Evacuation chairs are very common in work environments in order to satisfy the legal requirements under the RRO (fire safety) Act of 2005. According to this act, employers should identify members of their workforce who require help when escaping in an emergency. Evac chairs can be used as a means of horizontal and vertical escape in the event of an evacuation emergency in multi-storey buildings. Remember, lifts cannot be used in evacuation.
Evac chairs require good understanding of how to use them in case an emergency occurs, which is why they should only be used by trained personnel. All business premises, or employers, especially those who occupy multi-storey buildings, should consider getting evac chairs as part of their emergency evacuation strategy for their workforce with mobility issues or special needs, like the non-ambulant, blind, deaf, pregnant, or those suffering a permanent or temporary condition. Additionally, they should take measures to train their staff in the operation of this important piece of equipment.
To ensure safe use of these chairs, there are several factors to consider, including:
• Stairway design: width, angles, and whether it is a protected stairway.
• Building design and placement of refuges: whether there are other methods of evacuation that can be used, like well designed lifts or horizontal evacuation options.
• Building occupancy, or the number of people likely to use the exit or stairwells.
• Type of individuals with mobility issues or special needs, like employees or visitors, their location, and how many require evacuation.
• Specific information about the individuals with special needs, such as their age, weight, and mental vulnerability, if possible.
• The availability and location of trained or capable staff to volunteer in handling the equipment.
• Cost of training staff.
• Financial requirements, in terms of cost of supply and maintenance of equipment.
• Possible alternative safety measures, like transferring the individual to lower floors.
Assisting with Evacuations
When looking for people to assist with the evacuation plan, some organisations prefer to train their staff, though many employees are reluctant because they think that they will be in greater danger compared to their colleagues. However, this should not be a concern, since the health and safety legislation stipulates that the safety of all persons must be ensured at all times.
If there are no volunteers from colleagues who work adjacent, or in close proximity, to immobile employees, then employers can take a more authoritative approach and designate specific people to assist in emergency situations. This approach creates a greater level of assurance for the disabled employee and ensures that there is always a person to assist in the event that one of the designated employees is absent.
While having evac chairs is important, they can only be used effectively if the designated assistants and users respond efficiently. Such coordination is only possible if all concerned parties receive proper training, instruction, and practical demonstrations.
Buying Evacuation Chairs
A reputable supplier should have a variety of devices that you can use for emergency evacuation situations. It should also be able to offer demonstrations and adapt specific products to suit your particular needs. When purchasing evac chairs and other similar equipment, it is important to consult with the disabled person(s), when possible, in order to identify what is best for them and other likely occupiers. Discuss the method of evacuation with any immobile persons concerned and incorporate the strategy into a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
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