Evacuation Chairs

The Evac+Chair is a lifesaving solution, expertly designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments in safely navigating stairs during emergencies – whether it’s a fire, medical crisis or natural disaster.

The Evac+Chair is the ultimate solution for individuals who are unable to use stairs independently – whether due to physical disabilities, temporary impairments or invisible conditions. In emergencies, when lifts and stairlifts are unavailable, the Evac+Chair ensures a safe, efficient and dignified way to evacuate, giving peace of mind to both those in need and those responsible for their safety.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021, building owners and managers are legally required to provide provisions for assisting individuals with mobility impairments during an emergency. This includes ensuring that appropriate evacuation equipment is readily available and staff are properly trained.

If your building has a staircase – whether multi-level or even a single-level structure – you must be able to safely evacuate everyone, regardless of their mobility. Even in a single-level building, it’s critical to have the right equipment in place to assist those with disabilities or temporary impairments in an emergency.

In a building with multiple staircases, it’s crucial to have an Evac+Chair at each stairwell to ensure safe and efficient evacuation during an emergency. At any given time, you could have someone with a permanent mobility impairment or a temporary impairment who will need assistance.

The more staircases your building has, the more complex the evacuation process can become, especially with lifts unavailable in emergencies. Having an Evac+Chair at each key evacuation point ensures that you’re prepared to assist individuals, regardless of where they are in the building.

To get a clear understanding of how many Evac+Chairs you need, we highly recommend scheduling a complimentary Evacuation Assessment. Our experts will assess your evacuation needs and advise the most suitable Evac+Chair for your building and personnel requirements. Or alternatively, try our Evac Xpert™ tool to quickly identify the model that best suits your environment.

Training is crucial to ensure a safe, smooth and dignified evacuation during an emergency. Without proper training, delays can occur, making it harder to evacuate quickly – something that can be particularly dangerous when every second counts. Lack of training can also result in operator or passenger injury, further complicating an already high-pressure situation.

In emergencies, it’s essential that your team can act swiftly and confidently, minimising the risk of injury and ensuring that those being assisted feel like they’re in safe hands. Training empowers your team with the skills they need to handle any evacuation scenario smoothly and safely, whilst reinforcing inclusive values throughout your organisation.

We offer two comprehensive courses – the Operator and Key Trainer courses – designed to equip your team with the expertise needed to operate the Evac+Chair effectively. These courses are tailored to meet your specific workplace needs, ensuring that your team is ready for any situation that may arise.

Our nationwide team of certified trainers combine hands-on, practical experience with essential theoretical knowledge. This ensures your team understands how to use the Evac+Chair safely and efficiently while preparing them to overcome any evacuation challenges that may arise. With this training, your team will be ready to evacuate individuals with mobility impairments swiftly, safely and with dignity.

Under current UK legislation, building owners, employers or the designated responsible person for a premises have a legal obligation to ensure the safe evacuation of all individuals, including those with mobility impairments, in the event of an emergency. This responsibility is embedded in various pieces of legislation, which require businesses to have the necessary provisions in place to assist individuals who may be unable to self-evacuate. This includes providing equipment, such as Evac+Chairs, to facilitate safe and effective evacuation for people with mobility challenges.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021, requires employers and building owners to ensure safe evacuation for everyone, including those with mobility impairments. Employers must provide the right equipment, and train staff to use it effectively. Since the fire service no longer evacuates from refuge areas, businesses must have the necessary equipment to support the evacuation of mobility-impaired individuals.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 further reinforces this duty, requiring employers to protect workers from harm and injury, including in emergency situations. This includes the responsibility to provide safe evacuation for employees with mobility impairments, ensuring that they are not left behind or put at risk during an evacuation.

The Equality Act 2010 also plays a crucial role in ensuring that people with disabilities, including mobility impairments, are treated fairly and not discriminated against in any area, including during emergencies. The act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments, such as providing accessible evacuation solutions, to ensure the safety of disabled individuals during emergencies.

For individuals with mobility impairments, Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) must be in place. These plans outline escape routes, evacuation methods and assistance required. Regular fire drills ensure PEEPs stay relevant and effective.

For those who don’t have mobility impairments, Generic Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs) provide necessary guidelines, including building layout, evacuation procedures and available equipment. Proper staff training on evacuation procedures and the use of equipment is crucial for effective emergency preparedness.

Lastly, Evac+Chairs are classified as Class 1 Medical Devices and as such, must comply with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998. This regulation places a duty on businesses to ensure that any equipment used in the workplace, including evacuation chairs, is safe for use, properly maintained and in good working condition.

As well as Evac+Chairs, we supply transfer chairs, evacuation mats and bundle kits that include multiple products for a complete evacuation solution. A full range of accessories is also available, along with expert training, ongoing maintenance and complimentary Evacuation Assessments to ensure you’re fully prepared. View our evacuation products to find out more.