When it comes to emergency preparedness, few things are as essential—yet often overlooked—as evacuation chair training. Designed to ensure the safe evacuation of mobility-impaired individuals, these training courses are vital for workplaces, public buildings, and anywhere inclusivity and safety go hand-in-hand.
In this blog, we’ll explore what an evacuation chair training course involves, what you’ll learn, and why it’s crucial for your organisation’s compliance and safety culture.
Why Evacuation Chair Training Matters
Evacuation chairs play a critical role in emergency exits during fires, power failures, or other building evacuations. Without proper training, these devices can be misused, putting lives at risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends regular training to ensure safe handling and legal compliance.
Benefits of evacuation chair training include:
- Improved confidence in emergency scenarios
- Compliance with UK legislation such as the Equality Act 2010
- Reduced risk of injury during evacuations
- Inclusive safety procedures for all building occupants
- Promotes a culture of responsibility and preparedness among staff
Key Components of an Evacuation Chair Training Course
1. Understanding the Chair’s Mechanics
Participants begin by learning about the specific evacuation chair model used in their building. Training often includes:
- Identifying key parts of the chair
- Folding, unfolding, and safe storage
- Familiarisation with safety features and braking systems
2. Deployment and Usage Techniques
Hands-on training ensures that participants can confidently:
- Deploy the chair quickly and correctly
- Position it appropriately at stairwells or exit points
- Assist a person into the chair with clear communication and care
- Operate the chair with minimal disruption during emergencies
3. Navigating Stairs and Obstacles
An essential part of the training involves stairwell navigation and obstacle handling. You’ll learn how to:
- Maintain weight distribution and control
- Use braking systems safely
- Manoeuvre the chair through narrow corridors and landings
- Operate the chair on a variety of surfaces, including carpet, tiles, and concrete
4. Legal and Safety Compliance
UK employers are legally required to ensure all occupants, including those with mobility issues, can evacuate safely. Your training will also cover:
- Employer responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Emergency evacuation planning and fire safety law
- Conducting risk assessments
- Documentation and maintaining training records
For detailed training options and to ensure your business complies with UK legislation, visit our Evacuation Chair Training page.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, especially those responsible for health and safety or emergency preparedness:
- Fire wardens and marshals
- Facilities managers
- Health & safety officers
- Reception and front-line staff
- Building maintenance teams
How Long Does It Take?
Most evacuation chair training sessions are between 2–4 hours long. These practical, onsite sessions offer both theoretical and hands-on instruction. Some providers also offer refresher training every 12 months, which is strongly recommended for skill retention.
How to Prepare for the Training
To get the most value from your training course:
- Wear practical, non-restrictive clothing
- Review your building’s emergency evacuation plan beforehand
- Be ready to participate in physical demonstrations
- Prepare any questions related to your building’s unique layout or evacuation procedures
Whether you’re responsible for a school, office, hospital, or public venue, ensuring your staff receives professional evacuation chair training is a must. Not only does it support compliance with UK legislation, but it can be the deciding factor in a safe, effective emergency response. Comprehensive training builds confidence, reduces panic during real emergencies, and prepares teams for a variety of evacuation scenarios—including fire drills, power outages, and mobility-related incidents.
Make safety a priority—book your evacuation chair training today or contact us for more information.
📞 Call us: 0300 303 3277
📧 Email us: customerservice@benfieldfs.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is evacuation chair training required by law in the UK?
A1: While not specifically mandated, employers are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Equality Act 2010 to ensure all individuals, including those with mobility issues, can safely evacuate the premises. Evacuation chair training supports compliance with these duties.
Q2: How many people are needed to operate an evacuation chair?
A2: Most modern evacuation chairs are designed for one-person operation. However, in certain cases—depending on the stairwell layout, the weight of the evacuee, or the chair model—two operators may be beneficial for additional support and control.
Q3: Can the training be customised to our specific building layout?
A3: Absolutely. Many training providers tailor the session to your premises, ensuring that participants learn within the context of your actual evacuation routes and the specific make/model of chair in use.
