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Posted By Eliot Clarke
We currently have a member of staff in our office who is situated on the 2nd floor and uses the lift for access. He can walk with crutches but is not able to navigate the stairs and this is obviously a concern in the event of an evacuation.
The added problem is that the employee in question weighs over 26 stones and we are unable to source an Evac Chair which would accommodate his weight (the max weight is 25 stone).
We have taken advice from the local fire safety officer who has stated that we should train staff in manual handling and take advice from the ambulance service on how to carry him. We are in the process of seeking their advice, but I am naturally concerned about asking staff to lift this employee and fear that there would not be any volunteers anyway.
The obvious solution is to locate the employee on the ground floor, but if this isn't possible does anyone have any other ideas?
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Posted By shaun mckeever
Eliot, I believe you can only do what is reasonable. I have no idea why this person is so over weight but on the assumption that it is due to his own fault rather than an illness he also has a responsibility. If he can do something about his own weight than that should be the starting point. The crucial thing is that your staff must not put themselves at risk trying to save someone.
Otherwise, depending on your building, you could try progressive horizontal evacuation where you put as much fire resisting construction between him and the fire by moving him horizontally through the building beyond fire doors and walls.
If it is any consolation, years ago I was involved in a fire as a station officer where we had a lady who was so heavy my crew could not move her - that was six burly firefighters! The best we could do was protect her from the fire and ventilate around her.
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Posted By Makka
I have looked through all of the evac chair stuff I have left over from sorting out issues here. Unfortunately even the battery powered unit are unable to carry 26st. However it may be worth contacting some manufacturers to see if a 'beefed up' version could be made available.
We have had demonstrations from Enable Access of their various devices. If the person has a wheel chair things do get a bit easier.
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Posted By Christopher
Eliot
Could he get down the stairs on his bottom. Bearing in mind that this is an emergency situation. You could try encouraging him to seek help from his GP who might be able to refer him to a Dietician or a Counsellor for support. If your only consideration is to move him to the ground floor, which might well be your only option depending on the construction of your building, is it possible to perhaps consider moving several people with him (volunteers) to ensure that he feels comfortable with this initiative. What about setting up a staff support group who might all go on a diet, this might encourage him. His GP will know if his weight is disease orientated.
You may find it helpful to involve HR in this issue and the local DDA office for advice.
Hope that this is of some help.
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Posted By Tabs
There have already been discussions quite recently about passenger lifts being used for evacuations. http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&forum=1&thread=23757
Have a look and then talk to your insurers about whether your lift is of sufficient standard to be so used.
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