Escape chair

An evacuation chair is a device manufactured for the smooth descent of stairways in the event of an emergency. The Evac Chair was invented in the United States in 1982. The single-user operation device does not require heavy lifting to evacuate a person.

At airports this equipment is being used to assist PRM's during terminal evacuation.

Types

The original Escape Chair, with various models for various situations, addresses the need for an evacuation solution in case there is an emergency , and egress out of a structure or vessel becomes imperative.


A powered versions of the Escape-Chair® (VOLT) is also available. By using the electro driven track system a person can be saved / moved up and down the stairs by only a single operator.

Enhanced models can have chairs that require two-person operation; however, these are more commonly used in ambulances. Lifting handles are used for descent and ascent of stairs. Caterpillar tracks are also used on the stairs.

Laws

United Kingdom

The DDA ACT[1] says that every person is to have a safe entrance into and egress from a building.

Another law regarding chairs is the RRFSO.[2] Created in 2005, this regulation states that fire officers are not required to enter buildings.

Failure to follow the above laws can result in serious issues. If a person was to perish in the building due to a lack of adequate evacuation equipment, the owners or operators of the building could be charged with Corporate manslaughter.[3]

References
  1. DDA ACT, The DDA Act was created in 1995 and has been amended since, the latest amendment was in 2005
  2. RRFSO. The RRFSO was created in 2005
  3. "HSE: Corporate manslaughter". www.hse.gov.uk.

4. link to the leading evacuation chair specifications

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