Evacuation: A universal right
- November 27, 2023
- 9:12 am
Iain Hoey
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Evac+Chair Managing Director, Ges Wallace, discusses the urgent need for clearer fire safety guidelines
In an age where safety standards and protocols are continuously under scrutiny, the importance of ensuring everyone, irrespective of their mobility, can safely evacuate during emergencies is paramount.
Ges Wallace, Managing Director of Evac+Chair International, spoke to IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey regarding the current evacuation landscape and the responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges it presents.
Wallace passionately opens the conversation, stating: “An emergency evacuation’s purpose is to save lives,” pointing out that challenges arise in the “how”.
He highlights the multi-faceted scenarios we might find ourselves evacuating from – fire being the most obvious.
In addition, the changes in the global climate are increasing the likelihood of flooding- increasing the risk of an evacuation occurring.
Stressing the principle that evacuation strategies should encompass everyone he says: “Our goal is to ensure that we evacuate everyone, not just the able-bodied.”
Referencing the controversial ‘stay put’ policy, adopted by many fire brigades, Wallace candidly articulates its inherent shortcomings.
This policy, as observed during the tragic Grenfell incident, can inadvertently discriminate against those with mobility impairments.
“The theory being that mobility impaired people on emergency exit staircases will slow the evacuation of everyone, a bit like a very slow vehicle on a motorway,” he explains.
However, he adamantly counters this notion not just on moral grounds, but practical ones.
Equipment, like those designed by Evac+Chair, can ensure everyone, regardless of their mobility, can evacuate at the same pace.
Wallace envisions a future where every commercial and public building is equipped with evacuation aids, ensuring an inclusive and swift means of escape for all occupants.
Functionality
Emergency evacuations often underscore the urgent need for inclusive assistive equipment, ensuring that no one, irrespective of their mobility, is left behind.
At the forefront of this mission is Evac+Chair, a company with a dedication to providing the means for a safe and swift escape for everyone, including those with access barriers.
Wallace expresses a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the mobility impaired during emergencies: “Everyone has the right to a quick, safe means of escape,” he emphasises.
Unfortunately, for those with mobility impairments, the reality is often much more daunting and terrifying than most realise.
Wallace highlights that the Evac+Chair has been a game-changer in this respect, offering assistive solutions to ensure safe emergency evacuations for all.
An Evac+Chair, as Wallace describes, is specifically designed for such scenarios.
An independent clinical study by Greenwich University from 2013 found the Evac+Chair to be the “safest and quickest solution” for evacuating mobility impaired individuals.
The wide range of evacuation chairs provide a solution for any type of staircase and personnel requirement; they are strong, yet lightweight and include a number of features that make them comfortable and easy to operate.
Tailored solution
It is crucial to have an Evacuation Assessment before purchasing, Wallace says “they are instrumental in tailoring solutions to the unique requirements of each building and its personnel.”
Evac+Chair’s dedicated team assesses each staircase, recommending the most suitable evacuation chair for the building and personnel requirements.
These assessments also guarantee that the correct belts, whether modified or standard, are fitted onto the Evac+Chair.
“It is imperative your Evac+Chair has the correct belts, to ensure a smooth and safe evacuation,” Wallace notes.
Essential training
However, having the right equipment is only part of the equation.
Wallace warns that inadequate training can lead to further injuries or impede the evacuation process altogether.
Evac+Chair understands this responsibility, offering specialised training courses, from Operator Training to Key Trainer courses.
The Operator Training Course trains delegates in the safe deployment and use, whilst the Key Trainer Course trains delegates to train and certify others, whilst being certified themselves.
On successful completion of Evac+Chair trainer courses, delegates will be certified trainers for three years.
Discussing the maintenance of the Evac+Chair, Wallace reiterates its classification as a Class 1 Medical Device; this means that regular servicing is non-negotiable.
He cautions against relying on third-party suppliers for visual inspections, emphasising that only their trained Service Engineers can ensure the Evac+Chair is in optimal condition.
PEEPs and GEEPs
Navigating the world of evacuation procedures can be a maze of terminologies and methodologies.
One such important distinction is between PEEPs and GEEPs.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans or PEEPs, Wallace explains, are tailor-made plans specifically designed to safeguard an individual during emergency evacuations.
“A PEEP is drawn up in close collaboration with the individual it concerns,” he explains.
The process allows for an agreed-upon method of evacuation that addresses the person’s unique needs and circumstances, ensuring their safety during emergencies.
Generic Emergency Evacuation Plans, commonly referred to as GEEPs, cater to a broader audience.
Wallace described GEEPs as “catch-all evacuation plans for buildings used by the public or workplaces with a constantly changing workforce.” These plans are especially crucial for visitors to a building, particularly those who might encounter access barriers and can’t evacuate unaided.
“Compliance with fire safety regulations in commercial environments is contingent upon having both PEEP and GEEP in place,” says Wallace.
The overarching objective is to guarantee the safe evacuation of every individual—be they employees, occupants, or visitors—in the event of an emergency.
He elaborates: “Recording evacuation plans, both PEEPs and GEEPs, isn’t merely a procedural formality; it’s absolutely vital.
“These recorded plans serve as foundational guides in selecting the right assistive equipment necessary for evacuations.
“PEEPs and GEEPs aren’t just plans on paper; they’re blueprints for action.
“They’re strategic roadmaps that ensure everyone, regardless of their mobility, knows their role and actions during emergencies, resulting in coordinated and successful evacuations.
“The presence and proper implementation of these plans are the linchpins of a safe and inclusive evacuation strategy.”
Legislation
Wallace’s passion for safety and inclusivity was evident when discussing the current legislative landscape surrounding evacuation, especially concerning individuals with access challenges: “The simple truth is that life safety is being overlooked.” He points to the lack of significant legal changes concerning evacuation equipment even half a decade after the Grenfell tragedy: “The loss of human life is inexcusable, and there’s no justification for not proactively working to prevent it.”
Wallace shared findings from a recent survey published in Evac+Chair’s “Risky Business” report.
Nearly half of the 500 surveyed decision-makers from small and medium-sized businesses showed a lack of awareness about their legal duties to ensure safe evacuations for mobility-impaired individuals.
“The need for the government to not only educate but also enforce building owners about their responsibilities is pressing,” Wallace stresses.
‘Reasonably practicable’
Drawing attention to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Wallace spotlighted its ambiguous wording.
The Act requires every employer to ensure workers’ safety “so far as is reasonably practicable.” Wallace explains that this gives organisations the discretion to determine if planning and deploying assistive equipment is ‘worth it.’
While fire risk assessments are mandated and the PAS 79 code of practice offers guidelines, the legislation remains silent on provisions to address specific access challenges.
Wallace advocates: “Tightening these legislative gaps would not only offer clarity to organisations but also substantially enhance safety measures for individuals with access needs.”
Another alarming revelation from the Risky Business report, reveals that two-thirds of decision-makers sensed a prevalent culture within the business community of either skirting fire safety rules or actively seeking loopholes.
Such a mindset, Wallace argues, gravely undermines evacuation safety efforts.
Despite the current inadequacies, Wallace is hopeful for the future: “The global landscape is shifting, and the focus on the need for comprehensive evacuation solutions is bound to intensify.”
Advocating for the future
In light of escalating concerns and rising calls for clarity on fire safety regulations, Wallace sheds light on what he believes the government should action upon and shares a sneak peek into Evac+Chair’s future plans to champion the cause of safe evacuations for all.
“It’s high time for decisive governmental action,” says Wallace.
Evac+Chair’s plea to the government is twofold: one, make evacuation equipment a legal mandate in every multi-storeyed building in the UK; and two, launch educational initiatives to empower organisations and their responsible personnel to grasp their responsibilities, potential risks, and liabilities.
Wallace’s commitment to creating a safer environment was palpable as he delved into Evac+Chair’s upcoming initiatives.
Building on the momentum of the “Risky Business” campaign, Evac+Chair aims to magnify its PR outreach.
The goal is to drive legislative modifications and enlighten the community about the paramount importance of a comprehensive evacuation plan that is inclusive of all.
Shedding light on global trends, Wallace pointed out that the worldwide evacuation chair market is poised for growth, anticipating a leap from USD 1.92 billion in 2017 to USD 2.06 billion by 2030.
Wallace adds: “We are channelling substantial resources into R&D and fostering an environment receptive to feedback.
“Our mission is to innovate solutions that make evacuations faster and safer for everyone.”
