Escape chair
An escape chair or evacuation chair is a device manufactured for the smooth descent of stairways in the event of an emergency. The Evac Chair was invented in the United States in 1982. The single-user operation device does not require heavy lifting to evacuate a person.
Types
The original Escape-Chair, with various models for various situations, addresses the need for an evacuation solution in case there is an emergency, and egress out of a structure or vessel becomes imperative.
The table below is based on the Escape-Chair Standard and the Comfort model for comparison.
| Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|
| Seat Belt | 2 Level Telescopic extendable handle. |
| Head Strap | Foot & Armrests |
| Wide Wheelbase For Enhanced Stability | Ergonomic Dual Back Support |
| Height 102 cm | Height 120 cm |
| Width 51 cm | Width 57 cm |
| Depth 18 cm | Depth 21 cm |
| Weight 10 kg | Weight 13.5 kg |
| Payload 150 kg | Payload 150 kg |
These are based on an Evac Chair 300h Mk4 And an IBEX Transeat
| Basic Chair | Advanced Chair |
|---|---|
| Seat Strap | Telescopic extendable handle. |
| Head Strap | Adjustable brake |
| Kickstand with wheels for easy movability | Oxygen cylinder holder |
| Height 104 cm | Height 110 cm |
| Width 52 cm | Width 46 cm |
| Depth 20 cm | Depth 36 cm |
| Weight 9.5 kg | Weight 14.5 kg |
| Payload 182 kg | Payload 159 kg |
Enhanced models can have chairs that require two-person operation; however, 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
DDA ACT[1] says that every person is to have a safe entrance into and egress 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]
References
- ↑ DDA ACT, The DDA Act was created in 1995 and has been amended since, the latest amendment was in 2005
- ↑ RRFSO. The RRFSO was created in 2005
- ↑ "HSE: Corporate manslaughter". www.hse.gov.uk.
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