HEALTH & SAFETY


ENSURING A SAFE AND DIGNIFIED EVACUATION


When it comes to fire safety, ensuring everyone can evacuate safely is not an option; it’s a necessity, says Evaccess.


Despite legal obligations and ethical responsibilities, many buildings still fail to provide a safe and effective means of evacuation for those who need assistance.


At Evaccess, we specialise in assisted evacuation devices (AEDs) that provide dignified, safe, and effective evacuation solutions. We understand the risks of using the wrong equipment and the dangers of poorly planned evacuation routes.


We offer expert guidance on: choosing the right evacuation equipment; the importance of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), and how to train your team to confidently handle emergency evacuations.


Why the wrong equipment is no


equipment at all In recent years, we’ve encountered a worrying trend: businesses are purchasing evacuation chairs or devices that simply don’t work for their specific needs.


In an emergency, the wrong equipment could lead to someone being trapped in the building - a catastrophic failure that must be avoided at all costs.


Some of the most common mistakes we’ve seen include:


• Equipment that doesn’t fit the evacuation route – Many evacuation chairs cannot handle flared or spiral staircases. Without a proper site survey, businesses may unknowingly buy equipment that won’t work when needed.


• Weight limits that don’t accommodate intended users – Some evacuation chairs are built for lightweight users only. This leaves many disabled individuals without a safe escape option.


• Devices requiring a transfer – Many evacuation chairs require wheelchair users to transfer out of their chair - something that isn’t possible for many people with mobility impairments. If an evacuation chair is not suitable for self-transfer, it could be useless in a real emergency.


• Equipment that you colleagues cannot or will not use - Some chairs require the physical strength of operators, are unbraked or not easy to operate safely. If people will not operate the equipment, then you are not covered.


• Moving equipment to a different staircase – Some businesses relocate evacuation chairs to different parts of the building without testing if they work on


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the new staircase. This can render the equipment ineffective and dangerous.


How to choose the right evacuation


equipment: A step-by-step guide Selecting the right evacuation chair or stair climber is not as simple as buying any available product and placing it by the stairs.


A well-planned evacuation strategy must consider who will use the equipment, where it will be used, and who will operate it.


At Evaccess, we take a four-step approach to ensure that businesses choose the right evacuation solutions:


Step 1: Consultation and site survey


Before selecting evacuation equipment, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your premises. This includes: • Evaluating your staircases and escape routes. • Identifying who will operate the evacuation device.


• Determining whether the intended users can self- transfer.


• Testing different models to find the best fit for your needs.


We also bring equipment for live demonstrations so that your team can see firsthand how it performs in an emergency scenario.


You can learn more about our evacuation products here.


Step 2: Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is not just a document - it’s a life-saving plan. It must be:


• Legally compliant and tailored to the individual • Tested and practiced ensuring a smooth evacuation


• Agreed upon by all relevant parties, including the individual affected


Many businesses assume that the Fire Service will handle evacuations - this is NOT the case. It is your responsibility to have the right AEDs on-site and ready for immediate use.


If you need expert advice, contact us. You can find out more about our PEEPs training here.


Step 3: Training – Competence saves lives Buying the best evacuation equipment is pointless if your staff don’t know how to use it properly. Training is critical to ensuring that, in an emergency, your team can:


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