Evacuation Chair Safety, the Five Golden Rules
Telephone: O330 3775372 Email: [email protected]
Every evacuation chair manufacturer provides detailed operating instructions for their own equipment, and these should always be followed. However, after many years of delivering practical evacuation chair training, we've found that the same few mistakes come up time and time again.
These five golden rules apply to the vast majority of evacuation chair operators and will help make every evacuation safer and more controlled.
These five golden rules apply to the vast majority of evacuation chair operators and will help make every evacuation safer and more controlled.
1. Never Attempt to Descend the Stairs with the Trolley Wheels Extended
This is probably the single most important safety rule.
The trolley wheels fitted to most evacuation chairs are designed for moving the chair across level floors. They are not designed to support the chair during stair descent.
Before beginning the descent, make sure the chair has been correctly configured for stair use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Attempting to use the transport wheels on the stairs can lead to a loss of control and could place both the operator and passenger at risk.
2. Wherever Possible, Have a Spotter at the Side When Tipping the Chair Back onto Two Wheels
When moving the evacuation chair from its bar on ground position to its two main transport wheels, the operator must tip the chair backwards in a controlled manner.
Wherever possible, a second trained person should stand at the side of the chair during this manoeuvre. The spotter can help steady the chair, reassure the passenger and provide immediate assistance if the operator loses balance or the chair moves unexpectedly.
This is particularly important when carrying a passenger, as the change in balance can feel different from practising with an empty chair.
The operator should remain in control throughout, while the spotter provides support and additional stability if required.
3. Wherever Possible, Position a Second Person at the Front During Stair Descent
As the chair begins its descent, a second trained operator positioned below the chair can help monitor the route ahead, warn of obstacles and provide reassurance throughout the evacuation.
They should never pull the chair down the stairs or take over control from the main operator, but they can provide valuable assistance if needed.
Where staffing levels permit, this simple measure can make the evacuation safer and give the operator greater confidence.
4. Never Let Go of the Chair
This may seem obvious, but it is worth saying.
Once the evacuation has started, the operator should maintain control of the chair at all times.
Avoid adjusting your grip unnecessarily or attempting to reach for doors, handrails or other objects while the chair is moving.
If something requires your attention, stop the evacuation safely before dealing with it.
The chair should remain under the continuous control of the operator throughout the descent.
5. If the Chair Becomes Stuck, Never Tip it Forward
Occasionally an evacuation chair may catch on a stair nosing or other obstruction.
If this happens, resist the temptation to tip the chair forwards or force it over the obstruction.
Instead, stop, assess the situation and identify the cause of the problem. In many cases, a slight adjustment of the chair's position is all that is needed before continuing safely.
If necessary, seek assistance rather than attempting to force the chair through.
Experience Matters
These rules are simple, but they're based on something we see regularly during practical training courses.
Most problems don't occur because the equipment is faulty—they happen because operators become flustered, rush the process or forget one of the basic principles they've already been taught.
That's why practical training is so important. It allows operators to build confidence, practise the correct techniques and receive constructive feedback in a safe environment, long before they're faced with a real emergency.
Telephone on 0330 377 5372 or Email [email protected]
This is probably the single most important safety rule.
The trolley wheels fitted to most evacuation chairs are designed for moving the chair across level floors. They are not designed to support the chair during stair descent.
Before beginning the descent, make sure the chair has been correctly configured for stair use in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Attempting to use the transport wheels on the stairs can lead to a loss of control and could place both the operator and passenger at risk.
2. Wherever Possible, Have a Spotter at the Side When Tipping the Chair Back onto Two Wheels
When moving the evacuation chair from its bar on ground position to its two main transport wheels, the operator must tip the chair backwards in a controlled manner.
Wherever possible, a second trained person should stand at the side of the chair during this manoeuvre. The spotter can help steady the chair, reassure the passenger and provide immediate assistance if the operator loses balance or the chair moves unexpectedly.
This is particularly important when carrying a passenger, as the change in balance can feel different from practising with an empty chair.
The operator should remain in control throughout, while the spotter provides support and additional stability if required.
3. Wherever Possible, Position a Second Person at the Front During Stair Descent
As the chair begins its descent, a second trained operator positioned below the chair can help monitor the route ahead, warn of obstacles and provide reassurance throughout the evacuation.
They should never pull the chair down the stairs or take over control from the main operator, but they can provide valuable assistance if needed.
Where staffing levels permit, this simple measure can make the evacuation safer and give the operator greater confidence.
4. Never Let Go of the Chair
This may seem obvious, but it is worth saying.
Once the evacuation has started, the operator should maintain control of the chair at all times.
Avoid adjusting your grip unnecessarily or attempting to reach for doors, handrails or other objects while the chair is moving.
If something requires your attention, stop the evacuation safely before dealing with it.
The chair should remain under the continuous control of the operator throughout the descent.
5. If the Chair Becomes Stuck, Never Tip it Forward
Occasionally an evacuation chair may catch on a stair nosing or other obstruction.
If this happens, resist the temptation to tip the chair forwards or force it over the obstruction.
Instead, stop, assess the situation and identify the cause of the problem. In many cases, a slight adjustment of the chair's position is all that is needed before continuing safely.
If necessary, seek assistance rather than attempting to force the chair through.
Experience Matters
These rules are simple, but they're based on something we see regularly during practical training courses.
Most problems don't occur because the equipment is faulty—they happen because operators become flustered, rush the process or forget one of the basic principles they've already been taught.
That's why practical training is so important. It allows operators to build confidence, practise the correct techniques and receive constructive feedback in a safe environment, long before they're faced with a real emergency.
Telephone on 0330 377 5372 or Email [email protected]
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