Emergency Evacuation Chairs FAQs

What is an emergency evacuation chair?

An emergency evacuation chair is designed to assist those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, to safely exit a building during an emergency. For example, they may be used in the event of a fire, natural disaster or if the lift breaks down unexpectedly. They are often purchased by companies for office buildings, shopping centres, schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, care homes, hospitals and more. 

How easy are evacuation chairs to use? 

Evacuation chairs are designed to be quick and easy to deploy in the event of an emergency and are designed to be operated by just one person. All of our evacuation chairs are provided with a wall-mounted bracket and cover to ensure they can be safely stored by the stairs and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The chairs are also provided with instructions to ensure you can train your staff to use the chairs ready for any emergency. 

Note, whilst the majority of chairs can be operated by 1 person it is recommended a second person supervises the descent. 

Are emergency evacuation chairs safe? 

Yes, stairway emergency evacuation chairs have been tried and tested to ensure they are safe to use. They are highly durable with capacities of circa 180kg and are CE marked. 

Can emergency evacuation chairs be used as general wheelchairs? 

We would not recommend this as the evacuation chairs are designed for specifically for emergency situations rather than standard access. Evacuation chairs are designed to be used on staircases whilst wheelchairs are designed for flat ground. 

Are evacuation chairs easy to store? 

Yes, our evacuation chairs are provided with a wall-mounted storage bracket to allow them to be safely stored by the staircase, ensuring they are accessible in an emergency. They are also provided with a highly visible storage bag.  

Can evacuation chairs be used on all staircases? 

All of our evacuation chairs state the recommended stair angle the chair can be used at, we would not recommend exceeding the recommended angle of 28 - 42°. 

How comfortable are evacuation chairs? 

Evacuation chairs have been designed for emergency use and practically as the main focus so the comfort level can vary. We do offer various evacuation chairs with additional comfort features. The Versa Plus Evacuation Chair offers large footrests whilst the Versa Elite Evacuation Chair offers a four-point harness, footrests and armrests.  

What is the difference between an evacuation chair and a wheelchair? 

Evacuation chairs are specifically designed for safely evacuating those with limited mobility in the event of an emergency. They are compact and lightweight for easy storage and are often narrower than wheelchairs to ensure they can be moved down stairways or through narrow passages. They are designed to be used on staircases at a steeper angle then general wheelchairs would be used at. Wheelchairs are designed more for day-to-day use to allow users to move around either independently or with assistance. Wheelchairs normally have larger wheels than evacuation chairs and are designed to mainly be used on flat surfaces. 

Where should the evacuation chair be placed in a building? 

It is recommended the evacuation chair is placed in an easily accessible and visible location in a building, for example, at the top or bottom of the staircase. It is also important to ensure staff are aware of the evacuation chair and its location. 

How many people are needed to operate an evacuation chair? 

Generally, an evacuation chair can be operated by one person.

Do buildings legally require evacuation chairs? 

If you are an employer, the owner, the landlord or an occupier of a nondomestic premises or business are responsible for fire safety and are required to undertake fire risk assessments of the premises and put into place appropriate fire safety measures. During a risk assessment you will need to consider emergency routes and exits along with the needs of vulnerable people. In some instances, especially if you have staircases and lifts in the building, it is likely you will need an evacuation chair to ensure the safe evacuation of those with disabilities. To learn more please view our Evacuation Chairs: Legislation and Guidance page. 

Can evacuation chairs be used to go up stairs? 

Most evacuation chairs are designed to transport users downstairs however the Spencer PRO SKID-E Evacuation Chair is designed to go up and down staircases, as well as over obstacles. 

What is the best evacuation chair for narrow staircases?

We would suggest viewing the Spencer SKID-E evacuation chair which is only 53cm wide. 

Are evacuation chairs suitable for everyone? 

No, not all wheelchair users can use an evacuation chair, for example some wheelchair users are unable to maintain a sitting position once seated or moving them to an evacuation chair could cause damage. It is therefore recommended when undertaking a fire risk assessment that several solutions are in place to ensure those with disabilities can safely evacuate the building. 

Can Evacuation Chairs be used within a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPs)? 

Yes, as noted on the UK government website, an evacuation chair can be used within a PEEP. For PEEPs, you should discuss the emergency evacuation chair with the individual and ensure training is provided to those who will be assisting the individual in the evacuation. For buildings with visitors, a General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEPs) should be created. 

What training is required to use an Evacuation Chair?

Those operating evacuation chairs should read the manual provided with the chair, it is recommended to practice using the chair. It is also recommended that individuals have completed manual handling training and disability evacuation etiquette training. 

Are there any bariatric Evacuation Chairs?

At The Ramp People we offer evacuation chairs with capacities up to 250kg, for example, the Spencer PRO SKID-E Evacuation Chair. 

What regulations are applicable to Evacuation Chairs?

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, where evacuation chairs are used in the workplace they should be regularly inspected and training should be provided for those operating the chair. For those operating and lifting the chair, manual handling guidelines apply. 

Additional applicable regulations include the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Equality Act 2010. 

Can the evacuation chairs be purchased VAT exempt?

As mobility aids individuals with disabilities and registered UK charities can purchase the chairs VAT exempt, simply complete your details in the VAT exemption box at the checkout.