Emergency Evacuation Chairs FAQs

What is an emergency evacuation chair?

An emergency evacuation chair is designed to assist those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, to safely exit a building during an emergency. For example, they may be used in the event of a fire, natural disaster or if the lift breaks down unexpectedly. They are often purchased by companies for offices buildings, shopping centres, schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, care homes, hospitals and more. 

How easy are evacuation chairs to use? 

Evacuation chairs are designed to be quick and easy to deploy in the event of an emergency and are designed to be operated by just one person. All of our evacuation chairs are provided with a wall-mounted bracket and cover to ensure they can be safely stored by the stairs and easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The chairs are also provided with instructions to ensure you can train your staff to use the chairs ready for any emergency. 

Are emergency evacuation chairs safe? 

Yes, stairway emergency evacuation chairs have been tried and tested to ensure they are safe to use. They are highly durable with capacities of circa 180kg and are CE marked. 

Can emergency evacuation chairs be used as a normal wheelchairs? 

We would not recommend this as the evacuation chairs are designed for specifically for emergency situations rather than standard access. Evacuation chairs are designed to be used on staircases whilst wheelchairs are designed for flat ground. 

Are evacuation chairs easy to store? 

Yes, our evacuation chairs are provdied with a wall-mounted storage bracket to allow them to be safely stored by the staircase, ensuring they are accessible in an emergency. They are also provided with a highly visible storage bag.  

Can evacuation chairs be used on all staircases? 

All of our evacuation chairs state the recommended stair angle the chair can be used at, we would not recommend exceeding the recommended angle of 28 - 42°. 

How comfortable are evacuation chairs? 

Evacuation chairs have been designed for emergency use and practically as the main focus so the comfort level can vary. We do offer various evacuation chairs with additional comfort features. The Versa Plus Evacuation Chair offers large footrests whilst the Versa Elite Evacuation Chair offers a four-point harness, footrests and armrests.  

What is the difference between an evacuation chair and a wheelchair? 

Evacuation chairs are specifically designed for safely evacuating those with limited mobility in the event of an emergency. They are compact and lightweight for easy storage and are often narrower than wheelchairs to ensure they can be moved down stairways or through narrow passages. They are designed to be used on staircases at a steeper angle then general wheelchairs would be used at. Wheelchairs are designed more for day-to-day use to allow users to move around either independently or with assistance. Wheelchairs normally have larger wheels than evacuation chairs and are designed to mainly be used on flat surfaces. 

Where should the evacuation chair be placed in a building? 

It is recommended the evacuation chair is placed in an easily accessible and visible location in a building, for example at the top or bottom of the staircase. It is also important to ensure staff are aware of the evacuation chair and its location. 

How many people are needed to operate an evacuation chair? 

Generally, an evacuation chair can be operated by one person.

Do buildings legally require evacuation chairs? 

If you are an employer, the owner, the landlord or an occupier of a nondomestic premises or business are responsible for fire safety and are required to undertake fire risk assessments of the premises and put into place appropriate fire safety measures. During a risk assssment you will need to consider emergency routes and exits aloong with the needs of vulnerable people. In some instances, especially if you have staircases and lifts in the building, it is likely you will need an evacuation chair to ensure the safe evacuation of those with disabilities. 

Can the evacuation chairs be purchased VAT exempt?

As mobility aids individuals with disabilities and registered UK charities can purchase the chairs VAT exempt, simply complete your details in the VAT exemption box at the checkout.