Emergency planning for all: Evac+Chair on why workplaces must rethink evacuation
Iain Hoey
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Evac+Chair’s research highlights the critical need for inclusive evacuation plans across workplaces and public spaces
Evac+Chair is the original manufacturer and global leader in emergency evacuation chairs, developed for the mobility impaired.
Underpinned with over 40 years of experience in the design and UK manufacture, of evacuation chairs, Evac+Chair is trusted and relied upon in emergency situations to assist in saving lives, worldwide.
With a range of accreditations including ISO 9001: Quality Management System and ISO 13485: Medical Device Quality Management and quality checks throughout the whole manufacturing process, Evac+Chair is dedicated to manufacturing products that meet the highest of standards.
Committed to pioneering innovations for a safer and more inclusive world, Evac+Chair is passionate about ensuring that everyone can be evacuated.
Beyond access: Rethinking evacuation for true inclusivity
Since the late 1960’s we have seen the International Symbol of Access (ISA) known as the International Wheelchair Symbol, displayed worldwide, representing a place accessible for those with disabilities, in particular wheelchair users.
As our world has evolved, we have seen the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, later replaced with the Equality Act 2010 and slowly seen improvements in accessibility within public spaces, commercial buildings and working environments.
However, we are a long way off a fully inclusive world that is not only accessible but also supports egress, for all.
Whilst the focus has predominantly been making buildings accessible for those with impairments, a solid, robust plan for exiting is crucial to save lives.
When planning for an evacuation it is not uncommon for organisations to assume that if they do not have a wheelchair user within their workforce, evacuation equipment is either not necessary or minimal aids are needed.
However, what about those with invisible impairments? Conditions that are not obvious, such as cognitive dysfunction, injuries, chronic illnesses.
Or those with temporary impairments? Such as individuals on crutches, those recovering from surgery, or even a heavily pregnant lady whose mobility may be limited, in an evacuation situation.
For the able-bodied evacuating a building would seem easy enough, however the reality for those with a mobility impairment, is somewhat very different.
We see time and time again, when the fire alarm is raised, people pausing questioning if it is real, even stopping to collect belongings.
For the mobility impaired they are filled with trepidation, knowing they are reliant on assistance, unable to self-evacuate.
Hidden barriers: Why inclusivity matters
Risky Business, an independent study, conducted in 2023 by Evac+Chair, discussed the types of barriers people could face and highlighted the need for fully inclusive evacuation plans.
An example of a case study from this research was that of Mark, who lives in London and works as an IT support technician the 18th floor of a 25-storey building.
Mark takes medication for a mental health condition that can cause periods of anxiety, disorientation and forgetfulness.
Sometimes, this can result in him having difficulty finding his way around, even on familiar routes.
The effects of his medication may pose a risk of him being delayed in an emergency evacuation.
The latest estimates from the Family Resources Survey (FRS), run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), indicate that 16.1 million people in the UK have a disability.
This represents 24% of the total population.
Currently, there are 25.3 million people who work in the UK, of which 5.53 million are disabled, a figure which is on the rise.
This highlights the importance of organisations having a fully inclusive evacuation strategy and installing the correct evacuation aids to create a space that is safe for all, which is vital to protect and save lives.
A further example of the lack of inclusivity that exists, highlighted by the Risky Business report, was that of Kira, who discussed her experience with her mobility and evacuation in her workplace.
Kira explained, “I am a wheelchair user and secured a job as a trainee in a law firm.
“As it was early in my career, I was less confident around how to approach the building managers about access barriers and evacuations.
I” kept my head down and didn’t query it, putting trust in the building manager and team.
“They assured me my Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) addressed that they would “assist me” in the event of an emergency.
“But when the time came to test the plan, we realised they’d assumed I could transfer myself from my wheelchair into an evacuation chair – I am unable to stand or weight-bear.
“I ended up having to drive the conversation and could sense their discomfort talking about my needs.”
Even when buildings have evacuation plans and equipment in place, there is still the need to test the plan and ensure it is suitable and fully considers the needs of those with mobility impairments.
A comprehensive evacuation plan: Ensure safety for all
Only planning for the needs of employees isn’t enough, good preparation includes those whose needs can’t be anticipated such as visitors who may require assistance during evacuation situations.
Businesses shouldn’t be left in the position of having to ask visitors ahead of their visit to disclose their disabilities, this is considered as discrimination.
Ensuring a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) and a Generic Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) are up to date, not only ensures the safety of those who enter your business but keeps a business compliant.
A PEEP is tailormade to ensure the safety of a specific person in the event of an emergency evacuation and must be drawn up with the individual, so that the method of evacuation can be agreed.
The plan must be clear within the organisation and for anyone who will be assisting the individual to evacuate.
Whereas a GEEP, is a more catch-all evacuation plan for buildings used by the public or places of work, with a transient workforce.
These are focused on visitors to a building who may face access barriers who are unable to self-evacuate and require assistance.
As with a PEEP the method of assisted evacuation must be clear and those who will are designated to support an individual to evacuate must understand the plan, the method of evacuation and be trained to use any evacuation aids.
Planning for the worst will keep your premises safe for all.
If an emergency does strike, a regularly tested PEEP or GEEP, alongside trained Fire Marshalls and the correct evacuation equipment are all crucial to protecting lives.
Beyond fire: The growing risk of climate change and evacuation
Typically, fires are the assumed main cause of evacuation, however there are many other risks that can be the reason for an emergency evacuation.
Global warming is becoming more prevalent year-on-year, making extreme weather and flooding a ‘when’ rather than an ‘if’.
In 2023, the most common natural disaster type in the world were floods, reported by Statista, with 164 events reported that year.
Currently, 2.27% of commercial properties in Britain are at risk from flooding.
To put that in perspective, that’s one in every four commercial properties, or 436,000 country-wide – the equivalent of all commercial properties in Greater London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Merseyside and most of Yorkshire.
Interestingly, that is twice the rate of flood risk facing domestic properties.
As we have tragically seen, not only does this cause disruption to businesses but during this time, extreme storms and flooding have led to loss of life.
These conditions are unfortunately becoming a norm; however, preparation can ensure that lives are saved in an emergency.
Tailormade solutions: Cover all mobility needs
The global age profile is changing, with more people over the age of 64 than children under the age of 5.
This coupled with an increase in individuals working beyond the traditional retirement age of 65, highlights an even greater importance for organisations to have a fully inclusive evacuation plan.
As we age, many individuals will suffer with impacted mobility, with all of this in mind, there is a need for more to be done to ensure no one is left waiting to be evacuated, or worse lose their life.
Dedicated to the mission of accessibility for all, Evac+Chair offer solutions to suit a wide variety buildings and personnel, including a range of evacuation chairs, with payload capacity’s up to 227kg, ascent and descent evacuation, spiral and narrow staircases, with the option of 1 – 4 operators (where necessary) and a motorised, battery operated solution.
While the Evac+Chair has proven to be the safest and fastest means of evacuation, depending upon the circumstances, other evacuation aids could be more appropriate, i.e.
if an individual is unconscious or unable to get into a seated position, a ResQMat may be more suitable.
Furthermore, if the individual is unable to self-transfer, the ProMove sling, designed to wrap-around and cocoon the passenger, allowing them to be lifted and moved without the need of a hoist, is the perfect accompaniment to an Evac+Chair.
Evac+Chair offer free evacuation assessments and strongly recommend that businesses take advantage of this service before purchasing an Evac+Chair.
An experienced Evac+Chair specialist, will assess your building and select the correct model from their wide range to suit your organisation and personnel.
The assessment considers the needs of any employees who have a PEEP, alongside the type of evacuation; ascent, descent or a combination, stair configuration and evacuation route, fire exits, potential obstacles, refuge and assembly points.
Whilst an Evac+Chair is user friendly, easy to deploy and use, it is essential that all operators complete regular training, to instil confidence and competence.
Courses are available nationwide, conducted by dedicated Evac+Chair training consultants.
Training is hands-on, allowing delegates to not only understand the practical operation but experience the Evac+Chair from a passenger’s perspective too.
Alongside training, it is essential to invest in annual maintenance to ensure your Evac+Chair remains fully operational throughout its lifetime and ready to use in an emergency.
Evac+Chair offer 1-, 3- and 5-year maintenance contracts to help keep business compliant with the PUWER Regulation (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations – UK only).
Maintenance includes a full, physical inspection, replacement of any worn or damaged parts, that no other third party can supply.
Book your free evacuation assessment today and ensure your personnel and visitors are safe. Tel: +44 121 706 6744. Email: [email protected]. Visit: evacchair.co.uk.
