{"id":6395,"date":"2015-08-10T06:53:17","date_gmt":"2015-08-10T06:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.safelincs.co.uk\/blog\/?p=6395"},"modified":"2025-08-27T09:12:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T09:12:29","slug":"evacuation-chair-training-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.safelincs.co.uk\/blog\/2015\/08\/10\/evacuation-chair-training-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Evacuation Chair Training Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As with any other item of fire safety equipment, there is a requirement to deliver training. If an organisation determines that an evacuation chair is required sufficient training should be provided. Evacuation chair training ensures that nominated staff members can act quickly and confidently when called to do so. Evacuation chair training is therefore required to fulfil what HSE<\/a> identify as organisations’ \u2018duty to provide a means of escape for disabled people\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Evacuation
Training can be delivered to groups of up to 4 delegates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is evacuation chair training a legal requirement?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, where evacuation chairs are installed, staff must legally be trained to use the equipment. This is required by the Equality Act 2010<\/a>, which recognises the difficulties that some individuals may face during an evacuation. Under this act, organisations are responsible for providing means for safe evacuation of every building occupant. This includes both installing evacuation chairs where required, and training enough staff to use them. According to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998<\/a>, equipment provided for use at work can be \u2018used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training.\u2019 This is essential for evacuation chairs, which are considered to be medical equipment. Misuse in a stressful evacuation situation puts the operator, the chair user, and those around them at risk of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is evacuation chair training required?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are legislative requirements for evacuation chair training<\/a>. The qualification ensures the safety and confidence of both the chair user and the operator. If not used correctly, lives could be put at risk. Training is therefore essential to ensure the competence of the chair operator, who has undertaken a significant personal responsibility to evacuate a friend, colleague, or visitor to safety in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Evacuating
Individuals may need support to evacuate for a variety of reasons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Who should receive training?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to the significant responsibility placed on individuals who receive training, it is important to ensure that they meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n