Under both the Equality Act 2010 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers and building managers have a duty of care to ensure that everyone, including those with reduced mobility or disabilities, can evacuate safely during an emergency. Evacuation chairs provide a secure method of descending stairs quickly, enabling a safer and more efficient response when lifts are unavailable.

Key Training Components

• Correct Chair Operation: Staff must learn how to operate the chair, secure passengers and control speed during descents.

• Risk Assessment & Planning: Identify suitable escape routes and ensure they remain unobstructed. Practice real-world scenarios during training sessions.

• Safe Techniques: Proper lifting, maneuvering, and teamwork are essential to avoid injuries to both the operator and the individual being evacuated.

• Compliance & Inclusivity: Providing adequate evacuation facilities and trained personnel is both a legal obligation and a moral imperative.

Benefits of Proper Training

Implementing comprehensive evacuation chair training empowers staff to act swiftly and confidently during emergencies. This not only keeps people safe but also helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, legal compliance and overall fire safety.