Sharing Practical Knowledge
I write regular articles for Responsible Persons, Facilities Managers and Health & Safety professionals covering topics such as:
Fire Risk Assessments and evacuation chairs
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Choosing the right evacuation chair
Training and refresher requirements
Care homes, schools and healthcare settings
Common evacuation planning mistakes
The Evacuation Chair blog
Welcome to the evacuation chair blog. Here you’ll find a range of articles covering topics related to evacuation chairs, their operation, training, maintenance and UK legal requirements. I hope you find the content useful and informative.
Need Some Practical Advice?
If you're unsure whether you need an evacuation chair, how many operators to train, or how your current arrangements should work, I'm always happy to have an informal conversation.
Paul McCann
How to Choose the Right Evacuation Chair for Your Building
Not sure which evacuation chair is right for your building? Learn what to consider, from building layout and user needs to training and maintenance, with impartial advice from an experienced supplier.
How Often Should Evacuation Chair Training Be Refreshed?
An evacuation chair is only effective if the people using it have the confidence and competence to operate it safely during an emergency.
Many organisations invest in evacuation chairs and provide initial operator training but then overlook the importance of regular refresher training. Like any practical skill, evacuation chair operation can deteriorate over time if it is not practised.
Who May Need an Evacuation Chair?
When people think about evacuation chairs, they often think only of wheelchair users. However, the need for an evacuation chair should always be considered on an individual basis.
The right arrangements depend on the individual's needs, the building, the available escape routes and the findings of the fire risk assessment.
Do You Legally Need an Evacuation Chair? UK Requirements Explained
This blog is intended as a general guide to help you understand what UK legislation affects evacuation chairs.
In most cases, there is no UK law that automatically requires every business or building to have an evacuation chair. However, businesses and other organisations do have legal responsibilities to ensure that people can evacuate safely in an emergency.
What Is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Could everyone in your organisation evacuate safely during an emergency?
Many businesses have documented fire evacuation procedures, but have you considered whether they meet the needs of every individual who uses your premises?
Evacuation Chairs: Everything You Need to Know for Safe Emergency Evacuation
Evacuation chairs play a vital role in helping people with reduced mobility leave a building safely during an emergency, particularly when lifts cannot be used. They are designed to assist individuals down stairways quickly and safely, but they are only effective when supported by proper planning and trained operators.