Where Should an Evacuation Chair Be Stored?
One of the questions I'm regularly asked during evacuation chair training is:
"Where's the best place to keep the evacuation chair?"
The answer is usually quite simple.
Store it where trained operators can access it quickly without delaying an evacuation.
It sounds obvious, but over the years I've seen evacuation chairs stored in cupboards, locked offices, plant rooms and even basements, places where they're difficult, or sometimes impossible, to reach when they're actually needed.
An evacuation chair is emergency equipment. If it can't be accessed immediately, it can't do its job.
Keep It Close to the Staircase
In most buildings, the evacuation chair should be stored close to the protected escape staircase where it's most likely to be needed.
The aim is to minimise the distance trained operators need to travel before they can begin assisting someone to evacuate.
That doesn't necessarily mean placing it directly on the staircase, but it should be nearby and immediately accessible.
Don't Create an Obstruction
One of the biggest mistakes I see is an evacuation chair left in a position that partially blocks a corridor or escape route.
While it's important that the chair is easy to access, it should never reduce the width of an escape route or create a trip hazard.
Finding the right balance between accessibility and safety is essential.
Make Sure Everyone Knows Where It Is
I've delivered training in buildings where only one person knew where the evacuation chair was stored.
That's not enough.
Anyone expected to use the chair during an emergency should know exactly where it is kept. Good signage can make a real difference, particularly in larger buildings or on sites where staff don't work in the same area every day.
Think About Security
Some organisations are concerned about theft or misuse and choose to lock evacuation chairs away.
While security is important, you should consider whether the chair could still be accessed quickly in an emergency.
If staff have to search for keys or wait for someone to unlock a cupboard, valuable time may be lost.
Consider More Than One Chair
For smaller premises, a single evacuation chair may be sufficient. However, in larger or multi-storey buildings, it may be more appropriate to have chairs located at different staircases or on different floors.
The right solution will depend on your building layout, occupancy and fire risk assessment.
Don't Forget Regular Checks
An evacuation chair shouldn't be stored and forgotten about. As part of your routine fire safety checks, it's worth confirming that:
· the chair is still in its designated location
· access to it hasn't become obstructed
· it hasn't been damaged
· inspection and maintenance schedules are up to date
These simple checks take very little time, but help ensure the chair is available if it's ever needed.
Train Staff Where the Chair Is Stored
During practical training, I always encourage operators to become familiar with the actual location of the evacuation chair(s) in their building. It's surprising how often this identifies issues that hadn't previously been considered.
For example:
· Is there enough space to deploy the chair?
· Can it be removed from its storage bracket easily?
· Is access blocked by furniture or storage?
· Would someone unfamiliar with the building be able to find it quickly?
These are practical questions that are much easier to answer during training than during a real emergency.
Common Sense Goes a Long Way
There isn't a single rule that says every evacuation chair must be stored in exactly the same place.
Every building is different.
The most suitable location will depend on your layout, evacuation procedures and the people who use the building. In my experience, the best storage location is usually the simplest one: close to the escape route, easy to find and access, and never creating an obstruction.
If you're unsure whether your evacuation chair is stored in the most appropriate location, ask yourself one question:
"Could our trained operators get to it quickly and use it without delay if the fire alarm sounded right now?"
If the answer is yes, you're probably on the right track. If you're not sure, it's worth reviewing your arrangements before an emergency puts them to the test.
