In spite of fire safety law placing the responsibility on individuals to evaluate and manage fire risk, some businesses still believe that the evacuation of disabled people is the duty of the fire brigade, and so long as shelters and refuges are provided, they have satisfied their responsibility. This is undoubtedly not the case, and government direction clearly states that a buildings emergency plan ‘should not rely on fire and rescue service involvement’.

So here is a quick go over of the evacuation equipment you need if any disasters such a this occur within your structure.

Evacuation Chairs

As most people are conscious of, lifts or other aids dependent on electricity should not generally be used in case of fire, which poses a challenge if people with movement impairment such as wheelchair users, bed bound inhabitants and people with walking aids need to be evacuated from a building rapidly.

Evacuation Chairs are intended to transport their passengers down staircases.  This would of course typically be a wheelchair user, who must be relocated from the wheelchair to the evacuation chair.  This can regularly be done just by the wheelchair user holding a grab rail, standing, or semi-standing so that the wheelchair can be detached, and the evacuation chair replaced. Once seated and firmly fastened by connected straps, the chair can be ‘pushed’ down, or in some cases up the stair (the latter typically with the help of an electric motor). It’s sensible that two people are used in the removal, one directing the chair from behind and the other grasping the foot of the chair to assist, but mostly to comfort the person in the chair. In a fire situation though, there may not be adequate persons available, but it’s conceivable for one person to evacuate someone if they are well trained and self-assured.

Bed Sheets and Slip Mats

A simpler substitute to chairs are bed evacuation layers (Ski Sheets) and slip mats (Ski Pads). These have been used in hospitals and nursing homes for many years, and are comparatively reasonable in price, easy-to-use and need little upkeep. Training is also comparatively simple and can often be carried out in house with the assistance of a DVD. These apparatuses can be used in almost any state where there is a requirement to move non-ambulant people from one area to another, including  progress down staircases.

Where residents in nursing homes or patients in hospitals need help in an emergency, bed evacuation sheets are perfect. They fit under the mattress and are left always in position. The sheets are held in place by elastic corner loops and can be attuned for a comfortable fit as well. Get in touch now to find out more

This equipment provides emergency evacuation, particularly in hospitals and care homes but can be used equally well in schools and offices.