UK government guidelines identify evacuation chairs as the preferred method for assisting people with mobility impairments during an emergency.The term ‘vulnerable people’ applies to anyone whose condition affects their ability to evacuate. This includes individuals with sensory or cognitive impairments, older-people, and young children. It also encompasses those in a mental health crisis, people who are pregnant, or anyone requiring temporary assistance to exit a building promptly.
Legal Requirements and Training Standards
Where evacuation chairs or sledges are installed, providing staff training is a legal requirement. Government guidelines specify that this training must include three core pillars:
Disability Awareness: Understanding the diverse needs of your team and visitors.
Evacuation Etiquette: Ensuring dignity and clear communication during an emergency.
Manual Handling Techniques: Safe moving and lifting to protect both the operator and the passenger.
Why Our Training is Different
At Chris Garland Training, we prioritise quality over speed. We do not offer half-day courses because it is impossible to cover these critical safety skills properly in only two or three hours. Our comprehensive sessions ensure that every attendee leaves feeling confident and competent.
Practical Experience with Leading Equipment
We maintain an extensive portfolio of equipment to ensure hands-on, realistic learning. Unlike many providers, we give you the opportunity to train on a wide variety of brands and models, ensuring you are prepared for any workplace environment.
The Multi-Model Advantage for Trainers
For those attending our Train the Trainer programmes, we offer unparalleled variety. Our Evacuation Chair Train the Trainer course covers the use of six different evacuation chairs, including the industry-standard Evac+Chair 300H and the versatile Ibex Transeat. Similarly, our Evacuation Sledge Train the Trainer course features six different types of evacuation sledges and ski-sheets. This includes specialised models designed for “AirFlow” mattresses, which are critical in healthcare and residential care settings.
Why Variety Matters
Training on multiple models ensures that your internal trainers aren’t just experts on one piece of kit, but possess a broad understanding of the mechanical differences and safety protocols across the entire market. This depth of knowledge is vital for conducting internal risk assessments and PEEPs across diverse building portfolios.
Flexible Training Delivery
While we host regular sessions at our training centre, we also provide private courses at your premises. These private sessions are available nationwide and allow your team to train on the specific equipment and stairways they would use in a real emergency.
Expert Resources
Expand your knowledge by reading our latest professional guides:
Evacuation Chairs: Essential information for workplace safety.
Fire Evacuation Strategies: Best practices for complex buildings.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs): Creating inclusive safety plans.
Equipment Selection: How to choose the right evacuation chair for your needs.
