Inside the development of Evac+Chair’s Evac+Power 1000H, battery operated, lightweight evacuation chair, designed to ascend and descend staircases effortlessly
Following the success of Evac+Chair’s first-generation powered chair, their dedicated R&D team, coupled customer insight and the demands of a changing world to develop the new Evac+Power 1000H. This new innovation provides an effortless evacuation solution in high pressure, time-sensitive situations. It packs a punch with its lightweight design, rapid deployment and intuitive, water-resistant control panel.
The Evac+Power 1000H has the highest payload capacity in the world, providing an evacuation solution that is flexible and accommodates passengers up to 270kg. In a study conducted by the UK government, obesity levels increased from 15% in 1993 to 29% in 2022.
This study also highlighted 28% of adults in England were obese and a further 36% were overweight, making a total of 64% who were either overweight or obese. Thus, highlighting the increasing importance for versatile solutions that can evacuate higher payloads, ensuring everyone can be transferred in an emergency.
Featuring a 36V Lithium-Ion battery, the Evac+Power 1000H can be fully charged in 5 hours, and with one full charge providing 90 minutes of continued use, it provides complete peace of mind, that in an emergency, you won’t run out of power.
Evac+Chair
Another new feature is the water-resistant control panel; with refuge points typically located outside, the Evac+Power 1000H will withstand wet weather conditions, providing reassurance the battery will not fail. The control panels intuitive design enables the operator to control the speed and direction (ascent or descent) easily.
The Powered Belt Track System combined with the 36V Lithium-Ion battery, enables the Evac+Power 1000H to glide effortlessly when ascending and/or descending stairs, reducing manual handling during operation. Perfect for commercial buildings, schools, care homes, hospitals and any multi-storey premise, the Evac+Power 1000H provides an evacuation solution that can withstand the toughest challenges.
Growing global risks
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, these include extreme weather conditions, driven by climate change. The impact on our world is catastrophic and equally as devastating to individuals who experience such events. Currently, 2.27% of commercial properties in Britain are at risk from flooding, reported by Statista.
To put that in perspective, that’s one in every four commercial properties, or 436,000 country wide.
Evac+Chair
With more of these instances occurring, it is more prevalent than ever to ensure we are prepared for an emergency evacuation, this includes a robust plan, that is tried and regularly tested. In an emergency, speed is of the essence to avoid delays and injuries, or worse loss of life. Ensuring the appropriate equipment is readily available and maintained to assist the mobility impaired is key to a successful evacuation.
Be prepared, save lives
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005, amended by the Fire Safety Act 2021, provides a framework for regulating fire safety in all non-domestic premises including workplaces and the parts of multi-occupancy residential buildings. The designated responsible person, this includes the owner, or person in charge of the premises, is required to carry out a fire risk assessment, to reduce and eliminate any risks, and has a duty of care to ensure the premises meet the required standards and that employees are provided with adequate safety training.
As part of this compliance in commercial settings, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) or a General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) should be devised to meet the requirements of the workforce and building.
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is designed to assist employees or regular users of a building, who have a permanent or temporary impairment and are therefore unable to self-evacuate or may require assistance in the event of an emergency. A PEEP is tailored to a specific individual and must include details of their requirements, the agreed escape route, evacuation method and who will be assisting. It is essential that regular fire drills and tests are carried to ensure the PEEP is effective, relevant and suitable to the individual’s needs.
A Generic Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) is designed to assist visitors, the public or a transient workforce who are unable to self-evacuate or may require assistance. A GEEP provides guidance on the building layout, evacuation procedures, available equipment, and communication devices used during an emergency.
PEEPs and GEEPs are crucial to ensure that all staff, visitors or contractors know what to do in an emergency, including trained personnel such as Fire Marshalls and operators of assistive equipment. This ensures that you will be fully prepared to evacuate everyone should the worst happen.
Selecting your solution
Evac+Chair offer free evacuation assessments and highly recommend that organsiations take advantage of this service prior to purchase. A member of their team of experts will assess your building and advise the correct model of evacuation chair from their wide range of solutions.
The assessment considers the needs of any employees who have a PEEP, alongside the type of evacuation, stair configuration, evacuation route, fire exits, potential obstacles, refuge and assembly points. Installing the correct Evac+Chair is crucial to saving and protecting lives.
Confidence in every situation
Evac+Chair offer certified nationwide training courses to ensure the safe and effective operation on their range of evacuation chairs, equipping operators with the knowledge and skills to handle emergency evacuations. Evac+Chair training courses empower organisations to protect lives with confidence, offering two training courses; a Key Trainer and an Operator course.
Both courses equip delegates with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate an Evac+Chair safely and efficiently, instilling confidence and competence. The Key Trainer provides additional knowledge to cascade the training throughout the workplace and certify others.
Ensuring long-term safety
Evac+Chairs are a Class 1 Medical Device and adhere to the PUWER Regulation – The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). To help customers meet this regulation, Evac+Chair offer 1, 3 and 5-year maintenance plans, conducted by a nationwide team of in-house service engineers, who inspect, service, and where necessary, replace worn or any damaged parts with genuine components.
To ensure an Evac+Chair remains fully operational and compliant, regular maintenance is essential. Annual servicing not only protects your investment but also guarantees the safety of everyone who relies on your evacuation equipment.
A word from Evac+Chair’s Managing Director
Managing Director, Claire Blakemore, said “Our Research and Development team have been working tirelessly to design and build this next generation powered evacuation solution, it is a fantastic achievement”.
“Since the launch of the Evac+Chair 900H, we have listened to consumer feedback and to the changing trends in the global market. We were confident we could design a product that met the needs of both. We are dedicated to developing revolutionary improvements for a safer and more inclusive world”.
About Evac+Chair
For over 40 years, Evac+Chair has been the original manufacturer and global leader in emergency evacuation solutions, empowering organisations to provide a safe means of escape for everyone, regardless of their mobility. Designed and manufactured in the UK and trusted by organisations, in over 70 countries, Evac+Chair are committed to pioneering innovation for a safer and more inclusive world.
Dedicated to delivering quality assurance to their customers, Evac+Chair’s products undergo rigorous testing throughout the entire manufacturing process. This commitment to quality is underpinned by ISO 9001: Quality Management System and ISO 13485: Medical Device Quality Management.
This article was originally published in the April 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.