An evacuation chair is an important piece of emergency evacuation equipment, but simply having one installed in your building doesn't mean it is ready to use. Regular visual checks, professional inspections, and proper maintenance are essential to keep the chair accessible and ready for an emergency.
Just like fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and other fire safety equipment, evacuation chairs need to be looked after, inspected and maintained.
As someone who provides evacuation chair training and inspections, I regularly see how easily equipment can be overlooked once it has been installed.
What Should Operators Check?
Trained operators should be familiar with the evacuation chair's condition and location and carry out appropriate visual checks.
This should include checking that:
The chair is in its designated location.
It is easily accessible.
Nothing is obstructing access to it.
There is no obvious damage.
Straps and other visible components appear to be in good condition.
The chair is clean and ready for use.
If anything appears damaged, missing or unusual, it should be reported rather than attempting to repair the chair yourself.
Keep the Chair Accessible
It sounds obvious, but an evacuation chair is of little use if you can’t reach it quickly.
I've seen equipment gradually become surrounded by stored items or moved from its designated position.
The chair should remain accessible at all times, and its location should be known to the people who may need to use it.
This is especially important when the building layout or an area's use changes.
Professional Inspection and Maintenance
Visual checks by trained staff are important, but they are not a substitute for professional inspection and maintenance.
Evacuation chairs contain mechanical components that need to remain reliable and safe to operate. Professional inspection provides an opportunity to identify wear, damage or other issues that may not be obvious during a routine visual check.
I recommend that organisations follow the manufacturer's inspection and maintenance requirements and keep appropriate records of servicing and inspections.
I've covered some of the common mistakes businesses make in another article.
Don't Forget the Operators
Equipment maintenance is only part of being prepared. Your maintenance arrangements should form part of your wider fire safety arrangements.
Your trained operators also need to remain familiar and confident with the chair.
Staff change, people leave the organisation, and practical skills can fade over time. This is why refresher training should form part of your wider evacuation planning.
A well-maintained evacuation chair isn't a complete solution if no one is confident enough to operate it.
My Advice for Responsible Persons
Think of your evacuation chair in exactly the same way as any other important piece of emergency equipment:
Check it. Maintain it. Record it. Keep it accessible. Keep people trained.
Most importantly, don't wait until you need the chair to discover that something isn't right.
If you have evacuation chairs in your building and would like to arrange professional inspection, maintenance or refresher training, please contact me. I'm happy to provide practical advice on keeping your equipment and operators ready for when they are needed.
FAQs
How often should an evacuation chair be inspected?
Evacuation chairs should be inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the organisation's risk assessment and procedures. Professional inspection should form part of the maintenance arrangements.
Can trained operators maintain an evacuation chair?
Operators can carry out appropriate visual checks, but technical maintenance and repairs should be undertaken by suitably competent personnel in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
What should I do if an evacuation chair is damaged?
Remove it from service where appropriate and report the problem to the person responsible for the equipment. It should not be used until its condition has been assessed and any necessary repair or maintenance has been completed.
