When a fire alarm sounds in a nursing home during the early hours, staff may have only minutes to move residents who cannot walk independently to a place of safety. In Irish healthcare settings, ski evacuation pads have become an indispensable piece of emergency equipment. They allow carers to slide dependent residents along corridors and through fire doors quickly, safely, and with minimal physical strain.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Irish nursing homes, hospitals, and residential care facilities need to know about ski evacuation pads. From the different types available to safe usage techniques, training obligations, and the legislative framework that makes this equipment essential, we provide a complete resource for facility managers and safety officers.

Phoenix STS is the sole licensed distributor of SKI evacuation products in Ireland, supplying healthcare facilities nationwide with certified evacuation equipment and expert training.

What Are Ski Evacuation Pads?

Ski evacuation pads are flat, low-friction devices designed to slide a person along a floor surface during an emergency evacuation. They are purpose-built for horizontal evacuation — moving residents along the same level rather than up or down stairs. The underside of each pad features a specially engineered, low-friction material that glides smoothly over most commercial flooring types, including carpet, vinyl, and laminate.

The upper surface is constructed from durable, fire-retardant fabric that provides grip and comfort for the person being evacuated. Most models incorporate integrated handles or straps at the head end, allowing a single carer to pull a resident to safety. High-quality ski evacuation pads are lightweight, typically weighing between 2 and 4 kilograms, and can be stored flat under a mattress or folded compactly in a bedside cabinet.

Key Design Features

Low-friction base material for smooth gliding across floors
Fire-retardant upper fabric meeting relevant safety standards
Reinforced handles and webbing straps for secure pulling
Compact storage design — fits under mattresses or in cabinets
Lightweight construction for rapid deployment
Integrated head protection on premium models

The fundamental principle behind ski evacuation equipment is simple: it is far easier and faster to slide a person across a floor than to lift and carry them. This principle is especially critical in nursing homes where residents may have limited mobility, cognitive impairment, or conditions that make lifting dangerous for both carer and patient.

Why Nursing Homes Need Ski Evacuation Equipment

Irish nursing homes face unique evacuation challenges that make ski evacuation pads not just useful but essential. The resident population in most facilities includes a high proportion of individuals with significant dependency levels. Many residents use wheelchairs, walking frames, or are entirely bed-bound. During a night-time emergency, staffing levels are at their lowest while the need for rapid, safe evacuation is at its highest.

Resident Dependency and Evacuation Difficulty

A large number of nursing home residents cannot evacuate independently. They may have dementia, severe arthritis, post-stroke mobility issues, or other conditions that prevent them from walking unaided. Without ski evacuation equipment, staff would need to physically lift and carry each resident — an approach that is slow, exhausting, and poses a serious risk of musculoskeletal injury to carers.

Ski evacuation pads allow a single trained carer to move a resident quickly and safely. The sliding action requires significantly less physical effort than lifting, which means staff can evacuate multiple residents in succession without becoming fatigued or injured.

Horizontal Evacuation Strategy

Most Irish nursing homes are single-storey or low-rise buildings designed around a horizontal evacuation model. This means residents are moved along the same floor level to an adjacent fire compartment rather than being taken down staircases. Ski evacuation pads are specifically engineered for this purpose, offering the fastest and safest method of horizontal transfer through corridors and fire doors.

HIQA Requirements

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) inspects nursing homes against the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland. Regulation 28: Fire Precautions requires that adequate arrangements are in place for the safe evacuation of all residents. Having appropriate evacuation equipment, including ski pads, and evidence that staff are trained to use it, is a key component of meeting this regulation.

HIQA inspectors routinely check whether facilities have sufficient evacuation equipment, whether it is in good working order, and whether staff have received documented training. Non-compliance with Regulation 28 is one of the most common findings in HIQA inspection reports and can result in formal regulatory action.

Types of Ski Evacuation Equipment

There are several types of ski evacuation equipment available, each designed for specific environments and resident needs. Understanding the differences is essential for selecting the right equipment for your facility.

Ski Sheets

Ski sheets are the most common type of evacuation device used in nursing homes. They are flat, flexible sheets with a low-friction underside that sit directly on the bed beneath the resident's bottom sheet. In an emergency, the carer simply removes the top bedding, grasps the integrated handles at the head end, and slides the resident off the bed and along the floor to safety.

The key advantage of ski sheets is that they are always in position and ready for immediate use. There is no need to transfer the resident onto a separate device during an emergency, which saves valuable time. They are discreet, comfortable for the resident during normal use, and do not interfere with everyday care activities.

Ski Pads

Ski pads are thicker, padded versions of ski sheets that offer greater cushioning and protection for the person being evacuated. They are particularly suitable for residents who are frail, have pressure sores, or require additional comfort during transfer. The extra padding also provides some impact protection if the resident needs to be moved over uneven surfaces or thresholds.

Like ski sheets, ski pads can be stored under the mattress for immediate deployment. They tend to be slightly heavier and bulkier than ski sheets but offer superior comfort during extended evacuations. Many facilities choose ski pads for residents with the highest dependency levels.

Ski Mats

Ski mats are larger, standalone evacuation devices that are not stored under the mattress. Instead, they are kept in a designated location near the bed or in a corridor storage point. In an emergency, the carer places the mat on the floor beside the bed, transfers the resident onto it using a lateral slide or roll technique, and then pulls the mat along the floor.

Ski mats are often used in hospital settings or for bariatric residents who require a more robust evacuation device. They provide a larger surface area and higher weight capacity than standard ski sheets or pads. However, the additional step of transferring the resident onto the mat adds time to the evacuation process.

Choosing the Right Equipment

The choice between ski sheets, ski pads, and ski mats depends on the specific needs of your facility. Consider the dependency levels of your residents, the layout of your building, the flooring types in use, and the staffing levels available during an emergency. Many facilities use a combination of all three types to ensure that every resident has the most appropriate evacuation solution.

How to Use Ski Evacuation Equipment Safely

Using ski evacuation equipment correctly is critical for both resident safety and carer protection. While the devices are designed to be intuitive, proper technique makes the difference between a smooth evacuation and a situation that puts people at risk.

Proper Technique for Ski Sheets and Pads

Remove the top bedding (duvet, blankets, top sheet) quickly but calmly.
Ensure the resident is positioned centrally on the ski sheet or pad.
Grasp the handles firmly at the head end of the device.
Slide the resident off the bed feet-first, using a controlled lowering motion to bring them to the floor.
Once on the floor, pull the resident head-first along the corridor towards the designated place of safety.
Maintain a steady, controlled pace — do not run or jerk the device.
Communicate reassuringly with the resident throughout the process.

Staffing Considerations

One of the major benefits of ski evacuation equipment is that a single trained carer can evacuate most residents independently. However, for bariatric residents, those with complex medical needs, or residents who are particularly distressed, two carers may be required. Your evacuation plan should account for these situations and assign roles accordingly.

During night shifts, when staffing levels are reduced, having ski evacuation pads already in position beneath each resident is especially important. It ensures that the limited staff on duty can begin evacuating residents immediately without needing to locate and deploy separate equipment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pulling the resident feet-first along the floor (always pull head-first to protect the head and neck)
Failing to remove bedding before attempting evacuation
Storing ski sheets upside down, which reverses the friction surfaces
Not practising with the equipment regularly, leading to hesitation during real emergencies
Using damaged or worn equipment that has lost its low-friction properties

Training Requirements

Having ski evacuation pads in place is only effective if staff know how to use them properly. Training is not optional — it is a legal obligation under Irish health and safety legislation and a key requirement for HIQA compliance.

Manual Handling Obligations

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employers must provide manual handling training to all employees who are required to carry out manual handling tasks. Using ski evacuation equipment falls squarely within this definition. Staff must be trained in the correct techniques for deploying and using the equipment, with particular attention to posture, grip, and controlled movement.

Evacuation Equipment Training

Beyond general manual handling training, staff should receive specific training on the evacuation equipment used in their facility. This includes hands-on practice with ski sheets, ski pads, and ski mats under simulated emergency conditions. Training should cover the correct deployment procedure, safe transfer techniques, communication with residents during evacuation, and coordination with other staff members.

Phoenix STS delivers accredited evacuation equipment training courses throughout Ireland. Our trainers work with your specific equipment in your actual facility, ensuring that staff practise in the real environment where they would need to perform an evacuation. We recommend that all care staff complete evacuation equipment training at least annually, with refresher sessions following any changes to the building layout, equipment, or resident profile.

Documentation and Records

All training must be documented, including attendance records, the content covered, the date of training, and the name of the trainer. HIQA inspectors will request evidence of staff training during inspections, and failure to produce adequate records can result in a finding of non-compliance. Maintain a training matrix that tracks each staff member's completion dates and upcoming renewal dates.

Maintenance and Storage

Ski evacuation equipment must be maintained in good working order to ensure it performs correctly when needed. A regular inspection and maintenance schedule should be established and documented.

Routine Inspections

Inspect all ski evacuation equipment at least monthly. Check for signs of wear, tears, or damage to the fabric. Examine handles and straps for fraying or weakening. Test the low-friction surface to ensure it still slides smoothly — if the base material has become rough or worn, the device should be replaced. Record all inspections in a maintenance log.

Cleaning and Hygiene

Ski sheets and pads that are stored under mattresses should be cleaned regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and your facility's infection control policy. Most modern ski evacuation products can be wiped down with standard clinical-grade disinfectants. Some models are machine washable. Ensure that the low-friction surface is not damaged by cleaning products — always check compatibility before using a new cleaning agent.

Storage Best Practices

Store ski sheets and pads flat under the mattress with the low-friction side facing down.
Ensure the handles are accessible and not tucked underneath the mattress.
Store ski mats in clearly labelled, easily accessible locations near the beds they serve.
Replace any equipment that shows signs of damage or excessive wear immediately.
Keep a record of the purchase date and expected lifespan of each device.

Legislative Framework

Several pieces of Irish legislation and regulatory standards govern the provision and use of evacuation equipment in healthcare settings. Facility managers must understand these obligations to ensure full compliance.

HIQA Regulation 28: Fire Precautions

Regulation 28 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations requires that the registered provider shall ensure, by means of fire safety management and target fire drills, that staff and residents are aware of the procedure to be followed in the event of fire. This includes having suitable fire equipment and evacuation aids available and ensuring that all staff receive adequate fire safety training, including the use of evacuation equipment.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 places a general duty on employers to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of their employees. Section 8 requires employers to provide systems of work that are planned, organised, and maintained so as to be safe and without risk to health. In the context of evacuation, this means providing appropriate equipment and ensuring staff are trained to use it safely.

General Application Regulations 2007 — Manual Handling

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4 (Manual Handling of Loads) requires employers to avoid the need for manual handling of loads where there is a risk of injury, or where avoidance is not reasonably practicable, to reduce the risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Providing ski evacuation pads is a direct way of meeting this obligation by reducing the physical demands of moving residents during an emergency.

Employers must also carry out manual handling risk assessments for evacuation tasks and ensure that the equipment provided is appropriate for the loads involved. This means selecting ski pads or mats with an adequate weight capacity for each resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a ski sheet and a ski pad?

A ski sheet is a thin, flat evacuation device that sits under the mattress and provides a low-friction surface for sliding a resident to safety. A ski pad is a thicker, padded version that offers greater cushioning and comfort. Both work on the same principle, but ski pads are better suited for frail residents or those with pressure-related skin conditions.

Can one person use a ski evacuation pad?

Yes. Ski evacuation pads are designed so that a single trained carer can evacuate most residents independently. The low-friction base significantly reduces the effort required to move a person. However, for bariatric residents or those with complex needs, two carers may be necessary.

How often should ski evacuation equipment be replaced?

The lifespan of ski evacuation equipment depends on the manufacturer's specifications, the frequency of use, and the results of regular inspections. As a general guide, most devices should be inspected monthly and replaced when they show signs of wear, damage, or loss of low-friction properties. Consult the manufacturer's guidance for specific replacement intervals.

Do ski evacuation pads work on carpet?

Yes. Quality ski evacuation pads are designed to work effectively on a range of floor surfaces, including carpet, vinyl, laminate, and tile. The low-friction base material is specifically engineered to glide over these surfaces. Performance may vary slightly depending on carpet pile depth, so it is important to test equipment on your actual flooring during training sessions.

Is evacuation equipment training mandatory in Ireland?

Yes. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the General Application Regulations 2007, employers are legally required to provide training for any equipment that staff may need to use. HIQA also requires evidence of staff training in evacuation equipment use as part of its Regulation 28 inspections.

How many ski evacuation pads does a nursing home need?

As a minimum, every bed occupied by a resident who cannot self-evacuate should have a ski evacuation device in place. In practice, this often means providing a ski sheet or ski pad for every bed in the facility. Additional ski mats may be needed for communal areas such as lounges and dining rooms where residents spend time during the day.

Where can I buy ski evacuation equipment in Ireland?

Phoenix STS is the sole licensed distributor of SKI evacuation products in Ireland. We supply the full range of ski sheets, ski pads, and ski mats directly to nursing homes, hospitals, and residential care facilities throughout the country. Contact us for a consultation on the right equipment for your facility.

What weight can ski evacuation pads support?

Standard ski sheets and pads typically support residents weighing up to approximately 150 kg. Bariatric models are available for heavier individuals, with weight capacities of 200 kg or more. Always check the manufacturer's stated weight limit for the specific product you are using and ensure you have the appropriate model for each resident.

Enquire About Ski Evacuation Equipment

If you are looking to equip your nursing home or healthcare facility with ski evacuation pads, or if you need expert advice on selecting the right equipment for your residents, the Phoenix STS team is here to help.

Enquire Now — visit phoenixsts.ie/contact-us or phone us directly on 043 334 9611. We provide nationwide supply, installation guidance, and accredited training for all SKI evacuation products.

Related Services

Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Training — phoenixsts.ie/evacuation-equipment-training-course
Evacuation Planning — phoenixsts.ie/evacuation-planning
TagEvac Evacuation System — phoenixsts.ie/tagevac-evacuation-system

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, safety, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Phoenix STS accepts no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on this content. Legislation, regulations, and standards referenced in this article may be subject to amendment. Readers are advised to consult the relevant regulatory bodies, including HIQA and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), for the most current requirements. Always seek professional guidance tailored to your specific facility and circumstances.