7 August Evacuation chairs: Fire safety planning In the event of an emergency, it is crucial that everyone, including those with disabilities, can safely evacuate a building. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers and building managers in England and Wales are required to conduct a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and identify appropriate emergency escape routes. This includes making provisions for individuals with mobility impairments. While evacuation chairs are not legally mandated, they are often identified as necessary during fire risk assessments, especially in multi-story buildings. The Equality Act 2010 reinforces this duty by prohibiting discrimination against disabled individuals, including in emergency planning. Types of Emergency Evacuation Plans Fire risk assessments may recommend evacuation chairs based on the following emergency evacuation plans: Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP): Tailored to the needs of a specific individual. Standard Emergency Evacuation Plan (SEEP): Designed for visitors or casual users of the building who may be present infrequently or on only one occasion. General Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEP): Used in public spaces and workplaces to ensure the safe evacuation of visitors with disabilities. Training When installing evacuation chairs, it is also important to identify and train competent users. Regular practice and refresher training ensure that everyone involved is familiar with the chair’s operation and understands their role in a real emergency. Trained users should be identified in evacuation procedures and communicated with the wider team. Maintenance The type and number of chairs required depend on the building layout and occupancy. Once in place, it is essential to establish routine monthly checks and arrange service and inspection by approved contractors*. These records should also be accurately maintained, with dates for renewal also documented appropriately. Need support? If you need help developing a PEEP, SEEP, or GEEP, or require support with manual handling or evacuation chair training, reach out to LRB Consulting Ltd. Our experts are here to assist you in ensuring that your emergency plans are comprehensive and inclusive. *All maintenance should be carried out in line with the Regulatory Reform, BS9999 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) Regulation 6.