Fabrik vs Word for Evacuation Plans

You can use Word's shapes and text boxes to approximate a simple floor plan. However, Word is a word processor — shape placement is clunky, there is no concept of scale, and the resulting diagram will look visibly amateurish. For a tiny, single-room informational document it may be acceptable. For anything larger or more professional, dedicated software produces better results in less time.

Yes, Word is well-suited for the written EAP document. OSHA 1910.38 requires a written plan covering evacuation procedures, employee responsibilities, emergency contacts, and training. Word's outline structure, heading styles, and Track Changes work well for this narrative document. The visual floor plan is a separate component and is best produced in a dedicated tool, then embedded or attached as a PDF.

Most organizations use both: Word for the written EAP (typically 5-15 pages covering procedures, contacts, roles, training records), and a tool like Fabrik for the visual floor plan (one per floor or area). The final compliance package typically has the written EAP as a Word/PDF document plus the floor plans as separate posted PDFs. Together they satisfy OSHA 1910.38 (written plan + evacuation routes) and NFPA 101 (posted floor plans).

Yes. Export your floor plan as a PDF or PNG from Fabrik, then insert it as an image in Word (Insert > Pictures). This way your written EAP document can include the visual plan inline, while still being posted separately at each floor. The Fabrik-generated image is high-resolution and maintains ISO 7010 symbol quality even at the size Word displays it.