There are many different fire safety products that are used to assist during evacuations if there is an emergency. Whilst the majority of people will be unaware of these products and will just assume that these are things used by the fire department, they are frequently used by workers in specific industries to save lives.
From carrying sheets to evacuation chairs these products can be the difference between life and death for some people and everyone should be aware of what they are. One product that is frequently used in various settings is a ski evacuation pad and to help expand people’s knowledge of this particular product, our team here at Phoenix STS have put together an easy to understand complete guide.
What is a ski evacuation pad?
You may hear these referred to as ski sheets or mats too, but they are all the same product. Simply put, they are lightweight, flexible evacuation aids that are used to move immobile people to a place of safety in an emergency.
They often come folded into a bag that can conveniently be stored in every room of a building. When the ski sheet/ski evacuation pad is required, it can then be quickly and easily unfolded and someone can be laid on top of it before being strapped in and then moved.
Why is this fire evacuation product used?
In short, a fire evacuation product like this is often the only way for the user to get someone out of the building. They make moving someone who is essentially a dead weight much easier and enables anyone, no matter what strength, to clear a building in an emergency.
It is the responsibility of all business owners to ensure that people get out of a building in the event of an emergency. Both the Fire Services Act and the Disability Act reinforce that everyone must have the same right of evacuation in an emergency. So, products like this are essential.
Who uses this type of product?
Ultimately, fire evacuation products can be used by anyone who thinks that clearing a building in the event of a fire may be hard to do. They provide both reassurances to people in the building and also essential support to anyone responsible for the safety of those in the building.
Ski sheets/pads are often used in nursing homes or hospitals. They are a brilliant solution to aid people with limited or no mobility or to even aid those who may not understand what is happening in this type of situation.
What are the benefits of using this product?
Many people choose this specific type of product because it can be used in any setting. They have a hard-wearing polypropylene flexible baseboard which makes it easy to move over virtually any surface. Whether you have carpet and vinyl floors or you need to go downstairs and outside, it is easy to do with this evacuation product.
The narrow width and flexibility of a ski sheet/mat allows the user to slide someone through standard doorways and along twisting corridors too which is sometimes essential depending on the building layout. Ski sheets/pads are also designed to protect the person being moved from bumps and bruises. They enable you to move quickly and easily whilst still being comfortable.
Investing in ski evacuation pads
Hopefully, now you will know a little bit more about ski evacuation pads/sheets and why they are essential to some industries. Products like this play an important part in getting people out of a building in the event of a fire and they are often the only solution in some circumstances. If you work in a nursing home or a hospital setting then it is strongly advised that you undertake training with evacuation products.
If you’re looking for a company that supplies fire evacuation products as well as complete training in how to use them correctly, please visit the Phoenix STS website today. We don’t only offer a range of fire safety products, but we are also known for our fire safety courses too. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about anything you have seen on our website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today and we will be happy to assist you further.
