Escape chair

An escape chair or evacuation chair is a device manufactured for the smooth descent of stairways in the event of an emergency. It was invented in the United States in 1982. The single-user operation device does not require heavy lifting to evacuate a person.

escape chair

At airports this equipment is being used to assist persons with reduced mobility during emergency evacuation.

Types

A powered versions of the escape chair is available. By using the electrical track system a person can be saved or moved up and down the stairs by a single operator.

Enhanced models can have chairs that require two-person operation; these are more commonly used in ambulances. Lifting handles are used for descent and ascent of stairs. Caterpillar tracks are also used on the stairs.

Laws

United Kingdom

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995[1] says that every person is to have a safe entrance into and exit from a building.

Another law regarding chairs is the RRFSO.[2] Created in 2005, this regulation states that fire officers are not required to enter buildings.

Failure to follow the above laws can result in serious issues. If a person was to perish in the building due to a lack of adequate evacuation equipment, the owners or operators of the building could be charged with corporate manslaughter.[3]

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References
  1. "Your rights if you have a disability". nidirect.gov.uk.
  2. "The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005". legislation.gov.uk.
  3. "HSE: Corporate manslaughter". www.hse.gov.uk.
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