Evacuation Chair Training & Servicing
Learning to use an evacuation chair correctly, can mean the difference between a safe and legal exit, in an emergency and a potentially life-threatening situation for your staff or guests. We offer comprehensive evacuation chair training to teach you and your team how to use an evacuation chair effectively. Whether you are learning the correct procedures anew or need some evac chair refresher training, we have the course for you.
As a grade 1 medical device it is important to keep evac chairs maintained. Our servicing options are cost-effective and ensure your chairs remain legally compliant and ready for action.
Evacuation Chair Training - What You Need To Know
What are evacuation chairs?
Evacuation chairs are specially designed safety aid devices for the evacuation of individuals with mobility problems during emergencies such as fires. These include people who may be disabled, have medical problems, are pregnant or have injuries.
As these devices are crucial in emergencies, it is important to instruct team members in their operation and service them regularly so that they function properly at all times. Seton offers comprehensive training courses and servicing for these essential devices.
For more information, and to browse our full range, take a look at our collection of Evacuation Chairs.
Why is evacuation chair training important?
Just like for any other emergency situation, evacuation chair training prepares operators to confidently handle this equipment during incidents, such as a fire, that requires the evacuation of buildings. Suitable guidance ensures that responsible parties are up to date with best practices, and as an employer, helps to keep you legally-compliant.
Training comprises actions such as the handling, seating and securing of patients - both able-bodied and disabled - as well as how to fasten a head strap to prevent possible spinal injuries during transit. A rigorous refresher schedule is important, as it helps keep handlers' knowledge up-to-date, especially if the item is not used every day.
A gap in the expertise of staff or responsible persons can negatively affect their confidence when it comes to handling this potentially life-saving machinery. When such confidence is undermined, a notable risk is posed to the safe evacuation of vulnerable individuals. Seton’s health and safety team are experts in training your team to operate these devices safely. We offer comprehensive Operator Training as well as Train the Trainer courses.
| Course | Avg. Duration | Location | Training Materials Included? | Customisable | Min - Max Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evacaution Chair ‘Train the Trainer’ course | 6 hrs | Your Site | 2 - 4 | ||
| Evacuation Chair Operator Training | 2 hrs | Your Site | 2 - 4 |
How to use an evacuation chair
The practical operation of an evacuation chair depends on the design. Typically, a single person handles the chair from behind. Other designs, such as those for bariatric patients, require two to four operators.
Handlers of evacuation apparatus need comprehensive training. This should cover everything from unfolding the chair, to securing a patient, and initiating movement down a stairwell.
Our training makes sure that operators can set up under pressure and that they know how to check the balancing points on the device. This course can be fully tailored to your needs alongside core techniques, such as achieving the correct positioning of patients to assure that they are comfortable and secure.
Without proper instruction, using evac chairs can be dangerous, not only for the person being transported, but also for the handler. Our training course includes a module covering the correct positioning of the chair on the stairs; as well as guiding handlers in adopting the correct posture when handling the support.
Who should provide evacuation training?
At first, selected staff members or responsible representatives should receive training from a qualified tutor. This person must cover things such as chair familiarisation, general handling, and how to transfer patients to and from the device. A practical assessment must test how well attendees integrated their knowledge.
After this initial tutorial, evac chair refresher training must form part of regular emergency drills. This should occur at least every 12 weeks to establish full preparedness for every eventuality, where such aid may be required.
Seton’s team of experts provide two detailed training packages. The first one focuses on trainers, while the second one addresses the skills and knowledge needed by operators.
Our Evacuation Chair ‘Train the Trainer’ Course is ideal for those who wish to provide guidance to their workforce in the correct operation of evacuation chairs. It is a high-standard course that runs over six hours and equips your nominated persons with the knowledge and confidence to instruct others. The package includes supporting materials for up to four people at your chosen location.
The Evacuation Chair Operator Training is a comprehensive package that trains employees or responsible persons in the operation of an evacuation chair. It runs over two hours and includes training material and certification for up to four individuals. This package integrates theory and practice and can be customised for your unique circumstances.
All units we supply come with an evac chair user guide for quick and easy reference to help you and your team remember basics such as how to fold and unfold the device. These are not intended to be a suitable substitute for tutor-led comprehensive courses.
How often should I service my evacuation chairs?
As with any other machinery, regular upkeep is required for optimal performance and for operations to be carried out safely. As this equipment aims to protect human safety, you should integrate this schedule with that of your other regular maintenance jobs.
Seton recommends that you add the service schedule for your evac appliances to your general safety checklist along with an inspection checklist. This will insure that you know when and what to check when carrying out these checks..
The devices’ user instructions contain the necessary guidance on the checks needed. Typically, evac chairs require annual servicing, coupled with regularly checking the wear and tear on rubber tracks.
Our servicing helps ensure all of your evacuation chairs are fully compliant with PUWER regulations
We offer great rates on single chair services as well as discounted rates on additional chairs when booked together
Our qualified engineers carry out a 24-point inspection,
replace worn parts and
provide a certificate of service.
Our experts offer a universal inspection on all brands of evacuation chairs. This Evacuation Chair Servicing is the perfect way to ensure that your apparatus is always in effective working order. As part of this operation, a certified engineer:
- Carries out a 24-point inspection.
- Replaces all worn parts such as rubber tracks.
- Issues a certificate to prove that your service history is up to date.
Do you have multiple devices that require maintenance checks? We offer a discounted price on services for additional appIications, when booked together.
Keep in mind that evacuation chairs are a Class 1 medical device. As such, PUWER (The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) regulations require that it is in the best condition and ready to use, safely, at all times.
“PUWER requires that equipment provided for use at work is:
- suitable for the intended use
- safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate
- used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training”
HSE.gov.uk
Seton’s professional team can help you with any questions regarding the training and upkeep of evacuation chairs. Our packages are safety approved to ensure that you and your staff know how to confidently handle evacuation chairs in emergencies. Don’t take a risk - ensure your team is up-to-date on their knowledge today.