Evacuation Chair Questions Answered
Telephone: O330 3775372 Email: [email protected]
Choosing the right evacuation arrangements often raises practical questions. Whether you're responsible for a school, college, care home, office, healthcare setting or other workplace, we've answered some of the questions we're most commonly asked about evacuation chairs, operator training and emergency planning.
Evacuation Chair Responsibilities & Planning
Is evacuation chair training a legal requirement?
There is no law that says every organisation must provide evacuation chair training. However, employers and those responsible for buildings do have a duty to make suitable arrangements for people to leave safely in an emergency.
If your emergency evacuation arrangements rely on an evacuation chair, then the people expected to use it should be properly trained and confident in its operation. Simply having an evacuation chair available is not enough if nobody knows how to use it safely.
Practical training helps ensure nominated staff understand both the equipment and the procedures they may need to follow during an emergency.
If your emergency evacuation arrangements rely on an evacuation chair, then the people expected to use it should be properly trained and confident in its operation. Simply having an evacuation chair available is not enough if nobody knows how to use it safely.
Practical training helps ensure nominated staff understand both the equipment and the procedures they may need to follow during an emergency.
Does every building with stairs need an evacuation chair?
No. There is no universal rule that every building with stairs must have an evacuation chair.
The need for an evacuation chair depends on several factors, including the layout of the building, who uses it, whether anyone may need assistance to evacuate, and the arrangements already in place for emergency evacuation.
For some organisations an evacuation chair will form an important part of their emergency arrangements. For others, different solutions may be more appropriate.
If you're unsure whether an evacuation chair is suitable for your premises, we're always happy to have a chat before you make a purchase or arrange training.
The need for an evacuation chair depends on several factors, including the layout of the building, who uses it, whether anyone may need assistance to evacuate, and the arrangements already in place for emergency evacuation.
For some organisations an evacuation chair will form an important part of their emergency arrangements. For others, different solutions may be more appropriate.
If you're unsure whether an evacuation chair is suitable for your premises, we're always happy to have a chat before you make a purchase or arrange training.
Who is responsible for helping someone evacuate during an emergency?
The organisation responsible for the building is responsible for ensuring suitable emergency evacuation arrangements are in place.
Exactly who assists during an emergency will depend on the organisation's own procedures. In many workplaces this may involve trained Fire Wardens, nominated members of staff or other designated personnel.
Emergency arrangements should not rely on the Fire and Rescue Service arriving to evacuate people from the building. Staff should understand their own roles and responsibilities and receive appropriate training where required.
Exactly who assists during an emergency will depend on the organisation's own procedures. In many workplaces this may involve trained Fire Wardens, nominated members of staff or other designated personnel.
Emergency arrangements should not rely on the Fire and Rescue Service arriving to evacuate people from the building. Staff should understand their own roles and responsibilities and receive appropriate training where required.
What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)?
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, often called a PEEP, is an individual plan for someone who may need assistance to leave a building safely during an emergency.
Every PEEP should be tailored to the individual. It should consider their needs, the building they are using, the assistance available and the safest method of evacuation.
An evacuation chair may form part of a PEEP, but it isn't automatically the answer in every situation. A good PEEP looks at the whole evacuation process rather than focusing on a single piece of equipment.
During our training we're happy to discuss how evacuation chair procedures can fit alongside existing PEEPs and workplace emergency arrangements.
Every PEEP should be tailored to the individual. It should consider their needs, the building they are using, the assistance available and the safest method of evacuation.
An evacuation chair may form part of a PEEP, but it isn't automatically the answer in every situation. A good PEEP looks at the whole evacuation process rather than focusing on a single piece of equipment.
During our training we're happy to discuss how evacuation chair procedures can fit alongside existing PEEPs and workplace emergency arrangements.
Should visitors and contractors be included in evacuation planning?
Yes.
Emergency planning shouldn't only consider permanent members of staff. Visitors, contractors, agency workers, volunteers and anyone else who may be in the building should also be considered.
In many workplaces this simply means having suitable procedures in place so that people who may need assistance can be identified quickly and supported safely if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Good planning before an emergency occurs helps avoid uncertainty if the fire alarm sounds.
Emergency planning shouldn't only consider permanent members of staff. Visitors, contractors, agency workers, volunteers and anyone else who may be in the building should also be considered.
In many workplaces this simply means having suitable procedures in place so that people who may need assistance can be identified quickly and supported safely if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Good planning before an emergency occurs helps avoid uncertainty if the fire alarm sounds.
Can an evacuation chair replace a proper evacuation plan?
No.
An evacuation chair is simply one part of an effective emergency evacuation strategy.
Successful evacuation depends on trained people, suitable procedures, good communication, appropriate equipment and regular practice. Even the best evacuation chair cannot compensate for poor planning or a lack of trained operators.
For that reason, we encourage organisations to view evacuation chair training as one element of their wider emergency planning rather than a standalone solution. Staff should understand not only how to operate the equipment, but also when and how it fits into their organisation's emergency procedures.
An evacuation chair is simply one part of an effective emergency evacuation strategy.
Successful evacuation depends on trained people, suitable procedures, good communication, appropriate equipment and regular practice. Even the best evacuation chair cannot compensate for poor planning or a lack of trained operators.
For that reason, we encourage organisations to view evacuation chair training as one element of their wider emergency planning rather than a standalone solution. Staff should understand not only how to operate the equipment, but also when and how it fits into their organisation's emergency procedures.
Evacuation Chair Operators & Passengers
Can one person safely operate an evacuation chair?
In many cases, yes. Many modern evacuation chairs are designed so that a single trained operator can guide the chair safely down a staircase. However, this depends on the design of the chair, the layout of the building and the circumstances of the evacuation.
Some organisations choose to have two trained operators available whenever possible. This can make it easier to open doors, provide reassurance to the passenger and share responsibilities during a longer evacuation. Certain types of evacuation chair especially those with wheels rather than skis may require more than one operator.
The most important point is that anyone expected to use an evacuation chair should receive practical training on the specific equipment provided in their workplace. Confidence, technique and regular practice are just as important as the number of operators.
Some organisations choose to have two trained operators available whenever possible. This can make it easier to open doors, provide reassurance to the passenger and share responsibilities during a longer evacuation. Certain types of evacuation chair especially those with wheels rather than skis may require more than one operator.
The most important point is that anyone expected to use an evacuation chair should receive practical training on the specific equipment provided in their workplace. Confidence, technique and regular practice are just as important as the number of operators.
How many trained evacuation chair operators should an organisation have?
There isn't a fixed number that applies to every organisation.
The right number depends on factors such as the size of the building, the number of floors, working patterns, annual leave, sickness, shift arrangements and how many people may need assistance during an emergency.
A common mistake is to train only one or two members of staff. If those individuals are absent, there may be nobody available to operate the chair.
As a general guide, organisations should train enough people to ensure suitable cover is available whenever the building is occupied. If you're unsure how many operators you may need, we're always happy to discuss your building and help you decide on a sensible approach.
For more information click here for the full article.
The right number depends on factors such as the size of the building, the number of floors, working patterns, annual leave, sickness, shift arrangements and how many people may need assistance during an emergency.
A common mistake is to train only one or two members of staff. If those individuals are absent, there may be nobody available to operate the chair.
As a general guide, organisations should train enough people to ensure suitable cover is available whenever the building is occupied. If you're unsure how many operators you may need, we're always happy to discuss your building and help you decide on a sensible approach.
For more information click here for the full article.
Does every learner have to act as the passenger?
No.
During practical training, every learner will have the opportunity to operate the evacuation chair so they can develop the confidence and skills needed to use it correctly.
Acting as the passenger is usually encouraged because it helps operators understand what the experience feels like from the occupant's perspective. However, we appreciate that not everyone will feel comfortable doing this.
No delegate is required to act as the passenger if they would prefer not to. We can adapt the practical session where appropriate while still ensuring learners achieve the required standard to complete the course.
During practical training, every learner will have the opportunity to operate the evacuation chair so they can develop the confidence and skills needed to use it correctly.
Acting as the passenger is usually encouraged because it helps operators understand what the experience feels like from the occupant's perspective. However, we appreciate that not everyone will feel comfortable doing this.
No delegate is required to act as the passenger if they would prefer not to. We can adapt the practical session where appropriate while still ensuring learners achieve the required standard to complete the course.
Can an evacuation chair be used for someone who normally uses a wheelchair?
Often, yes, but not always.
Many wheelchair users can be transferred safely into an evacuation chair during an emergency. However, this will depend on the individual's mobility, their ability to transfer, the type of wheelchair they use and any medical or physical needs they may have.
For some people, transferring into an evacuation chair may not be suitable or practical. That's why an evacuation chair should never be seen as the automatic answer for every wheelchair user.
Where someone is known to require assistance during an evacuation, their individual needs should be considered as part of the organisation's emergency planning.
Many wheelchair users can be transferred safely into an evacuation chair during an emergency. However, this will depend on the individual's mobility, their ability to transfer, the type of wheelchair they use and any medical or physical needs they may have.
For some people, transferring into an evacuation chair may not be suitable or practical. That's why an evacuation chair should never be seen as the automatic answer for every wheelchair user.
Where someone is known to require assistance during an evacuation, their individual needs should be considered as part of the organisation's emergency planning.
Can evacuation chairs be used for bariatric passengers?
Some can.
Standard evacuation chairs have maximum user weight limits, so it's important to check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific model you have. There are also specialist bariatric evacuation chairs designed to accommodate higher weight capacities.
If your organisation supports bariatric patients, residents or visitors, it's worth considering this when choosing evacuation equipment rather than assuming a standard chair will be suitable.
If you're unsure whether your current evacuation chair is appropriate, we can discuss your equipment during training and help you understand its capabilities and limitations.
Standard evacuation chairs have maximum user weight limits, so it's important to check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific model you have. There are also specialist bariatric evacuation chairs designed to accommodate higher weight capacities.
If your organisation supports bariatric patients, residents or visitors, it's worth considering this when choosing evacuation equipment rather than assuming a standard chair will be suitable.
If you're unsure whether your current evacuation chair is appropriate, we can discuss your equipment during training and help you understand its capabilities and limitations.
Evacuation Chair Stairs & Buildings
Can evacuation chairs be used on every type of staircase?
Not always.
Most evacuation chairs are designed to descend standard internal staircases, but not every staircase is suitable. Factors such as the width of the stairs, the steepness, the number and size of landings, handrails, obstacles and the type of evacuation chair all need to be considered.
For example, a chair that works perfectly well on a wide, straight staircase may not be suitable for a narrow spiral staircase or one with unusually shaped landings.
Before relying on an evacuation chair, it's important to be confident that it is suitable for the staircases within your building. If you're unsure, we're happy to discuss your premises and advise whether your existing equipment appears appropriate.
Most evacuation chairs are designed to descend standard internal staircases, but not every staircase is suitable. Factors such as the width of the stairs, the steepness, the number and size of landings, handrails, obstacles and the type of evacuation chair all need to be considered.
For example, a chair that works perfectly well on a wide, straight staircase may not be suitable for a narrow spiral staircase or one with unusually shaped landings.
Before relying on an evacuation chair, it's important to be confident that it is suitable for the staircases within your building. If you're unsure, we're happy to discuss your premises and advise whether your existing equipment appears appropriate.
Can an evacuation chair travel upstairs?
Most evacuation chairs are designed to help people travel safely down a staircase during an emergency.
While many chairs can be pushed along level corridors, they are not normally intended for taking someone upstairs. There are specialist evacuation devices available for situations where upward movement may be required, but these are designed for specific applications.
During our training we explain the capabilities and limitations of the equipment being used, so operators understand exactly what it has been designed to do.
While many chairs can be pushed along level corridors, they are not normally intended for taking someone upstairs. There are specialist evacuation devices available for situations where upward movement may be required, but these are designed for specific applications.
During our training we explain the capabilities and limitations of the equipment being used, so operators understand exactly what it has been designed to do.
Can one evacuation chair be shared between different buildings or floors?
Sometimes, but it isn't always the best solution.
Whether a single chair is suitable depends on the size and layout of the premises, how quickly it can be accessed and whether it would be available when needed. In a small building with only one staircase, a single chair may be perfectly adequate. In larger premises, or where there are several staircases or separate buildings, additional chairs may be more appropriate.
Emergency equipment should always be readily available when it's needed. If staff would have to spend valuable time locating or collecting an evacuation chair from another part of the site, it's worth reviewing whether additional equipment would improve your emergency arrangements.
Whether a single chair is suitable depends on the size and layout of the premises, how quickly it can be accessed and whether it would be available when needed. In a small building with only one staircase, a single chair may be perfectly adequate. In larger premises, or where there are several staircases or separate buildings, additional chairs may be more appropriate.
Emergency equipment should always be readily available when it's needed. If staff would have to spend valuable time locating or collecting an evacuation chair from another part of the site, it's worth reviewing whether additional equipment would improve your emergency arrangements.
Where should an evacuation chair be stored?
An evacuation chair should be stored somewhere that is easy for trained staff to access quickly during an emergency.
Many organisations position evacuation chairs close to the staircase where they are most likely to be needed. The location should be clearly identified, free from obstructions and protected from damage while remaining readily accessible.
Where larger buildings have several staircases or more than one floor, it may be appropriate to have more than one evacuation chair available. The best location will depend on the layout of your building and your emergency evacuation arrangements.
Many organisations position evacuation chairs close to the staircase where they are most likely to be needed. The location should be clearly identified, free from obstructions and protected from damage while remaining readily accessible.
Where larger buildings have several staircases or more than one floor, it may be appropriate to have more than one evacuation chair available. The best location will depend on the layout of your building and your emergency evacuation arrangements.
Can Castle Hill train on different makes and models?
Yes.
Our trainers have experience working with a wide range of evacuation chairs from different manufacturers. Although the basic principles are often similar, every model has its own features, operating method and safety checks.
Where possible, we deliver training using your own evacuation chair. This allows delegates to become familiar with the equipment they will actually be expected to use in an emergency.
If you're purchasing a new evacuation chair or changing to a different model, just let us know in advance and we'll be happy to discuss your training requirements.
Our trainers have experience working with a wide range of evacuation chairs from different manufacturers. Although the basic principles are often similar, every model has its own features, operating method and safety checks.
Where possible, we deliver training using your own evacuation chair. This allows delegates to become familiar with the equipment they will actually be expected to use in an emergency.
If you're purchasing a new evacuation chair or changing to a different model, just let us know in advance and we'll be happy to discuss your training requirements.
What should we do if our evacuation chair seems unsuitable for our building?
Don't ignore your concerns.
If an evacuation chair doesn't seem suitable for your staircases or you're unsure whether it meets your needs, it's sensible to review the situation before an emergency occurs.
This may involve checking the manufacturer's guidance, considering the layout of your building, reviewing your evacuation procedures or seeking advice from a competent person. In some cases, a different type of evacuation chair or an alternative evacuation solution may be more appropriate.
During training, we're always happy to discuss any concerns you have about your equipment. While we can't carry out a formal assessment of your building, we can often identify practical issues that may be worth investigating further.
If an evacuation chair doesn't seem suitable for your staircases or you're unsure whether it meets your needs, it's sensible to review the situation before an emergency occurs.
This may involve checking the manufacturer's guidance, considering the layout of your building, reviewing your evacuation procedures or seeking advice from a competent person. In some cases, a different type of evacuation chair or an alternative evacuation solution may be more appropriate.
During training, we're always happy to discuss any concerns you have about your equipment. While we can't carry out a formal assessment of your building, we can often identify practical issues that may be worth investigating further.
Evacuation Chair Practice & Maintenance
How often should staff practise using an evacuation chair?
Regular practice is one of the best ways to help staff remain confident in using an evacuation chair.
There isn't a single practice schedule that suits every organisation, but evacuation chair procedures should be reviewed often enough that nominated operators remain familiar with the equipment and the evacuation process. Organisations may choose to include practical sessions as part of refresher training, fire drills or other planned emergency exercises. Some manufacturers have recommended training schedules.
If an evacuation chair is rarely used, confidence can quickly fade. Occasional practice helps staff remember the correct techniques and provides an opportunity to identify any issues before an emergency occurs.
For more information click here to read the full article.
There isn't a single practice schedule that suits every organisation, but evacuation chair procedures should be reviewed often enough that nominated operators remain familiar with the equipment and the evacuation process. Organisations may choose to include practical sessions as part of refresher training, fire drills or other planned emergency exercises. Some manufacturers have recommended training schedules.
If an evacuation chair is rarely used, confidence can quickly fade. Occasional practice helps staff remember the correct techniques and provides an opportunity to identify any issues before an emergency occurs.
For more information click here to read the full article.
How often should an evacuation chair be inspected and serviced?
Like any piece of emergency equipment, evacuation chairs should be checked regularly to make sure they remain in good condition and ready for use.
Many organisations carry out simple visual checks as part of their routine safety procedures. These checks might include confirming that the chair is in its designated location, that it is undamaged and that any straps, wheels or tracks appear to be in good condition.
In addition to routine checks, evacuation chairs should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule helps ensure the equipment remains safe and reliable throughout its working life.
Many organisations carry out simple visual checks as part of their routine safety procedures. These checks might include confirming that the chair is in its designated location, that it is undamaged and that any straps, wheels or tracks appear to be in good condition.
In addition to routine checks, evacuation chairs should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule helps ensure the equipment remains safe and reliable throughout its working life.
Should evacuation chairs be used during fire drills?
They can be, provided it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some organisations include evacuation chairs in selected fire drills so that trained operators can practise using the equipment in realistic but controlled conditions. This can help reinforce training and increase confidence.
However, every fire drill should be carefully planned. Consideration should always be given to the safety and wellbeing of anyone taking part, particularly if someone is acting as the passenger. In some situations, it may be more appropriate to practise specific parts of the procedure rather than carrying out a full staircase descent.
Some organisations include evacuation chairs in selected fire drills so that trained operators can practise using the equipment in realistic but controlled conditions. This can help reinforce training and increase confidence.
However, every fire drill should be carefully planned. Consideration should always be given to the safety and wellbeing of anyone taking part, particularly if someone is acting as the passenger. In some situations, it may be more appropriate to practise specific parts of the procedure rather than carrying out a full staircase descent.
What should staff do if an evacuation chair is damaged or won't deploy?
An evacuation chair that appears to be damaged or doesn't operate correctly should not be used until the problem has been investigated.
The chair should be reported in line with your organisation's procedures so that it can be inspected, repaired or replaced if necessary. If the chair has been taken out of service, staff should also understand what alternative arrangements are in place should an emergency occur.
It's always better to identify equipment problems during routine checks or training rather than discovering them when they're needed most.
The chair should be reported in line with your organisation's procedures so that it can be inspected, repaired or replaced if necessary. If the chair has been taken out of service, staff should also understand what alternative arrangements are in place should an emergency occur.
It's always better to identify equipment problems during routine checks or training rather than discovering them when they're needed most.
Can a lift ever be used during an evacuation?
In most buildings, passenger lifts should not be used during a fire evacuation unless they have been specifically designed and designated for that purpose.
Many ordinary lifts may automatically return to a safe floor and become unavailable when the fire alarm operates. For this reason, emergency evacuation procedures should never assume that a standard passenger lift will be available.
Some larger or more modern buildings have evacuation lifts that are specifically designed to remain available during certain emergency situations. If your building has one, staff should understand when and how it should be used as part of the organisation's emergency arrangements.
Many ordinary lifts may automatically return to a safe floor and become unavailable when the fire alarm operates. For this reason, emergency evacuation procedures should never assume that a standard passenger lift will be available.
Some larger or more modern buildings have evacuation lifts that are specifically designed to remain available during certain emergency situations. If your building has one, staff should understand when and how it should be used as part of the organisation's emergency arrangements.
How often should evacuation chair operators receive refresher training?
There is no fixed legal interval for refresher training.
The frequency will depend on factors such as staff turnover, how often the equipment is used, changes to the building or the introduction of new evacuation chairs.
Refresher training is also worth considering whenever there has been a significant gap since operators last practised, or if confidence has reduced over time.
At Castle Hill Training, our evacuation chair certificates are valid for one year. We recommend refresher training before certificates expire to help operators maintain both their knowledge and practical skills.
The frequency will depend on factors such as staff turnover, how often the equipment is used, changes to the building or the introduction of new evacuation chairs.
Refresher training is also worth considering whenever there has been a significant gap since operators last practised, or if confidence has reduced over time.
At Castle Hill Training, our evacuation chair certificates are valid for one year. We recommend refresher training before certificates expire to help operators maintain both their knowledge and practical skills.
If we haven’t been able to answer your question here, please get in touch. We'll be happy to help.
Telephone on 0330 377 5372 or Email [email protected]
Telephone on 0330 377 5372 or Email [email protected]
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