st lie with ternational
PEEP – a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. The PEEP explains the method of evacuation to be used by a disabled person in each area of a building.
Mark explains: “Identifying relevant escape routes and refuge areas where the mobility impaired can await assistance from elected individuals are essential components of these plans. It should not be assumed that because a person has a disability that they will need or ask for a PEEP. Many individuals may not be aware that a PEEP is required. Of those who do know about the PEEP, some will be confident that they can get out of the building unaided, whilst it is imperative that people with hidden impairments such as a heart condition or epilepsy may also require assistance in an emergency situation and should be taken account of.” Practice and familiarity are also the foundations of a successful evacuation procedure but without adopting a hands-on approach to this well before an emergency, lives will inevitably be put in danger. As providers of emergency products and solutions for life, property or health emergencies, Evac+Chair International conducted a study of one hundred human resource directors and managers. Half (51 per cent) said that they owned evacuation chairs which help mobility- impaired individuals descend staircases safely in the event of an emergency but as few as 15 per cent carried out a practice session with the equipment, leaving mobility-impaired employees and visitors at serious risk in an emergency.
Mark said: “Employers should recognise the likelihood of an emergency becoming reality and they can then use their influence to co-ordinate staff to implement regular fire drills and training. Aids to evacuation simply become redundant if there isn’t widespread knowledge of how to use or operate them.
“It is also important to appreciate that personalised evacuation planning doesn’t just apply to those with permanent disabilities; pregnant women and those with sports injuries are just two examples of individuals who may require additional assistance and specialist aids should the need arise to vacate a building in an emergency. Furthermore, for all occupants, familiarity with the relevant procedures can help alleviate common fears that lead to panic.”
Despite their unpredictability, with Government Fire Statistics reporting that of the 57,000 building fires attended by
Building & Facilities Management – September 2013
the Fire and Rescue Service in the UK in 2011, 21,000 were in commercial, health and education buildings, emergencies can and do arise. Employer would be therefore well advised to ensure they comply with health and safety regulations and conduct comprehensive evacuation planning.
Mark Roberts is director at Evac+Chair International, which has over 20 years experience in providing emergency advice, products and solutions, including advising on the legal framework that surrounds evacuation planning, training and deployment.
www.evac-chair.co.uk
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