The utility and use of the evacuation chair
The evacuation chair should be kept in the multi-storey buildings where disabled people may live, work, or visit. These chairs should be kept in all of the buildings where the hazards like fire etc are possible. The evacuation chair provides a fast, safe and reliable means of evacuation of the injured, disabled and the aged people from any hazardous building. The evacuation chairs are very easy to use and they are equipped with many safety features and most importantly, provide people with limited mobility an equal opportunity for escape in case of an emergency. The main features of the evacuation chairs are like they are quick and easy to set up for immediate use, it can carry a load up to 140 kilograms.
The passenger’s weight moves the evacuation chair down stairs, while the speed governor controls speed of descent. In case of emergency failsafe brake brings the evacuation chair to a complete stop automatically, the sling seat is usually made out of fire retardant fabric and is quite easy to clean, these chairs are generally equipped with three or more adjustable safety straps to secure the injured, they are very stable and self-supporting, the unique seat design of the evacuation chair allows easy transfer from wheelchair and the durable tracks of the evacuation chair grip stairs securely, regardless of the stair construction material.
The Evacuation chairs are generally stored in a storage cabinet located near the upper stair landing, ready for use in an emergency situation. In case of the emergency remove the evacuation chair from the storage cabinet and keep it on a flat surface. Grab the handle of the chair and pull it up in a quick, smooth action. This will lock the evacuation chair in the open position. Now you are ready to transfer the injured person to the evacuation chair. Secure the injured person using the safety straps. These straps help immobilize an injured person or help transport a person with no upper body control. The lower torso straps allow a younger passenger to be well secured while being transported. While on the stairs, the tracks securely grip the stair noses and control the descent speed of the chair regardless of the stair type. On flat surfaces, the evacuation chair can be pushed on its wheels easily. This allows the user to be transported to an area clear of the emergency. To turn the evacuation chair on flat surfaces, the attendant pushes down on the handle and pivots the unit on the rear auxiliary wheels.
Once the injured is clear of the danger zone, the evacuation chair may be parked on a flat surface and brakes may be engaged by releasing the brake bar. The brake of the evacuation chair is normally on. To descend the stairs, release the brake by slowly squeezing the brake lever. Descent speed can be slowed by reducing pressure on this lever. A governor limits the maximum descent speed allowing even a small attendant to safely transport heavier people.