Understanding the Legal Framework for Evac Chair and Evac Chair Training in the UK
When it comes to emergency evacuations, especially in multi-storey buildings, evacuation chairs (Evac Chairs) are critical for ensuring that everyone — including those with mobility impairments — can exit the premises safely. But beyond best practice, there are also clear legal obligations for businesses and organisations in the UK around evacuation planning, provision of equipment, and training.
What the Law Says about Evac Chairs
While there isn’t a single law that mentions “Evac Chairs” by name, several pieces of legislation combine to make their provision and proper use a legal requirement where necessary:
1. The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act requires employers and service providers to make reasonable adjustments to avoid putting disabled people at a disadvantage. In a fire evacuation, the inability to exit safely would clearly put someone at a substantial disadvantage. Therefore, having appropriate means of evacuation (like an Evac Chair) and trained staff to assist is part of fulfilling this duty.
Key Point:
If someone with mobility issues cannot evacuate without assistance, you must make practical arrangements — and that includes providing equipment and trained operators.
2. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Fire Safety Order places responsibility for fire safety on a designated Responsible Person within an organisation (often an employer, building manager, or owner).
This person must:
- Ensure a fire risk assessment is carried out by a competent person (If you need help with this please contact us)
- Create an emergency plan.
- Provide appropriate fire safety arrangements, including the means to evacuate all occupants safely.
Importantly:
Evacuation plans must include everyone — including those who cannot use stairs unaided. Evac Chairs (and training for their use) are often identified as necessary through the fire risk assessment process.
3. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
This cornerstone legislation places a general duty on employers to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees and others affected by their activities. Ensuring everyone can evacuate safely in an emergency is part of this obligation.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
The need for Evac Chairs is often flagged during the creation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). These are individualised plans that describe how a person who needs assistance will be evacuated safely. If a PEEP identifies that a person cannot manage stairs during an evacuation, suitable equipment and trained helpers must be in place.
Why Evac Chair Training is Essential
It’s not enough to simply install Evac Chairs. Staff must be properly trained to:
- Deploy the chair quickly.
- Securely and safely move individuals.
- Navigate stairwells and other obstacles during an emergency.
Without training, there is a risk of injury to both the evacuee and the operator — and a potential breach of your legal responsibilities.
Good Skills Training: Supporting Your Compliance
At Good Skills Training, we offer:
- Evac Chair Operator Training – giving your staff the skills and confidence to use evacuation chairs safely.
- Evac Chair Train the Trainer Courses – enabling your organisation to maintain internal capability and spread knowledge across teams.
All our training is delivered by experienced instructors and is fully aligned with UK fire safety and equality legislation.
Protect your people. Protect your organisation. Be ready when it matters most.
👉 Find out more about our Evac Chair Training here, or if you need the Evac Train the Trainer Course, please click here.
If you need to buy an Evacuation Chair, please check out our sister company Defib UK, Ferno Saver Safe Evacuation Chair | DeFib UK Safety Solutions – Defib UK