In many cases, building management aims to go beyond their minimum legal obligations to create environments that are universally accessible to as broad a group as possible. In line with these efforts to enhance accessibility, the Evacuation Chair Instructors Course aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively use evacuation chairs. This course is essential for those responsible for building management safety and evacuation procedures, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can be evacuated safely during emergencies. By training instructors in evacuation chairs, building management can further their commitment to accessibility and safety for all individuals.

Depending on the user’s physical requirements, an evacuation chair for stairs can safely move people with mobility impairments in emergency evacuation situations. Anyone responsible for operating an evacuation chair must receive proper training to ensure they are competent and can use it correctly and safely. The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course is designed to enable an individual to deliver staff training utilising evacuation equipment safely and in a controlled manner.

All buildings (evacuation chair regulations) above or below the ground floor level where the upper or lower floors are accessible using a staircase require evacuation devices placed on each escape stairwell. It is also essential to assess the suitability of the evacuation chair chosen based on the occupant’s profile in the building. The higher the level of dependency of the occupants within the building, the more evacuation chairs and the required training must be in place.

The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course trains learners to use evacuation chairs for stairs correctly and how to confidently train others in their proper use. Upon completing the course, learners will be able to provide training to other staff members so that they can be evacuation chair operators without any significant risk to the operator’s health and safety. A practical approach ensures plenty of hands-on practice to build confidence with the chair and the training elements.

Upon completing the course, all learners can safely use the evacuation chair according to their organisation’s moving and handling procedures to avoid the risk of manual handling injuries to themselves and the person being evacuated.

A suitable location for practical activities is required to complete this course (staff who assist learners will be certified as trained in using an evacuation chair by Phoenix STS).

Phoenix STS is an Authorised Training Provider

Phoenix STS is the only company authorised in Ireland to provide train-the-trainer courses on the Elite Emergency Evacuation Chair. The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course is conducted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines, with a maximum of two learners per course.

Our tutors undergo extensive refresher training every three years to ensure they are certified to deliver training to the highest possible standard. Phoenix STS ensures that our tutors are current with the manufacturer’s requirements, meet your legal obligations and keep up to date with new regulations in emergency escape procedures for all, including the mobility impaired, by being trained by our officially recognised tutors.

Course Aims

• To equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to instruct others in safely and effectively using evacuation chairs.
• To ensure the safety and well-being of the chair passenger and the chair operator during an evacuation.

Course Objectives

• Comprehensive Understanding: Gain an in-depth understanding of evacuation chairs, including their design, operation, and the specific regulations and requirements governing their use in the workplace.
• Instructor Training: Develop the ability to train others as competent and confident users of evacuation chairs, emphasising best practices and safety protocols.
• Workplace Assessment: Learn how to assess the suitability and placement of evacuation chairs within various workplace settings, ensuring they meet the environment’s specific needs and compliance standards.

Target Audience

• Anyone Interested in Emergency Preparedness: Individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in emergency evacuation protocols and using evacuation chairs.
• Health and Safety Officers: Individuals responsible for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with emergency evacuation procedures.
• Emergency Response Team Members: Personnel planning and executing emergency evacuations within their organisation.
• Facilities Managers: Those responsible for the maintenance and safety of buildings and facilities, including implementing evacuation planning.
• Occupational Health Professionals: Specialists focusing on the health and safety of employees within the workplace.
• Fire Wardens and Marshals: Designated individuals overseeing fire safety and evacuation procedures.
• Training Coordinators: Professionals responsible for organising and conducting training programs within their organisation.
• Human Resources Managers: HR professionals developing and implementing workplace safety training programs.
• First Aid Responders: Individuals trained to provide immediate assistance in emergencies who want to expand their skills in evacuation procedures.

Pre-Course Requirements

• Age Requirement: Learners must be 18 years of age or older.
• Language Proficiency: The course is delivered in English; therefore, learners must be fluent in English to participate fully and comprehend the training material.
• Prior Training: Learners must have previously attended an Evacuation Chair Training Course to ensure a foundational understanding of the equipment.
• Manual Handling Course: Before attending this training, learners must have completed a Manual Handling Course to ensure they are familiar with safe lifting and handling techniques.
• Attire: Learners should wear comfortable clothing suitable for practical activities, as the course involves extensive physical movement.
• Practical Activities Location: A suitable location for practical activities is required to complete this course. This space should accommodate safe and effective evacuation chair use.
• Special Requirements: Please inform us of any specific learner requirements in advance so we can make necessary accommodations to ensure a comfortable and accessible learning experience.

Course Programme

Introduction to Evacuation Chairs

• Overview of evacuation chairs: purpose, design, and types.
• Regulatory requirements and standards for evacuation chairs in the workplace.

Safety Considerations

• Ensuring the safety of both the chair passenger and operator.
• Risk assessment procedures before and during the use of an evacuation chair.
• Emergency protocols and contingency planning.

Practical Training

• Step-by-step instructions on the proper use and handling of evacuation chairs.
• Techniques for safely transferring individuals to and from the evacuation chair.
• Navigating different terrains and obstacles during an evacuation.

Instructional Techniques

• Effective teaching methods for training others in the use of evacuation chairs.
• Creating and delivering engaging training sessions.
• Evaluating trainee performance and providing constructive feedback.

Workplace Integration

• Assessing the workplace to determine the best locations for evacuation chairs.
• Customising evacuation plans to incorporate the use of evacuation chairs.
• Coordinating with emergency response teams and ensuring seamless integration into safety protocols.

Training Methods

Classroom-Based PowerPoint Presentation

• Comprehensive slides covering theoretical aspects of evacuation chairs, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Interactive sessions to engage learners and reinforce key concepts.

Demonstration and Practice

• Experienced instructors will give live demonstrations of the proper use and handling of evacuation chairs.
• Hands-on practice sessions where learners can apply techniques under guided supervision.
• Real-world scenarios to enhance practical skills and confidence in using evacuation chairs.
• Rescue training manikins are utilised for optimal safety during evacuation equipment training.

Deliver a ‘Mock’ Training Session to Peers

• Learners will conduct a training session, simulating real-life instruction to their peers.
• Opportunity to practice instructional techniques, receive feedback, and refine their training delivery.
• Focus on building practical communication skills and conveying information clearly and confidently.

Assessment and Certification

• Participants must deliver a ‘mock’ training session for the assessment.
• Participants will receive a Phoenix STS Training certificate valid for three (3) years after successful completion. Enable Access will accredit this certificate.
• It is recommended that participants undergo refresher training every three (3) years to maintain competency.

Duration

The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course is delivered over 7 hours, allowing adequate theoretical learning and practical application time. This comprehensive duration ensures that learners have sufficient opportunities to practice and demonstrate the skills covered in the course modules.

Maximum Number of Learners

Each course session is limited to two (2) participants to ensure adequate practice and individual attention.