Practical evacuation chair training is not just best practice; it’s a critical component of emergency preparedness and a demonstrable commitment to legal compliance within Ireland. Phoenix STS’s Evacuation Chair Training Course provides your team with the essential knowledge and practical skills to confidently and safely use evacuation chairs. We ensure your staff are competent to assist mobility-impaired individuals in an emergency, protecting both them and your organisation from potential legal ramifications and, most importantly, ensuring the safety and dignity of everyone in your workplace. Evacuation chair training is essential for personnel in Ireland across various sectors who may be responsible for the safe evacuation of mobility-impaired individuals from buildings during emergencies.

Are your staff fully prepared to safely evacuate everyone in an emergency? Irish workplaces have a clear legal and moral duty to ensure the safety of all individuals, including those with mobility impairments. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 places a general duty on employers to ensure employee’s safety and health at work, which extends to emergencies. Furthermore, the principle of reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is enshrined in Irish equality legislation.

Legislation and guidelines explicitly state that reasonable adjustments must be made to ensure the safe evacuation of all staff and visitors, including those with mobility impairments. The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 prohibit discrimination on the grounds of disability, including ensuring accessibility and safety in the workplace. Fire safety regulations and building codes in Ireland also necessitate adequate emergency planning and procedures, implying the need for appropriate equipment and trained personnel to assist with evacuations for all individuals. You may find guidance in documents published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding building regulations and fire safety. [Link to relevant Irish Government Department/Building Regulations Guidance].

Evacuation Chair Training Course Relevance in the Workplace

Evacuation Chair Training is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s a demonstrable necessity for Irish organisations committed to legal compliance and the safety of their workforce and visitors. Irish legislation, including the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Equal Status Acts 2000-2018, places explicit duties on employers to ensure the safety and equitable treatment of all individuals, including those with mobility impairments.

By investing in Evacuation Chair Training, your organisation proactively addresses these legal obligations, mitigating risks and demonstrating a robust commitment to your duty of care. This training not only equips your staff with the practical skills to manage emergency evacuations using evacuation chairs safely but also cultivates a culture of preparedness and responsibility, enhancing your workplace environment’s overall safety and well-being.

Importance of High-Quality Evacuation Training

High-quality fire safety training is not simply a regulatory requirement but a vital undertaking to protect the lives of all building occupants and staff. While compliance with fire safety legislation is essential, truly effective evacuation training goes far beyond merely ticking boxes. It’s about equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and, crucially, the confidence to act decisively and correctly when every second counts. High-quality training instils a deep understanding of fire risks, evacuation procedures, and the proper use of safety equipment, transforming staff from passive bystanders into active responders. This level of preparedness minimises the potential for injury and loss of life during emergencies and fosters a robust safety culture throughout the building, enhancing overall occupant well-being and organisational resilience.

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 instructors 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 instructors 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 instructors.

Benefits of the Evacuation Chair Training Course for Individual

• Become a Confident & Competent Evacuation Chair Operator: Gain the practical skills and hands-on experience needed to operate evacuation chairs safely. This course isn’t just theory – you’ll practice and build real confidence in your abilities.
• Protect Vulnerable Individuals & Make a Real Difference: Learn how to evacuate people with mobility impairments during emergencies effectively. You’ll be equipped to be a vital part of ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being.
• Enhance Your Safety Knowledge & Skills—Be a Valued Asset: Gain a recognised qualification in a critical area of health and safety. This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and make you a more valuable and employable individual.
• Understand Your Legal Responsibilities & Reduce Personal Risk: Clarify the legal requirements for evacuation procedures and ensure you act within the law. This knowledge protects both you and your organisation.
• Learn Best Practices and operate with Professionalism: You will be trained to the highest standards in evacuation chair operation, going beyond basic knowledge to understand best practices and professional techniques.
• Boost Your Preparedness & Peace of Mind: Knowing you have the skills and knowledge to handle an emergency evacuation provides personal peace of mind and reduces anxiety in emergencies.
• Interactive & Engaging Learning Experience: Benefit from a practical, on-site course with experienced instructors, ensuring you learn effectively and retain vital information and skills.

Benefits of the Evacuation Chair Training Course for the Organisation

• Ensure Legal Compliance & Avoid Penalties: Fulfill your legal obligations under health and safety legislation regarding emergency evacuation for all individuals, minimising the risk of fines and legal repercussions.
• Create a Safer & More Inclusive Workplace: Demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of all employees and visitors, including those with mobility impairments. Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels protected.
• Protect Your Reputation & Maintain Business Continuity: Prepare for emergencies and ensure everyone’s safety during evacuation. This will safeguard your reputation and enable a faster return to normal operations after an incident.
• Reduce Risk of Accidents, Injuries & Liability Claims: Trained employees using evacuation chairs properly significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries during evacuation, and potential liability claims.
• Improve Emergency Preparedness & Response Effectiveness: Equip your staff with the skills and knowledge to execute efficient and safe evacuations, enhancing your overall emergency response capabilities.
• Increase Employee Confidence & Enhance Safety Culture: Empowered and trained employees contribute to a stronger organisational safety culture, which demonstrates investment in employee safety and development.
• Efficient On-site Training with Minimal Disruption: Benefit from training delivered at your location, minimising employee downtime and travel costs while maximising convenience and relevance to your workplace.
• Demonstrate Best Practice & Enhance Professionalism: By investing in specialised training, you can commit to best practices in health and safety and enhance your organisation’s professional image and credibility.

Course Aims

This Evacuation Chair Training Course is designed with the following primary aims:

• To cultivate highly competent and confident evacuation chair operators: Equipping participants with the practical, hands-on skills and techniques necessary to safely and effectively deploy, manoeuvre, and utilise evacuation chairs in various workplace emergencies.
• To instil a deep understanding of safety protocols and best practices: Ensure participants are thoroughly versed in all critical safety procedures, pre-use checks, safe transfer techniques, and post-use maintenance requirements. Minimise risks to the operator and the evacuee and adhere to industry-recognised standards.
• To impart essential knowledge of relevant legislation, guidelines, and evacuation chair types: Providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of their legal responsibilities under Irish workplace safety legislation, relevant building regulations, and the diverse range of evacuation chair types available, enabling informed and compliant application of training within their specific workplace context.
• To enhance workplace emergency preparedness and inclusivity: Organisations must demonstrably improve their emergency response capabilities, ensure the safe and dignified evacuation of all individuals, including those with mobility impairments, and foster a more inclusive and responsible workplace environment that prioritises the well-being of every person.

Objectives of the Evacuation Chair Training Course

This Evacuation Chair Training course is designed for personnel who may be required to use an evacuation chair to safely evacuate mobility-impaired people from buildings.

• Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and differentiating between various evacuation chairs commonly found in workplaces, understanding their specific features, operational nuances, and appropriate application contexts.
• Conduct thorough pre-use inspections of evacuation chairs, checking key components and safety mechanisms to ensure operational readiness and compliance with safety standards before deployment.
• Effectively and safely deploy and set up an evacuation chair in a simulated emergency scenario, following recognised best practice procedures for rapid and secure preparation for evacuation.
• Execute safe and controlled transfer techniques for assisting individuals from a seated position or wheelchair onto an evacuation chair, minimising any risk of discomfort or injury to the evacuee and the operator throughout the transfer process.
• Competently operate an evacuation chair in a controlled manner, demonstrating smooth and safe manoeuvring techniques on level surfaces and, where relevant to chair type and training environment, on inclines or simulated stairways.
• Apply appropriate communication and reassurance techniques when interacting with evacuees throughout the evacuation process. Provide clear instructions, offer verbal support, and maintain a calm and reassuring demeanour to minimise anxiety and ensure cooperation.
• Articulate a comprehensive understanding of relevant Irish workplace safety legislation and regulatory guidelines pertaining to emergency evacuation procedures and the use of evacuation chairs, demonstrating knowledge of legal duties and compliance requirements.
• Perform routine post-use checks and basic maintenance procedures on evacuation chairs, contributing to the ongoing upkeep and operational readiness of evacuation equipment and adhering to recommended maintenance schedules.
• Troubleshoot common operational challenges or minor malfunctions that may occur during evacuation chair deployment or use, applying problem-solving skills to maintain the safety and effectiveness of the evacuation process.
• Evaluate different evacuation scenarios and determine the most appropriate and safe techniques for using evacuation chairs, adapting their approach based on environmental factors, evacuee needs, and specific emergency circumstances.

Who is the Evacuation Chair Training Course

• 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.

Learners-Course Requirements

• Age Requirement: Learners must be 18 years of age or older.
• English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential for effective communication during the training. Learners must be able to understand, speak, read, and write in English to fully engage with the course material and participate actively in discussions.
• 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.
• Appropriate Attire for Practical Training: Learners should wear clothing that allows them to move freely during practical sessions. This ensures their safety and comfort while performing hands-on activities related to evacuation procedures.
• Disclosure of Relevant Medical Conditions: To maintain safety during practical modules, learners are required to disclose any medical conditions that could make physical activities unsafe. This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure the well-being of all learners during the course.

Training Area Requirements

• The centre must provide suitable training areas in line with government guidelines on the management of COVID-19.

What You’ll Learn on the Evacuation Chair Training Course

• This comprehensive Evacuation Chair Training Course will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to confidently and safely operate evacuation chairs in various emergencies. You will learn about:
• Introduction to Evacuation Chairs:
  • Understanding the purpose and benefits of evacuation chairs: Explore why evacuation chairs are essential for inclusive emergency evacuation plans and legal compliance in Irish workplaces.
  • Overview of different types of evacuation chairs: Learn to recognise various models, their specific features, weight capacities, and suitability for different environments (e.g., stairwell types, terrains).
  • Key components and safety features of evacuation chairs: Learn about the parts of an evacuation chair, including braking systems, harnesses, wheels/tracks, and safety mechanisms, and understand their function.
  • Legislative context and Irish standards: Understand relevant Irish legislation, building regulations, and guidance concerning emergency evacuation and providing evacuation aids for people with disabilities.
• Risk Assessment Procedures Before and During the Use of an Evacuation Chair:
  • Conducting pre-use risk assessments: Learn how to quickly assess the immediate environment before deploying an evacuation chair, identify potential hazards, and plan a safe evacuation route.
  • Dynamic risk assessment during evacuation: Understand how to continuously assess risks throughout the evacuation process, adapting techniques and routes to maintain safety.
  • Identifying ‘no-go’ areas and alternative evacuation strategies: Recognise situations where evacuation chair use may be unsafe or inappropriate and understand alternative evacuation plans and procedures.
  • Emergency communication protocols: Learn about established workplace emergency communication protocols and how to effectively communicate any issues or changes in the evacuation plan during chair use.
• Practical Training: Step-by-step Instructions on Properly Using and Handling Evacuation Chairs:
  • Hands-on practice with evacuation chairs: Engage in practical exercises using various evacuation chairs (if available), gaining hands-on experience in deployment, operation, and handling.
  • A step-by-step guide to pre-use checks: Learn and practice a systematic checklist for inspecting evacuation chairs before use to ensure they are in safe working order.
  • Correct deployment and set-up procedures: Master the correct steps for unfolding, setting up, and securing an evacuation chair for passenger transfer.
  • Techniques for safe and controlled operation on level surfaces and inclines: Practice manoeuvring evacuation chairs effectively and safely on different terrains, including level surfaces, ramps, and (where applicable and safe) simulated stairways.
• Techniques for Safely Transferring Individuals to and From the Evacuation Chair:
  • Safe manual handling principles for transfers: Learn and apply proper manual handling techniques to minimise strain and risk of injury when transferring individuals to and from evacuation chairs.
  • Assessing individual needs and mobility levels: Learn to assess the mobility and specific needs of the person being evacuated to adapt transfer techniques appropriately and ensure their comfort and safety.
  • Different transfer techniques for varying levels of mobility: Practice various transfer methods for individuals with different levels of mobility and physical abilities to ensure dignified and safe assistance.
  • Use of equipment (if applicable and available): Understand and practice using any equipment or features of the evacuation chair designed to aid in safe transfers.
• Navigating Different Terrains and Obstacles During an Evacuation:
  • Negotiating various floor surfaces: Practice manoeuvring evacuation chairs on different floor types commonly found in workplaces, such as carpet, tile, and linoleum.
  • Obstacle avoidance and negotiation techniques: Learn techniques for safely navigating obstacles, such as doorways, corners, furniture, and debris, during an evacuation.
  • Managing uneven surfaces and thresholds: Develop skills for safely handling evacuation chairs on slightly uneven surfaces and traversing thresholds and small steps.
  • Planning and adapting evacuation routes: Learn to anticipate potential terrain challenges and obstacles when planning evacuation routes and how to adapt techniques and routes in real-time during an emergency.

Our Instructors

Our instructors, experienced in providing fire safety training in a healthcare setting, are the backbone of our course. They will outline the staff’s duties and roles in preventing fire and provide a comprehensive understanding of the necessary actions to respond to a fire within a nursing home. Our instructors are members of professional bodies such as NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI. They are also qualified as People Moving and Handling and Evacuation Equipment Instructors and are Infection Control and Safeguarding Adults Qualified, ensuring you receive the highest quality of education. Additionally, all our instructors have achieved a minimum level of recognition with the Institute of Industrial Engineers and Safety Management Systems (IIESMS) at the Fire Safety Technician (FST.IIESMS) level, further ensuring the excellence and reliability of our training programmes.

Training Methods: Expert On-Site Delivery for Maximum Impact

Our Evacuation Chair Training Course is delivered exclusively at your workplace, providing significant advantages that enhance learning and ensure practical relevance. We believe on-site training offers this critical skill’s most effective and beneficial learning environment. Here’s why:

• Immersive Practical Experience in Your Actual Work Environment:
  • Realistic, Hands-On Practice: Each participant gains invaluable practical experience using evacuation chairs directly within your specific workplace. This real-world setting allows learners to become familiar with the evacuation chairs used in your organisation and practice in the environment they will be operating in during an emergency.
  • Controlled Environment for Skill Development: On-site training provides a safe and controlled environment to practice evacuation chair deployment, operation, and transfer techniques. Learners can develop their skills and build confidence in a familiar setting, free from the pressures of a real emergency.
  • Tailored to Your Unique Workplace Layout: The training is immediately relevant and contextualised to your building layout, stairwells, and potential evacuation routes. This ensures that the skills learned directly apply to your organisation’s environment, maximising the effectiveness of the training.
• Customised Training Addressing Your Specific Needs:
  • Tailored Course Content: Our experienced instructors adapt the course delivery to address your workplace’s specific challenges and nuances directly. This ensures the training is highly relevant and targeted to your organisation’s needs and risk profile.
  • Interactive Two-Way Feedback and Q&A: Training at your site facilitates immediate, two-way feedback. Learners can ask questions specific to their work environment and receive tailored guidance directly from the instructor, ensuring complete clarity and understanding.
  • Addressing Site-Specific Concerns: On-site delivery allows us to directly address any site-specific evacuation challenges or concerns your staff may have, providing practical solutions and building confidence in managing emergencies within your unique premises.
• Guidance on Best Practice Techniques and Safety Protocols:
  • Expert Instruction on Industry Best Practices: Our course delivers in-depth guidance on the most up-to-date best practice techniques for evacuation chair use, ensuring your staff are trained to the highest safety and efficiency standards.
  • Emphasis on Safe and Efficient Evacuation Procedures: The training rigorously emphasises safe and efficient evacuation procedures, equipping participants with the knowledge to minimise risks and ensure smooth evacuations in emergencies.
  • Promoting a Culture of Safety and Preparedness: By focusing on best practices, the training helps cultivate a stronger culture of safety awareness and emergency preparedness within your organisation, extending beyond just evacuation chair use.
• Enhanced Safety with Rescue Training Manikins:
  • Utilisation of Professional Training Manikins: We employ high-quality rescue training manikins during the course’s practical elements. This allows learners to practice transfer and evacuation techniques realistically and repeatedly without risk of injury to themselves or volunteer participants.
  • Optimal Safety for Practical Skill Development: Manikins ensure optimal safety during training, allowing learners to confidently practice more challenging techniques and build muscle memory in a risk-free environment.
  • Realistic Simulation of Evacuation Scenarios: Manikins provide a realistic weight and feel, allowing for effective simulation of real-life evacuation scenarios and ensuring practical training is as relevant and beneficial as possible.

Assessment: Practical Skills Evaluation for Competence

The Evacuation Chair Training Course incorporates a practical skills assessment to ensure all participants demonstrate competence. This assessment is designed to verify that each learner can safely and effectively operate an evacuation chair in a realistic scenario.

• Practical Downstairs Evacuation with Training Manikin: As part of the assessment, each learner will be required to successfully and safely evacuate a rescue training manikin positioned in an evacuation chair down a set of stairs. This practical demonstration allows our instructors to observe and evaluate each participant’s ability to apply the learned techniques and safety protocols in a simulated evacuation.
• Focus on Safe and Competent Operation: The assessment prioritises safe and controlled operations. Learners are evaluated on their adherence to correct procedures, smooth chair handling, effective communication, and overall safety awareness throughout the practical exercise.
• Individualised Feedback and Support: Our experienced instructors provide constructive feedback during and after the assessment, offering individualised guidance to learners to reinforce best practices and address any areas for improvement, ensuring everyone reaches a satisfactory level of competency.

Certification: Phoenix STS Training Certificate – Valid for Two Years

Upon successfully completing the Evacuation Chair Training course and demonstrating competency in the practical assessment, learners will be awarded a Phoenix STS Training Certificate. This certificate formally recognises their achievement and competency in evacuation chair operation.

• Industry-Recognised Certification: The Phoenix STS Training Certificate is recognised and respected in Ireland. It demonstrates that your staff have received high-quality, professional training in evacuation chair use from a reputable provider.
• Two-Year Validity for Ongoing Competence: The certification is valid for two years to ensure ongoing competency and alignment with best practices. This encourages regular refresher training to maintain skills and knowledge up-to-date, reflecting the dynamic nature of workplace safety and emergency procedures.
• Evidence of Due Diligence and Compliance: Holding a Phoenix STS Training Certificate provides your organisation with documented evidence of due diligence in providing appropriate emergency evacuation training, supporting compliance with relevant Irish workplace safety legislation, and demonstrating a commitment to staff and visitor safety.

Maximum Number of Learners: Small Group Training for Optimal Skill Development

The Evacuation Chair Training Course deliberately limits the number of participants per training session to ensure optimal learning and allow for personalised practical instruction. This small group approach maximises individual attention and hands-on practice.

• Skill-Based Training Demands Focused Instruction: This course is predominantly skill-based, requiring practical demonstration and hands-on coaching. Therefore, smaller group sizes are essential for each learner to allow sufficient instructor time.
• Maximum 4 Learners per Session (Skill-Focused Sessions): For sessions heavily focused on practical skills and assessment; we limit the group size to 4 learners to guarantee individualised attention and ample practice time for each participant under direct instructor supervision.
• Flexible Group Sizes for Larger Teams (Up to 12 with Extended Duration): For organisations training larger staff, we offer flexible scheduling options, including full-day sessions, accommodating up to a maximum of 12 learners across multiple training sessions within the day. This structured approach ensures quality is maintained even with larger groups by extending the training duration to provide sufficient practice time.

Duration: Flexible Half-Day and Full-Day Options to Suit Your Needs

We offer flexible duration options for the Evacuation Chair Training Course to accommodate different organisational needs and learner numbers, ensuring sufficient time for theoretical understanding and practical skill development.

• Half-Day Option (2 x 2-hour Sessions): Ideal for smaller groups (up to 4 learners), the half-day option provides a focused and efficient training experience. It delivers essential knowledge and practical skills within two 2-hour training sessions, totalling 4 hours.
• Full-Day Option (3 x 2-hour Sessions): For larger groups (up to 12 learners) or when more in-depth practice time is desired, the full-day option extends the training to three 2-hour sessions, totalling 6 hours. This extended duration allows for more comprehensive practical exercises, addressing a wider range of scenarios and providing greater opportunities for learners to consolidate their skills and build confidence.
• Adequate Time for Practice and Skill Modules: Both duration options are carefully designed to provide adequate time for thorough instruction in the theoretical modules of the course, as well as ample time dedicated to practical practice and demonstration of the essential skills modules, ensuring learners are fully prepared and competent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What legal obligations do Irish businesses have regarding evacuation chair training for staff?

Under Irish regulations, particularly the Fire Services Act 1981 and Building Regulations, businesses in Ireland have a legal obligation to ensure the safety, including safe evacuation, of all occupants, encompassing those with mobility impairments. This often necessitates providing evacuation chairs and, critically, proper training for staff in their safe and effective use. Failure to comply can result in legal action and, most importantly, endanger individuals in an emergency.

Who specifically within an organisation should be prioritised for evacuation chair training?

In organisations, designated fire wardens, safety officers, first aiders, and personnel assigned emergency response roles should be prioritised for evacuation chair training. Larger or more complex premises might require a broader range of staff to be trained, especially those working in areas where evacuation chairs are located or where they regularly interact with individuals who may need evacuation assistance.

Is evacuation chair training a once-off requirement, or is regular refresher training needed?

While Irish legislation may not stipulate precise refresher intervals, industry best practices and responsible safety management in Ireland strongly recommend regular refresher training. Emergency procedures evolve, staff roles change, and skills gradually degrade. Bi-annual refresher courses are commonly advised to ensure ongoing competence and familiarity with current procedures and equipment.

What are the main types of evacuation chairs used in Ireland, and should training cover all relevant types?

Evacuation chairs commonly used in Ireland mirror those in the UK, including tracked evacuation chairs (for stair descent), wheeled models (for horizontal movement), and bariatric chairs (designed for heavier occupants). Comprehensive training in Ireland should ideally cover the specific types of chairs present in your workplace. Enquire with training providers to confirm which chair types are included in their course.

Is it typical for evacuation chair training to be delivered on-site at your business premises?

Yes, on-site evacuation chair training is a frequently offered and highly beneficial option. Training at your own premises allows for context-specific instruction using your actual evacuation chairs and within your building layout. This provides a more realistic and practical learning experience for staff. Providers like Phoenix STS in Ireland specifically offer onsite courses.

What sort of qualifications and experience should evacuation chair trainers possess?

Look for evacuation chair trainers in Ireland with proven experience in health and safety, fire safety, or emergency response training. Ideally, trainers should hold recognized instructional qualifications and possess practical experience in operating evacuation chairs.

Aside from stairwells, where else might evacuation chairs be necessary in buildings?

Beyond stairways, evacuation chairs are crucial in various locations where level changes pose evacuation challenges. This includes mezzanine levels, ramps too steep for independent wheelchair use in emergencies, raised areas in retail or industrial settings, and any area inaccessible by fire-rated lifts in an emergency. Any location hindering independent evacuation for individuals with mobility limitations should be assessed.

What are some frequent errors untrained individuals make when using evacuation chairs, and how does training address these?

Common mistakes by untrained individuals include incorrectly securing the person in the chair, applying too much force during descent, neglecting pre-use checks, and improper handling techniques on stairs. Training courses focus on practical, hands-on instruction to avoid these errors. They emphasise correct procedures, risk awareness, and occupant safety and comfort.

Are there any physical fitness requirements for staff to safely undertake evacuation chair training and operate the equipment?

Operating evacuation chairs requires a certain level of physical capability and controlled strength. Staff need to be able to manage the chair’s weight and control its movement, particularly on stairways. While upper body strength helps, correct technique and body mechanics, taught in training, are crucial to minimising physical strain. Individuals with existing physical concerns should seek medical advice before participating in practical training.

Is there a typical weight limit for people using standard evacuation chairs, and how is this covered in training?

Most standard evacuation chairs have a maximum weight capacity, generally around 120-180 kg. Training courses should explicitly address weight limits and instruct participants on assessing occupant suitability for standard chairs. Training should also mention the availability and correct usage of bariatric evacuation chairs for heavier individuals, if applicable to the workplace.

What’s the standard duration for an evacuation chair training course?

A typical evacuation chair training course lasts approximately 2 hours. This duration allows for a balance of theoretical knowledge, practical demonstrations, and sufficient hands-on practice to develop competency. Course durations may vary, so always confirm the length with the provider.

What kind of certification is provided upon completing an evacuation chair training course?

Upon successful completion, participants should receive a certificate of attendance or competency from the training provider. This certification typically has a validity period, often between one and three years, after which refresher training is recommended. Verify that the certificate indicates the course title, date, and the training provider’s details.

Can evacuation chair training courses be customised for specific sectors or workplace types?

Yes, reputable Irish training providers should offer tailored evacuation chair training. This is particularly valuable for key sectors like healthcare facilities, nursing homes, schools, hospitality, and retail environments, each with unique evacuation considerations. Tailored training ensures relevance and practical application for participants.

How can businesses ensure evacuation chair training is accessible and inclusive for all employees, regardless of needs?

Training providers should proactively make reasonable accommodations for staff with disabilities or diverse learning needs. This could involve providing accessible learning materials, adapting practical exercises, and ensuring trainers are sensitive to individual requirements. Discuss specific accessibility needs with the training provider when booking.

What steps should staff take if an evacuation chair malfunctions or gets damaged during training or a real emergency?

Evacuation chair training should cover pre-use checks to identify potential issues. In an emergency, occupant safety is paramount. If a malfunction occurs during use, stop immediately if it’s safe to do so and assess the situation. Training will emphasise regular chair inspections, maintenance, and prompt reporting of any damage to ensure chairs are always in operational condition.

Are there alternative evacuation devices or strategies to evacuation chairs recognised in Ireland?

While evacuation chairs are a widely recognised solution in Ireland, alternatives may be suitable in certain circumstances. These could include fire-rated evacuation lifts (if specifically designed for emergency use), designated refuge areas with enhanced fire protection, or pre-assigned buddy systems for assisted evacuation. However, evacuation chairs are often a highly adaptable and readily available solution, particularly in existing buildings where structural changes are not feasible.

How is the comfort and dignity of the person being evacuated incorporated into evacuation chair training?

Effective evacuation chair training will strongly emphasise person-centred evacuation practices. This includes clear communication with the occupant throughout the process, ensuring they are securely and comfortably positioned, and employing smooth, controlled movements to minimise anxiety or discomfort.

Beyond staff training, what else is essential for successful evacuation chair implementation in the workplace?

While training is paramount, successful evacuation chair usage in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach. This includes regular chair inspections and maintenance, clearly defined evacuation procedures and routes, well-marked evacuation chair storage locations, and routine drills and exercises to reinforce learned skills. A proactive safety culture and a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan are crucial to ensure evacuation chairs are genuinely effective during an emergency.