Evacuation Chair Instructors Course
The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course from Phoenix STS is a CPD-certified train-the-trainer programme that qualifies you to deliver evacuation chair training in-house. Practical, hands-on learning with 5-year certification. On-site delivery across Ireland.
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Course Overview
Phoenix STS is the only company in Ireland authorised to deliver train-the-trainer courses on the Elite Emergency Evacuation Chair. The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course qualifies you to train colleagues in the safe operation of evacuation chairs. Rather than relying on external trainers each time staff need training, you can build this capability within your own organisation.
This train-the-trainer programme combines theory with extensive hands-on practice. You’ll learn correct operating techniques, understand the relevant legislation, and develop the instructional skills needed to deliver effective training sessions. By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to train others confidently and competently.
Our instructors complete manufacturer-approved refresher training every three years, ensuring you receive current, accurate instruction on the latest equipment and procedures.
Exitmaster evacuation chair range. Phoenix STS is the only authorised provider of evacuation chair training in Ireland on Exitmaster equipment.
Why Choose This Course
Selecting the right train-the-trainer programme is essential for building your competence and professional credibility. Here’s what sets the Phoenix STS programme apart:
🏆 Manufacturer-Authorised Training
The only company in Ireland authorised to deliver train-the-trainer courses on the Elite Emergency Evacuation Chair, with manufacturer-approved curriculum.
📜 CPD-Certified Programme
Approved by the CPD Standards Office (Provider Number: 22657), providing recognised Continuing Professional Development credit.
⏱ One-Day Intensive Format
Gain comprehensive instructor qualifications in a single day, minimising time away from work while maximising learning outcomes.
🛠 Extensive Hands-On Practice
Work with actual evacuation chairs and Ruth Lee rescue manikins for realistic, practical training that builds real confidence.
👨🏫 Expert Instructors
Learn from tutors with 25+ years of fire safety experience and degrees in Fire Engineering who translate complex requirements into practical skills.
👥 Small Class Sizes
Maximum 4 participants ensures personalised attention, individual feedback on your instructional technique, and meaningful interaction.
Why Evacuation Chair Instructor Training Matters
In an emergency, lifts must not be used unless they are designated evacuation lifts operated by trained staff. For anyone with mobility difficulties, this creates a serious problem: how do they evacuate safely via the stairs? The Evacuation Chair Instructors Course gives your organisation the capability to solve this challenge internally.
Evacuation chairs provide the solution. However, they’re only effective when staff know how to use them properly. Incorrect use risks injury to both the operator and the person being evacuated.
Under Irish fire safety legislation, such as the General Application Regulations 2007 to 2020, buildings with floors above or below ground level that are accessed by stairs should have appropriate evacuation provisions in place.
Having in-house instructors trained means your organisation can:
- Train new staff promptly without waiting for external providers
- Deliver refresher training when needed on your own schedule
- Ensure consistent training quality across your organisation
- Respond quickly to changes in staffing or building use
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for individuals who will take responsibility for training others to operate evacuation chairs. The programme is suitable for all building types.
🔥 Fire Safety Professionals
- Fire Safety Officers and Fire Marshals
- Fire Wardens
- Emergency Response Team Members
- Health and Safety Consultants
🏢 Building Management
- Facilities Managers
- Building Managers
- Property Managers
- Maintenance Personnel
🏥 Healthcare Sector
- Health and Safety Officers
- Nursing Home Managers
- Hospital Maintenance Teams
- Residential Care Facility Staff
📋 Training & HR
- Training Coordinators
- HR Professionals
- In-House Safety Trainers
- Anyone Designated to Deliver Safety Training
What You’ll Learn
The course covers four core areas, balancing technical knowledge with practical instructional skills.
Evacuation Chair Fundamentals
Understanding the equipment is the foundation of effective instruction. You’ll learn about different chair types, their design features, weight capacities, and appropriate applications. This module covers how evacuation chairs work, what makes them safe, and how to select the right chair for different building configurations.
Safe Operating Procedures
The practical core of the course. You’ll master pre-use safety checks, passenger loading and securing techniques, braking system operation, and manoeuvring on stairs and level surfaces. Emphasis is placed on manual handling principles that protect both operator and passenger from injury.
Risk Assessment and Emergency Protocols
Evacuation chairs operate within a broader emergency context. You’ll learn to assess risks before and during evacuations, integrate chair procedures with building evacuation plans, and handle contingencies such as blocked routes or equipment issues.
Instructional Techniques
Knowing how to operate a chair is different from knowing how to teach others. This module develops your ability to deliver engaging training sessions, demonstrate techniques effectively, assess trainee competency, and provide constructive feedback. You’ll practice delivering a mock training session and receive feedback from our instructors.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, you will be able to:
- Operate evacuation chairs safely, including pre-use checks, passenger transfer, stair descent, and storage
- Explain relevant Irish legislation and best practice guidance to trainees
- Identify equipment components and perform routine inspections
- Apply safe manual handling techniques throughout the evacuation process
- Design and deliver training sessions tailored to your organisation
- Assess trainee competency and provide actionable feedback
- Conduct risk assessments for evacuation chair deployment
- Advise on chair selection and placement within buildings
- Integrate evacuation chair procedures into emergency plans
Course Programme
- Welcome and Course Overview
- Fundamentals of Evacuation and Emergency Procedures
- Irish Fire Safety Legislation Overview
- Evacuation Chair Types, Features, and Applications
- Manual Handling Principles for Safe Operation
- Equipment Components and Pre-Use Inspections
- Practical Demonstration: Safe Operating Techniques
- Hands-On Practice: Passenger Loading and Securing
- Hands-On Practice: Stair Descent and Level Surface Manoeuvring
- Risk Assessment for Evacuation Chair Deployment
- Instructional Techniques and Adult Learning Principles
- Mock Training Delivery with Peer and Instructor Feedback
- Assessment and Certification
Benefits of the Evacuation Chair Instructors Course
Completing the Evacuation Chair Instructors Course delivers benefits for both you and your organisation.
For You
- Gain a recognised instructor qualification
- Develop transferable training and presentation skills
- Enhance your professional profile in health and safety
- Build confidence through practical, hands-on learning
- Contribute meaningfully to workplace safety
For Your Organisation
- Create a sustainable in-house training capability
- Reduce long-term training costs
- Ensure consistent training quality and availability
- Demonstrate proactive commitment to safety
- Meet regulatory expectations for emergency preparedness
Prerequisites
Entry Requirements
To attend this instructor course, you must have:
- Previous evacuation chair training: You must have completed an Evacuation Chair Operator Course before attending the instructor programme
- Manual handling training: A current Manual Handling Certificate is required
- English language proficiency: You must be able to understand, speak, read, and write in English
- Minimum age: 18 years or older
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement for practical exercises. If you have any medical conditions that could affect your participation in physical activities, please let us know in advance.
Course Details
| Duration | 7.5 hours (one day) |
|---|---|
| Maximum Participants | 4 learners |
| Certificate Validity | 5 years |
| Delivery Location | On-site at your premises across Ireland |
| Accreditation | CPD Provider #22657, Exitmaster-approved |
What We Provide
- Experienced, manufacturer-certified instructors
- Evacuation chair equipment for practical training
- Training manikins (Ruth Lee rescue manikins) for realistic practice
- Course materials and reference documentation
- CPD-certified certificate upon successful completion
What You Need to Provide
- A suitable training area with staircase access
- Space for classroom-based elements
- Comfortable clothing for practical exercises
Assessment and Certification
Assessment on the Evacuation Chair Instructors Course is continuous throughout the day:
- Practical skills evaluation: Demonstrating safe chair operation
- Mock training delivery: Planning and delivering a short training session to peers
- Peer and instructor feedback: Constructive review of your instructional technique
Upon Successful Completion, You Receive:
- ✓ Phoenix STS Training Certificate
- ✓ CPD Certificate accredited by Exitmaster and the CPD Standards Office
- ✓ Certification as a trained evacuation chair operator
Refresher training is recommended every five years to maintain certification.
Note: Participants who assist during practical exercises will also receive certification as trained evacuation chair operators.
Our Evacuation Chair Instructor Trainers
Our instructors are experienced fire safety and training professionals with over 25 years of real-world experience. They hold memberships with recognised professional bodies:
All instructors are qualified People Moving and Handling Instructors and Evacuation Equipment Instructors. They complete manufacturer-approved refresher training every three years and hold a minimum of Technician (T.IIESMS) recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems.
Training Methods
We use a blended approach to maximise learning:
📊 Structured Presentations
Covering legislation, equipment types, and procedural frameworks in an engaging, accessible format.
👁 Practical Demonstrations
Our instructors demonstrate correct techniques before you practice, so you know exactly what good looks like.
🛠 Hands-On Exercises
Extensive practice with evacuation chairs and training manikins to build muscle memory and confidence.
🎤 Mock Training Sessions
You design and deliver training to your peers, receiving constructive feedback on your instructional technique.
💬 Group Discussion
Sharing experiences and addressing questions throughout the day in a supportive learning environment.
Public Course Dates
In addition to on-site delivery at your premises, we run scheduled public courses throughout the year. These are ideal if you have one or two staff members to train and prefer not to arrange dedicated on-site training.
Public courses are held throughout Ireland, including at our training centre in Longford, and follow the same CPD-certified programme as our on-site delivery. You’ll train alongside participants from other organisations, which often provides valuable opportunities to share experiences and learn from different workplace contexts.
✓ No Minimum Numbers
Book individual places without needing to fill a full course.
✓ Fixed Dates
Plan ahead with scheduled course dates for easier coordination.
✓ Networking
Meet safety professionals from other organisations and share experiences.
✓ Same Certification
Identical course content and certification as on-site delivery.
View Upcoming Public Course Dates
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Page last updated: January 2026
