Fire Risk Assessments and Evacuation Chairs – Why the Assessment Comes First
One of the most common questions I'm asked is: "Do we need an evacuation chair?"
My answer is always the same:
The first step isn't choosing an evacuation chair; it's understanding your building and the people who use it.
That's where your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) comes in.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A Fire Risk Assessment is a systematic review of your premises that identifies fire hazards, evaluates the risks to people and determines the measures needed to keep occupants safe.
For most non-domestic premises in England and Wales, having a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
An FRA looks at much more than fire extinguishers and alarm systems. It also considers how people will safely escape from the building if an emergency occurs.
Identifying People Who May Need Assistance
One of the key outcomes of a Fire Risk Assessment is identifying whether anyone may have difficulty evacuating the building unaided.
This could include:
wheelchair users
people with reduced mobility
people recovering from an injury
those with visual or hearing impairments
people with certain medical conditions
pregnant employees
visitors unfamiliar with the building
Every building and every organisation is different, so the assessment should consider both the premises and the people who use them.
For more guidance see my blog: Who May Need an Evacuation Chair?
Where Do PEEPs Fit In?
If a Fire Risk Assessment identifies that someone may need assistance to evacuate safely, the next step is often to develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).
A PEEP is tailored to the individual and explains how they will be evacuated in an emergency.
It may identify the need for:
assistance from trained colleagues
the use of an evacuation chair
a designated refuge point
an alternative escape route
other reasonable adjustments
The important point is that the PEEP determines the most appropriate evacuation arrangements - not the other way round.
Does Every Building Need an Evacuation Chair?
Not necessarily. This is a common misconception.
An evacuation chair is one possible solution, but it isn't appropriate for every building or every individual.
Some premises may not require one at all, while others may need more than one depending on factors such as the building layout, the number of staircases and the people who use the premises.
That's why it's important to avoid purchasing equipment before you understand what your Fire Risk Assessment and any PEEPs identify.
For more information, see: How to Choose the Right Evacuation Chair for Your Building.
Turning Assessment into Action
Once your Fire Risk Assessment and any necessary PEEPs are complete, you can make informed decisions about your emergency evacuation arrangements.
This may include:
purchasing an appropriate evacuation chair
training designated operators
carrying out regular refresher training
ensuring equipment is stored correctly
arranging routine inspections and maintenance
Each of these steps builds on the findings of the assessment.
My Advice
Although I don't carry out Fire Risk Assessments myself, I see the results of good assessments every day when I deliver evacuation chair training and fire marshal training.
Organisations that take the time to understand their building, identify who may need assistance, and develop appropriate evacuation plans usually get the most value from their training.
An evacuation chair should never be viewed as a standalone purchase. It should form part of a well-planned emergency evacuation strategy based on the findings of a suitable Fire Risk Assessment.
If you've already completed your Fire Risk Assessment and identified the need for evacuation chairs, I'd be happy to help with impartial advice on selecting suitable equipment, operator training and ongoing inspection and maintenance, and also training fire marshals if needed.
