter without regular reviews and training. This mid-year review aligns with best practice Q3 training cycles and supports upcoming workplace safety audits.

Don’t Leave Safety to Chance

Compliance with AS 3745 is not just a box to tick—it’s a life-saving standard that protects your team, your visitors, and your business. A well-structured and well-trained Emergency Control Organisation ensures that when the unexpected happens, your workplace responds with calm, control, and clarity.

👉 Take action today:

✔ Audit your current ECO structure and emergency plans

✔ Schedule a mid-year training refresher or compliance review

✔ Download our free ECO Compliance Checklist (optional downloadable resource suggestion)

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