EVACUATION CHAIRS

A Comprehensive, Detailed Overview Of The Evac Chair

OVERVIEW

Below is a comprehensive, detailed overview of the EVAC Chair, covering compliance, British Standards, best practice, recommended questions, example locations, and servicing requirements. Please contact SS Systems.

1. What is an EVAC Chair?

An EVAC chair (evacuation chair) is a specially designed, lightweight device used to assist in the safe evacuation of mobility-impaired individuals during an emergency, such as fire, power failure, lift outage, or building evacuation where stairs are the only means of escape.

It uses tracked treads that allow a trained operator to guide the chair safely down stairways with minimal physical effort.

2. Purpose and Importance

EVAC chairs ensure:

• Compliance with legislation regarding safe evacuation for disabled persons.

• Equal access to emergency escape routes.

• Reduced risk to staff during evacuation.

• A practical solution where lifts cannot be used during emergencies.

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3. Relevant Legislation & Compliance (UK)

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires employers and building controllers to:

  • Implement measures for safe evacuation of all occupants.
  • Provide Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).
  • Ensure adequate equipment, training, and escape arrangements.

BS 9999:2017 provides best-practice guidance for fire safety in buildings, including:

  • Evacuation strategies for disabled persons.
  • Provision and placement of evacuation equipment.

BS 8300-2:2018 offers guidance on ensuring buildings are accessible and usable by disabled people; includes emergency escape considerations.

PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) – EVAC chairs are considered work equipment. Requirements:

  • Suitable for intended task.
  • Maintained in good working order.
  • Users must receive adequate training.

4. Best-Practice Recommendations

Placement EVAC chairs should be located:

  • Close to stairwells (not blocking escape routes).
  • On each relevant floor where mobility-impaired persons may be present.
  • At fire refuge points if space allows.
  • Clearly signed with instructions and usage guidelines.

Number of Units depends on:

  • Building size and occupancy.
  • Number of mobility-impaired individuals.
  • Escape strategy and travel distances. Typical guideline: At least one per staircase commonly used for emergency exit.

Training:

  • Formal hands-on training for designated staff.
  • Refreshers every 6–12 months.
  • Scenario-based drills including mobility-impaired evacuation.

Maintenance & Inspection:

  • Routine pre-use visual checks.
  • Documented monthly in-house checks.
  • Annual service by a competent technician (PUWER requirement).
  • Keep maintenance logs for fire safety audits.

5. Examples of Where EVAC Chairs Should Be Located

Workplace:

  • Offices: Near main staircases and refuge points.
  • Reception areas if wheelchair users are visitors.
  • Large multi-storey buildings: One on each floor.

Education:

  • Schools and colleges: Near lifts, classroom blocks, and sports halls.
  • Universities: In accommodation blocks, lecture theatres, libraries.

Healthcare:

  • Clinics, GP surgeries, outpatients’ areas.
  • Care homes: Specialist bariatric versions may be required.

Public and Commercial Buildings:

  • Cinemas and theatres: Backstage and near public seating zones.
  • Shopping centres: Adjacent to staff areas and lift lobbies.
  • Hotels: Near escape stairs on guest floors.

Industrial and Warehousing:

  • Welfare areas.
  • Mezzanine floors.
  • Elevated office pods and meeting rooms.

6. Service and Maintenance Requirements

Daily/Weekly Checks:

  • Chair present at designated location.
  • Security seal or strap intact.
  • Visual inspection for damage.
  • User manual accessible.

Monthly User Checks:

  • Ensure smooth operation of treads.
  • Check seat straps, buckles, and brake systems.
  • Record check in logbook.

Annual Competent Service performed by certified EVAC chair technician:

  • Full mechanical inspection.
  • Lubrication of moving parts.
  • Replacement of worn components.
  • Certification and tagging.

7. Questions to Ask When Selecting or Reviewing EVAC Chairs

About the Building:

  1. How many floors need coverage?
  2. What are the escape routes and stair configurations?
  3. Are there existing refuge points?
  4. Are lifts likely to fail in an emergency?

About Occupants:

  1. Are mobility-impaired staff or visitors regularly present?
  2. Do any individuals require PEEPs?
  3. Is bariatric or paediatric equipment needed?

About Equipment:

  1. What type (tracked, powered, transit) is appropriate?
  2. Does the building need multiple chairs per floor?
  3. Is the equipment compliant with PUWER and fire regulations?

About Training:

  1. Who will be trained as operators?
  2. How often will re-training occur?
  3. Is the manufacturer providing accredited training?

About Maintenance:

  1. Who performs annual servicing?
  2. Is a maintenance log in place?
  3. Are visual checks scheduled and recorded?

8. Common Types of EVAC Chairs

  • Tracked EVAC chairs: Most common; friction tracks slow descent.
  • Powered EVAC chairs: Motorized, helpful for long or steep stairways.
  • Transit evacuation chairs: For flat-surface movement only; not for stairs.
  • Bariatric EVAC chairs: For heavier users.

9. Example Best-Practice Layout

For a typical 5-storey office:

  • One EVAC chair per escape staircase (2 stairwells × 5 floors = 10).
  • At least 2–4 trained operators per floor.
  • Chairs mounted on visible wall brackets with signage.
  • Annual servicing contract.

10. Summary

EVAC chairs are essential for ensuring legal compliance, inclusive evacuation, and best practice in fire safety. Proper placement, training, servicing, and alignment with standards such as BS 9999 and BS 8300 are critical to ensuring safe, effective evacuations for mobility-impaired individuals.

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