A Matter of Safety and Compliance: Evacuation Chairs and PEEPs.
In the UK, the safe evacuation of all building occupants in an emergency is not just a moral obligation – it’s a legal one. It’s the employer’s responsibility to evacuate, Fire fighters – fight fires. This is where Evacuation Chairs and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) play a critical role, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The UK Legislation and Your Responsibilities
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005,
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” for a building (such as an employer, building owner, or manager) has a legal duty to conduct a fire risk assessment and provide a means of escape for everyone, including individuals with disabilities or mobility issues.
Equality Act 2010
This is supported by the Equality Act 2010, which protects people from discrimination and requires “reasonable adjustments” to be made to ensure that everyone has equal access to safety. For many buildings, this means having an effective plan and the right equipment to assist those who cannot use stairs unaided.
What are PEEPs?
A PEEP is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. It is a tailored, step-by-step plan for an individual who requires assistance to evacuate a building safely. This isn’t just for permanent wheelchair users; a PEEP may be needed for people with temporary injuries (like a broken leg), pregnant employees in the later stages of their term, or those with certain medical conditions or cognitive impairments. The key question is: “Can you evacuate the building unaided in a timely manner?” If the answer is no, a PEEP is likely needed.
Why Do You Need an Evacuation Chair?
Evacuation chairs are the practical solution to a major challenge. In a fire, lifts are out of use, and carrying someone down a flight of stairs is dangerous and can lead to injury for both the person being evacuated and the rescuer. An evacuation chair is a purpose-built device that allows a single, trained person to safely and smoothly transport another person down a staircase, using a friction-based system to control the descent.
How Do I Know if My Building Needs Them?
You should consider having an evacuation chair if:
- Your building has more than one floor. Lifts cannot be used in a fire, so you need an alternative for anyone who cannot use the stairs.
- You have employees, visitors, or residents with mobility impairments. This includes people who use wheelchairs, crutches, or have any other condition that affects their ability to evacuate unaided.
- Your fire risk assessment identifies a need. A professional fire risk assessment will help you determine the specific needs of your building and its occupants.
You Have the Equipment, But No One Can Use It.
This is a common and critical issue. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) state that any equipment provided for use at work must be operated by people who have received adequate information, instruction, and training. An evacuation chair is a piece of medical equipment, and without proper training, its use can be dangerous and ineffective.
Having an evacuation chair is a great start, but without a sufficient number of trained operators, it’s essentially a useless piece of equipment. In an emergency, your team needs the confidence and competence to act swiftly and safely.
This is where professional training becomes essential.
Empower Your Team with Evacuation Chair Training from Salusphere Global
Salusphere Global offers comprehensive Evacuation Chair training to ensure your staff is not only equipped but also fully prepared to respond in an emergency. Their courses provide the knowledge and practical skills needed to operate the chairs safely and confidently.
Their training covers:
- The legal and ethical responsibilities in the UK.
- Understanding and implementing PEEPs.
- The safe operation of the evacuation chair.
- Practical, hands-on experience in a realistic environment.
- Ensuring the dignity and comfort of the person being evacuated.
By investing in this training, you’re not only fulfilling your legal obligations but also ensuring that everyone in your building is protected and accounted for when it matters most. For more information or to book a training session for your team, contact Salusphere Global.
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