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
Can One Evacuation Chair Cover an Entire Building?
There isn't a simple rule that says every building needs one evacuation chair, or that one chair is always enough.
The right answer depends on your building, the people who use it and the findings of your Fire Risk Assessment.
Fire Risk Assessments and Evacuation Chairs – Why the Assessment Comes First
Learn how a Fire Risk Assessment helps identify the need for evacuation chairs and PEEPs, and why assessment should always come before purchasing emergency evacuation equipment.
Fire Extinguishers: Are You Ready for When You Need Them?
Most businesses have fire extinguishers. They are usually mounted where they should be, clearly visible and ready to grab if something goes wrong.
But when was the last time you actually checked them?
And more importantly, are you confident they would work if you needed them?
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.
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.
Evacuation Chairs: Everything You Need to Know for Safe Emergency Evacuation
Evacuation chairs play a vital role in helping people with reduced mobility leave a building safely during an emergency, particularly when lifts cannot be used. They are designed to assist individuals down stairways quickly and safely, but they are only effective when supported by proper planning and trained operators.