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6337sean  
#1 Posted : 08 September 2021 12:17:47(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
6337sean

Hi all,

I help manage a care facility on three floors. We have fire sledges on the top two floors to help evacuate wheelchair users.

Do these sledges need an annual inspection each year ? Would an in house check suffice ? I cant seem to finf a contracter who would service these (not much to service if never used). CHUBB dont service/inspect them like they would a fire blanket. I imagine they would come under an annual PUWER check ?

Thanks 

Kate  
#2 Posted : 08 September 2021 12:56:21(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate

I suggest incorporating the inspection into a testing and training event - where someone has a go at using the equipment to check (a) they are able to use it correctly and (b) it functions correctly.  It's no use having the equipment if those who might be required to operate it aren't confident to do so, and there is nothing like a practical test to establish this.  

johnc  
#3 Posted : 08 September 2021 13:17:32(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
johnc

Kate has the right idea for these sledges. When training with them use the staff as residents to be evacuated. It will give the staff a better understanding of what to do to get the person out quickly without frightening them. They do feel insecure but are safe when used properly. Visually check condition and any fastening at the start of the training then take someone the complete route to ensure they can negotiate turn points on the staircases. Try training and inspection done in one.
Gerry Knowles  
#4 Posted : 09 September 2021 13:54:11(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Gerry Knowles

I am in agreement with Kate.  A visual inspection to ensure that they are undamaged and to ensure that they will perform as would be expected.  Then a evacuaton exercise, to see if they are fit for the job and can be used sucessfully to evacuate those that need them.  I assume that those that would need to use the sledge are in the minority and that the others are capable to evacuating themselves or with some assistance from the staff. 

Just two questions.  Have you considered moving those that are in need of the sledges to the ground floor, this may lead to a quicker response and may remove the need to this type of equipment,  and are you sure that you have enough staff in the quiet hours to carry out any evacuation.   

Connor35037  
#5 Posted : 09 September 2021 15:48:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Connor35037

Some care homes in our Local Authority use "ski pads" and "ski sheets" which sound similar to the fire sledge you refer to.

As far as I'm aware checks are done in-house only, but anything more complicated such as evacuation chairs would be maintained by an outside contractor.

Captcha: "5AEC" my full initials (and the number five)

6337sean  
#6 Posted : 14 September 2021 11:57:36(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
6337sean

Thankyou all for your replies. They have been very helpful. 

thanks 1 user thanked 6337sean for this useful post.
peter gotch on 14/09/2021(UTC)
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