How to Choose the Right Evacuation Chair for Your Building
If you're responsible for fire safety in your organisation, choosing an evacuation chair can feel overwhelming. There are numerous models available, each with different features and capabilities, and it's not always obvious which one is best suited to your building.
As someone who supplies, maintains and provides training for evacuation chairs, one of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Which evacuation chair should we buy?"
My answer is always the same:
The right evacuation chair depends on your building, the people who use it and your emergency evacuation arrangements.
There isn't a single model that's right for every organisation, and choosing purely on price can prove to be a costly mistake if the chair isn't suitable for your needs.
Start with Your Fire Risk Assessment
Before looking at different evacuation chair models, it's important to understand why you need one in the first place.
Your fire risk assessment should identify whether people may require assistance to evacuate the building safely during an emergency. This could include employees, visitors, contractors or members of the public.
Where appropriate, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) should identify the assistance required by specific individuals. Only once you understand these requirements should you begin selecting the most suitable evacuation equipment.
Consider Your Building
Every building presents different challenges. When I'm advising customers, one of the first things I consider is the building itself.
Questions I typically ask include:
How many floors does the building have?
How many staircases are there?
Are the staircases straight, or do they include landings and tight turns?
How wide are the stairs?
Where are the protected escape routes?
How many people could potentially require assistance?
These factors all influence which evacuation chair is most appropriate.
Think About Who May Need Assistance
Not everyone requiring evacuation assistance will need an evacuation chair, but where one is appropriate, it's important to think about the people who may use it.
For example, you may need to consider:
wheelchair users
people with reduced mobility
employees recovering from an injury
visitors who are unfamiliar with the building
members of the public attending meetings or events
Different users may have different needs, and these should form part of your evacuation planning.
Don't Buy More Features Than You Need
Modern evacuation chairs are available with a range of additional features, but more isn't always better.
In many office buildings, a robust, easy-to-use evacuation chair that operators are confident using is likely to be a better investment than a more complex model with features that may never be used.
The priority should always be selecting equipment that is appropriate for your building and ensuring staff receive practical training.
Consider Weight Capacity
Every evacuation chair has a maximum safe working load.
It's important to ensure the chosen chair is suitable for the people who may need to use it.
This isn't simply about choosing the chair with the highest weight capacity. It's about selecting equipment that meets your organisation's likely requirements while remaining practical to operate and store.
Storage Matters
An evacuation chair is only useful if it can be accessed quickly during an emergency.
When choosing a chair, consider where it will be stored. Ideally it should be located close to the protected escape route where it may be needed, without obstructing the means of escape or creating a trip hazard.
Good signage and regular inspections also help ensure the chair is ready for use when required.
Training Is Just as Important as the Chair
Buying an evacuation chair is only part of the solution.
The people expected to operate it should receive practical training and have the opportunity to refresh their skills periodically. I've seen organisations invest in excellent equipment but overlook operator training. Equally, I've worked with organisations that have relatively straightforward equipment but excellent training programmes, giving staff the confidence to respond calmly during an emergency.
In my experience, well-trained operators are one of the most important factors in a successful evacuation.
Don't Forget Maintenance
Like any safety equipment, evacuation chairs require routine inspection and maintenance.
Manufacturers provide recommendations for inspection and servicing, and these should be followed to help ensure the equipment remains in good working order.
Maintaining accurate service records also forms part of good fire safety management.
Seek Independent Advice
Choosing an evacuation chair isn't simply about comparing product specifications.
Every organisation is different, and the most suitable solution depends on your building, the people who use it and your emergency evacuation procedures. When I visit a customer, my aim isn't to recommend the most expensive chair; it's to recommend the most appropriate one. Sometimes that means a standard evacuation chair is exactly what's needed. In other situations, a different model or even a different evacuation strategy may be more suitable.
A reputable supplier should be happy to discuss your requirements, answer your questions and explain why they are recommending a particular solution.
The Right Chair Is the One That Meets Your Needs
Choosing an evacuation chair shouldn't be about buying the latest model or the one with the longest list of features. It should be about selecting equipment that fits your building, supports your emergency evacuation arrangements and can be used confidently by trained operators.
By considering your fire risk assessment, the needs of building users, the layout of your premises, ongoing training and regular maintenance, you'll be in a much stronger position to choose a solution that helps protect people when it matters most.
If you're unsure which evacuation chair is right for your organisation, I'm always happy to offer impartial advice and help you find the solution that best meets your needs.
