What are evacuation devices?
Evacuation devices help to safely evacuate people with a disability or mobility impairment from a building in case of emergency. Common evacuation devices include: evacuation chairs, sheets and sleds.
Buildings are becoming more accessible, with people of all abilities working in these environments. But organisations need to remember that in emergency situations, such as fires or floods, everyone in the building has to be evacuated safely.
Why does your organisation need evacuation devices?
- Building owners, managers and employers have a ‘duty of care’ to provide adequate means of escape for all employees and visitors.
- Evacuation devices help organisations to meet the obligations of Occupational Health and Safety legislation and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
- Evacuation devices benefit everyone, including people with a disability, pregnant women, the elderly and people with short or long term medical conditions or injuries.
Where should evacuation devices be available?
Evacuation devices are suitable for a variety of organisations, including:
- schools and colleges
- factories
- hospitals
- sports stadiums
- shops
- offices
- cinemas
- libraries
- banks
- aged care homes
- museums and galleries.
What types of evacuation devices are available?
Evacuation chairs
Evacuation chairs are the most common type of evacuation device for people with mobility impairment. They are particularly useful for people who are wheelchair-dependent and unable to exit a building via the stairs.
Evacuation chair technology has significantly improved in recent years; the chairs are simpler to use and are more ergonomic for both evacuee and assistant. They are foldable, compact and can be used in new or existing buildings with minimal impacts on the building as they can be stored in a cupboard or on a wall-mounted bracket.
Belted skid tracks allow the operator to easily control the speed of descent and adjustable safety straps secure the evacuee during transport.
Evacuation sheets
Evacuation sheets are designed for emergency evacuation of people who are bedridden and unable to sit or stand. This device is particularly useful in the evacuation of patients in hospitals and aged care facilities. The sleds are made from high quality polyurethane-coated polyester and have good slip characteristics, allowing the patient to be transported quickly and safely out of the building.
Evacuation sleds
Evacuation sleds are used for emergency transportation and evacuation of people who are immobile. These rigid sleds are easy to use and do not require any heavy lifting. They can evacuate an individual down a stairwell quickly and safely in emergency situations.
More details available at
Evacuation Chairs Australia
Is part of the Equal Access Group
ABN 22 123 979 733