What is an Evacuation chair?

Evacuation Chairs are compact and foldable mobile chairs used to evacuate people with a disability down the stairs. Evacuation chairs may be manual or have a battery powered motor. The chairs have wheels and rubber tracks which allow for a controlled decent down stairs. Generally evacuation chairs have a form of speed regulation devices and braking systems that control the speed of descent and have an additional brake when stationary. The seats have adjustable safety straps to secure the person to the seat during transport.

Evacuation chairs are normally operated by one person. However some models allow for a 2 people to evacuate a person up stairs.

Evacuation chairs are particularly important for those persons who have mobility limitations. They are particularly useful for people who are wheelchair dependent, where in the event of an emergency are unable to use a lift and are unable to exit the building via the stairs.

Where Should Evacuation Chairs Be Provided?

Access & Egress for People with Disability

We know that with the increases in access to buildings the likelihood of having an individual with a disability in the building during an emergency evacuation is also increased.

Is it reasonable, equitable, or dignified to expect a fireman to evacuate someone from a wheelchair down 10, 20 or even 50 floors? Could this cause further injuries, place fireman’s health and safety at risk?