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
What Happens During Evacuation Chair Training?
Find out what to expect during evacuation chair operator training, from practical stairway exercises and PEEPs to certification and building-specific training.
Common Evacuation Chair Mistakes Businesses Make
After working with organisations across a wide range of sectors, I've found that most businesses are committed to protecting their employees and visitors. However, even well-managed organisations can develop small gaps in their emergency evacuation arrangements over time.
Where Should an Evacuation Chair Be Stored?
Learn where an evacuation chair should be stored for quick, safe access during an emergency. Practical advice to ensure that everyone can be evacuated safely from your premises.
Ask yourself, "Could our trained operators get to it quickly and use it without delay if the fire alarm sounded right now?"
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.