Evacuation Chairs: Everything You Need to Know for Safe Emergency Evacuation
In any emergency, ensuring everyone can leave a building safely is a fundamental part of effective fire safety planning. While most people can use stairways during an evacuation, individuals with reduced mobility may require additional assistance - particularly when lifts are unavailable or unsafe to use. This is where an evacuation chair becomes an essential piece of emergency equipment.
Whether you manage a workplace, school, healthcare facility, hotel or public building, understanding how evacuation chairs work, when they are needed and why evacuation chair training is so important can help protect both building occupants and your organisation.
What Is an Evacuation Chair?
An evacuation chair is a specially designed device that enables trained operators to assist people with reduced mobility down staircases during an emergency. Most evacuation chairs use friction tracks or controlled braking systems to provide a smooth and controlled descent, allowing an individual to be evacuated safely when lifts cannot be used.
Evacuation chairs are intended for emergency situations and should only be operated by individuals who have received appropriate training
Who May Need an Evacuation Chair
Many people assume evacuation chairs are only for wheelchair users, but they can assist a much wider range of individuals. Those who may benefit include:
Wheelchair users
People recovering from injuries or surgery
Older adults with reduced mobility
Pregnant individuals experiencing mobility difficulties
People with respiratory or cardiac conditions
Individuals with neurological conditions or balance issues
Visitors or employees with temporary mobility impairment
Considering the diverse needs of occupants and visitors is an important part of developing an inclusive emergency evacuation strategy.
When Is an Evacuation Chair Required?
The need for an evacuation chair should be identified through a comprehensive fire risk assessment. Buildings with multiple floors, limited evacuation routes or regular visitors with mobility needs are often suitable candidates for evacuation chair provision.
Employers and responsible persons should ensure emergency procedures consider everyone who may be in the building, including employees, contractors, customers and visitors.
Where an individual requires specific assistance during an evacuation, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) should be developed. A PEEP outlines the assistance required, identifies suitable equipment and ensures everyone involved understands their responsibilities before an emergency occurs.
Why Evacuation Chair Training Matters
Purchasing an evacuation chair is only one part of the solution. Without proper training, operators may lack the confidence and competence needed to use the equipment safely under pressure.
Professional evacuation chair training typically covers:
Safe operation of the evacuation chair
Correct moving and handling techniques
Assisting people with dignity and respect
Stairway descent techniques
Emergency communication procedures
Practical hands-on exercises in realistic scenarios
Regular refresher training helps maintain skills, reinforces safe practices and ensures operators remain prepared should an emergency occur.
Maintaining Your Evacuation Chair
Like all life safety equipment, evacuation chairs require regular inspection and maintenance to remain reliable.
Organisations should:
Carry out routine visual inspections
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule
Record inspections and maintenance activities
Remove damaged equipment from service until repaired
Ensure chairs remain accessible and are not obstructed
Well-maintained equipment is far more likely to perform effectively when it is needed most.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Organisations sometimes invest in evacuation chairs without fully considering how they will be used. Some of the most common mistakes include:
Purchasing equipment without providing operator training
Failing to include evacuation chairs within emergency evacuation procedures
Not carrying out regular evacuation drills
Forgetting to maintain or service the equipment
Assuming someone will always be available to operate the chair
Storing the chair where it cannot be accessed quickly during an emergency
Avoiding these issues helps ensure evacuation chairs remain an effective part of your fire safety arrangements.
Choosing the Right Evacuation Chair
Different buildings have different evacuation requirements. When selecting an evacuation chair, consider factors such as:
The type and width of staircases
The number of building occupants
The frequency of public visitors
Weight capacity requirements
Storage location and accessibility
The number of trained operators available
Seeking professional advice can help ensure the equipment selected is suitable for your building and evacuation procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all workplaces need an evacuation chair?
Not necessarily. The requirement depends on your fire risk assessment, building layout and whether occupants or visitors may require assistance evacuating safely.
Can one person operate an evacuation chair?
Many modern evacuation chairs are designed for single-person operation. However, operators should always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and receive practical training before using the equipment.
How often should evacuation chair training be refreshed?
Regular refresher training is recommended to maintain confidence and competence, particularly where equipment is rarely used outside emergency exercises.
Can evacuation chairs be used on all staircases?
Most evacuation chairs are designed for standard staircases, although some models are better suited to more challenging layouts. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations when selecting equipment.
Creating a Safer Workplace
An evacuation chair is far more than a piece of emergency equipment—it is part of a wider commitment to inclusive fire safety and effective emergency planning. By combining suitable equipment with thorough risk assessments, well-developed PEEPs, trained operators and regular maintenance, organisations can improve their preparedness and help ensure everyone has the opportunity to evacuate safely during an emergency.
Investing in evacuation chair training and emergency evacuation planning demonstrates a proactive approach to safety, helping protect employees, visitors and members of the public while supporting compliance with workplace fire safety responsibilities.
