Anyone on here have experience of these? I am writing the Evacuation Emergency Plan for our new building which is a 2 story building with the offices on the 1st floor. We have 2 disabled refuge points and rarely get disabled persons visiting, but need to ensure the correct procedure is in place for evacuating anyone disabled. From my investigations and discussions with the local fire authority, the evacuation sledge is the easiest solution.

I would agree with some aspects of the last post. However, in the case of some wheelchair users, they may be able to walk a short distance, but not without pain or putting themselves at risk, so it is safer for them to use a wheelchair. There are others who would not manage the distance to a final exit on foot, and for those whose legs are likely to give way, helping them down a staircase could be very dangerous to all concerned. So it is not so much a matter of choice to use a wheelchair, but a necessity. I agree that there needs to be a conversation with those with a disability to gauge what they are capable of, but try to ensure you are getting the true picture, as most people with disabilities are loath to admit the extent of them and what they can't do. If you do use evac chairs etc, please ensure that people are trained to use them properly, otherwise you can turn an evacuation into something resembling the Cresta run.

We have them in a number of our buildings, training in the use is simple enough and we have never had the need to use them. I prefer them to chairs because the chairs can still tip depending on who is available to carry it. We just move to the next refuge and wait. We have used them as part of the planned evacuation but we normally use employees and not the service users.

Visitors are controlled, but I wont be able to discuss with them what PEEP would like, so once a decision is made. It will be explained as they sign in to the building.

I understand now. Thanks for the help.

We have two refuge points at the top of the two stairs (staff & visitor). These are fitted with independent communication systems to a handset by the main fire panel.

My conversation with the Fire Officer brought up that Fire & Rescue are not for evacuation, hence why I am looking at the evacuation sledges and will be nominating employees who will undertake the rescue of disabled persons.