Who May Need an Evacuation Chair?
When people think about evacuation chairs, they often think of wheelchair users needing assistance to leave a building when lifts cannot be used. However, wheelchair users are not the only people who may require support during an emergency evacuation.
An evacuation chair may be appropriate for some people who cannot safely use stairs or otherwise evacuate without physical assistance. However, not everyone who needs assistance during an evacuation will require an evacuation chair. The appropriate arrangements should be based on the individual's needs, the building and the findings of the fire risk assessment.
Some of this is already covered in our previous articles, such as "What Is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan". The need for an evacuation chair should always be considered on an individual basis. Some people may require physical assistance to evacuate, while others may need different forms of support. Other circumstances that may affect that person’s ability to evacuate (this could include people with underlying health conditions, people who are pregnant or those who have a short-term injury, such as a broken leg).
Not Everyone Who Needs Evacuation Assistance Needs an Evacuation Chair
An evacuation chair is one possible solution, but it is not appropriate for every person who may need assistance during an emergency.
Depending on the individual's needs, suitable arrangements could include:
assistance from a trained colleague
a suitable alternative escape route
clear verbal guidance
visual or vibrating alarm arrangements
an agreed refuge arrangement as part of the evacuation plan
an evacuation chair where the person cannot safely use the stairs without physical assistance
The appropriate arrangements should be identified through suitable emergency planning and, where appropriate, an individual PEEP.
Visitors and contractors
A business may have no wheelchair users among its employees but still regularly welcome:
customers
contractors
delivery drivers
members of the public
visitors attending meetings or events
The business needs to consider how they will respond if a visitor requires assistance, even when a personal PEEP has not been prepared in advance.
Whether an evacuation chair is appropriate will depend not only on the individual's needs, but also on the building, the available escape routes and the findings of the fire risk assessment.
Some medical conditions may affect a person's ability to walk safely, stand for extended periods or manage the physical demands of an emergency evacuation. The appropriate arrangements will depend on the individual's circumstances and may include assistance from another person, an alternative evacuation route or, where appropriate, an evacuation chair.
People who may require an evacuation chair
Wheelchair users who cannot safely evacuate via the available escape routes without physical assistance
People with significant mobility impairments
People with temporary injuries affecting their ability to use stairs
Some people with medical conditions affecting their ability to walk safely during an evacuation
People who may require other forms of evacuation assistance
People with visual impairments
People with hearing impairments
Some people with cognitive or neurological conditions
Some people with neurodivergent conditions
People who may need additional communication or reassurance
Wheelchair users
In addition to employees who use wheelchairs, it is important to consider visitors who do as well. This is particularly important if there are no wheelchair users permanently on site. Something which could easily be overlooked.
This should include adequate staff training so they are ready to assist during an emergency evacuation.
Older people and people with reduced mobility
Some older visitors may be able to move around a building independently during normal circumstances but may require additional time or assistance during an emergency. For example, they may have difficulty using stairs, particularly if they normally rely on a lift.
Age alone does not mean that someone requires an evacuation chair. However, businesses should consider the needs of visitors who may require assistance and ensure suitable arrangements are in place.
Temporary injuries
Where an employee or regular visitor has a temporary injury that affects their ability to evacuate safely, the organisation should review its emergency evacuation arrangements and consider whether a PEEP or other individual arrangements are appropriate. Depending on the person's needs and the building, an evacuation chair may be part of the solution.
People with visual impairments
People with visual impairments may require assistance to navigate unfamiliar routes or locate exits during an emergency. The appropriate support will depend on the individual's needs and the building.
This could include assistance from a trained colleague, clear verbal guidance or other arrangements identified through an individual emergency evacuation plan. A visual impairment alone would not normally mean that an evacuation chair is required.
People with hearing impairments
People who are deaf or hard of hearing may not hear a conventional fire alarm or verbal instructions. Suitable arrangements may include visual alarm devices, vibrating alert systems or agreed communication arrangements, depending on the individual's needs and the building. A hearing impairment alone would not normally mean that an evacuation chair is required.
Hidden or Non-Visible Disabilities and Health Conditions
Hidden or non-visible disabilities and health conditions cover a wide range of physical, mental and neurological conditions. Some people may require additional support during an emergency, although the type of support will vary significantly from person to person.
For example, an individual may need assistance with communication, navigating an unfamiliar route, managing sensory overload or following emergency instructions. The appropriate arrangements should be discussed with the individual and based on their specific needs.
Planning for Everyone
An evacuation chair may be an important part of an organisation's emergency evacuation arrangements, but it is not the right solution for everyone who may need assistance.
The need for an evacuation chair should be considered alongside the individual's needs, the building layout, available escape routes and the findings of the fire risk assessment. Where an individual may require assistance to evacuate, a suitable PEEP or other appropriate arrangements should identify how that support will be provided. Where possible, the individual should be involved in discussions about their evacuation arrangements. Their knowledge of their own needs can help ensure that the plan is practical, appropriate and maintains their dignity and independence wherever possible.
Businesses should consider employees, visitors, contractors and other people who may use their premises. By planning ahead, providing appropriate training and regularly reviewing evacuation arrangements, organisations can help ensure that everyone has the best possible opportunity to evacuate safely and with dignity.
