COVER STORY


PLAN FOR TODAY AND BE PREPARED FOR TOMORROW


1 in 5 people in the UK have some form of disability and 9 million have a


mobility impairment. In light of these figures Evacusafe explore the importance of appropriate evacuation provision.


According to the Papworth Trust Disability, 1 in 5 people have some form of disability and almost 9 million people in the UK have a mobility impairment. What perhaps is a surprise is the fact that only 17% are actually born with their disability meaning 83% of those in the figures acquire theirs during their lives.


There’s no doubt we are moving to a more inclusive society where it is becoming the norm for the next generation to be integrated in their living, working and leisure activities placing a greater emphasis on everyone’s safety.


We are all acutely aware of our responsibilities to ensure every person within our buildings is able to evacuate quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.


If


someone suffers from some form of mobility issue, provision must be available to ensure their potential escape alongside those who are able-bodied, from upper levels of the building to a place of safety.


In the event of a fire, most businesses instruct their employees not to use the lifts and to use the stairs as the means of escape. For those less mobile, a place of safe refuge is sometimes available to wait for assistance in their rescue.


WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? Under current UK legislation, provision has to be made for any mobility impaired person within an organisation in relation to the two pieces of legislation.


Equality Act 2010 - adjustments to the workplace where physical features of the premises are likely to place a mobility impaired person at a disadvantage. When an employer or service provider does not make the provisions for evacuation of mobility impaired persons from its premises, this may be viewed as discrimination


The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - employers or organisations must take responsibility for ensuring that all people, including disabled people, can leave the building they control safely in the event of a fire. This is no longer the responsibility of the Fire Service.


WHAT DO ORGANISATIONS HAVE TO DO? Ideally, buildings or alterations to buildings should take account of the needs of disabled people, to reduce any problems raised by the building. For example, consider how good natural lighting can be maintained on escape routes, or how ground floor office space can be provided for those with restricted mobility.


All existing emergency procedures should be reviewed to check that the needs of disabled people have been considered.


Where there are disabled people in the workplace, work with them to develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.


WHAT IS A PERSONAL EMERGENCY


EVACUATION PLAN? A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is an individual plan tailored to the needs of a disabled employee, regular visitor or service user. It will define the route the person is likely to take, and what support they will need in the event of an evacuation.


WHO MAY REQUIRE HELP? The obvious answer is someone in a wheelchair, right? But don’t always assume they require the use of a chair or mattress. Some will prefer to manage their own rescue, with some assistance, while others may sit on the floor and shuffle down.


Others to be aware of are pregnant women, those on medication, suffering some form of medical condition, a temporary injury (post operation, sports, broken leg),


14 TOMORROW’S HEALTH & SAFETY YEARBOOK 2016/17


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