COVER STORY
LOCATION OF EQUIPMENT Unfortunately, there is no magic formula you can add the number of floors your building has plus the number of people in and it will tell you how many pieces of evacuation equipment you need. A comprehensive risk analysis is essential to determine exactly who is at risk and where those risks will occur. Are there any floors which people with mobility problems will never have to go to? How many floors are there and how many exits per floor? What means of escape are available to both the able-bodied and those with mobility difficulties?
the elderly or infirm as well as those with a possible cognitive disorder.
REASONS TO EVACUATE There are many situations why individuals may need to get out of a building, the most practised one being areas that are on fire or filling with smoke. This is the one we have a plan in place under the Fire Safety Order and the one we have regular drills for. But we should also be aware of the other causes that may require us to leave a building. They include danger from bomb or bullet – the terrorist threat. For some businesses, this is just as critical a plan as that for dealing with a fire.
Once determined, the rule of thumb is ONE piece of equipment on ONE floor will serve ONE person and should be located near to the person it serves or in areas with increased risk such as:
• Disabled toilets. • Canteen, café or restaurants. • Communal areas/conference rooms. • Public galleries or viewing area. • And emergency exits.
Regardless of the equipment provided, training should be as regular as that arranged for Fire Marshalls or First Aiders and incorporated into similar programs. Continuous training will build confidence for nominated operators and ultimately competence in it use.
Remember, there should be no reason for someone less mobile to be left behind while others are able to escape un-aided - that is discrimination.
www.evacusafe.net
ADDITIONAL POINTS TO CONSIDER • Knowing where all of the emergency exits are within your building – Which is the nearest to you? Are they all accessible from every part of the building? Which one is best suitable for those with mobility difficulties?
• Are they clear of any obstructions – are they checked everyday?
• Where the assembly point is located – is it possible to get to it from every exit point.
You could be effected by environmental factors such as flooding as we’ve seen during the recent winter storms, both from burst banks and river defences or from above via excess rain causing building leaks. Even accidental structural damage may cause you to have to leave your building. However, the most common reason is probably due to an unknown loss of power. It stops the lifts working, systems to go down and you need to evacuate everyone to find out the cause. While it may not be a full ‘emergency’, you can’t have people in a building without power.
TOMORROW’S HEALTH & SAFETY YEARBOOK 2016/17
• Is the route to it easy to traverse with the evacuation equipment – it is a must do exercise to walk the escape route with your piece of evacuation equipment to see if there are any features that may cause you problems for example, if you are pushing a chair. These may include curb stones, grass/shingle areas or cobblestone paths.
• If there are other roles or responsibilities of the equipment operator during the emergency – try to avoid placing to many duties on those who have more than one responsibility in an emergency.
• Who is able to operate the evacuation equipment – ensure you have enough trained staff to cover your hours of business. This could include security staff, night shift or volunteers.
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