Fourth edition of the Simultaneous Evacuation Guidance published

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

A new edition of the industry guide The Simultaneous Evacuation Guidance (SEG) has been published. The fourth of edition of the guide was coordinated by NFCC in partnership with a range of stakeholders and replaces the third edition published in October 2020.

The latest edition, which has been put together by fire safety professionals, seeks to actively discourage the ongoing and prolonged use of a waking watch, makes a number of updates and improvements to discourage building owners from having onsite staffing where this may not be needed.

Key aims of the guide are to Ensure that those with responsibility for buildings fully understand the decision-making process before deciding that a change in evacuation strategy is required, to put a clearer emphasis on resident engagement. and to put an end to risk averse ‘one size fits all’ application of on-site staffing (waking watches or evacuation management) when this is disproportionate to the risk.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) noted commented: “After consulting on the draft with a range of stakeholders and leaseholder groups, over 500 comments were received. The new edition is much clearer about evacuation management, and the difference between general fire safety actions, compared to full-time jobs or continuous activities like patrolling.

“Data collected from English Fire and Rescue Services shows that buildings known to have a waking watch (of all heights) fell by nearly 63% between June 2021 and March 2022, from 773, to 288. I’m really pleased to see this tracking down, and hope this trend will continue.”

After consulting on the draft with a range of stakeholders and leaseholder groups, over 500 comments were received.

Dennis Davis, Executive Officer of the Fire Sector Federation added: “The decision-making process to be followed before any change is made to a building’s evacuation strategy, should be proportionate, reflecting the risk presented based upon a holistic consideration, inclusive of the Fire Risk Assessment.

“We hope this new guidance will help Responsible Persons (RPs) and Fire Risk Assessors to act proportionately, by ensuring they are following the most up to date guidance, and in so doing take the right steps before they change their evacuation strategy.”

Gavin Tomlinson, Chair of the NFCC’s Protection Scrutiny Committee added, “We have repeatedly called on building owners to consider a wide range of risk mitigations including the installation of common fire alarms to reduce or remove the dependence on waking watches and onsite staffing, and this is the clear expectation for buildings where remediation cannot be undertaken in the short term.”

“I’m pleased that edition four reinforces the need to support the safety of all residents where the competent risk assessor’s advice confirms a change in the evacuation strategy is required; whilst ensuring the measures in place are proportionate, and backed up by plan for remediation as quickly as possible.”

Evacuation: a stitch in time saves lives

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsIndustry Sectors

The fire safety order leaves no caveats for evacuation during an emergency, Triple A sheds light on the legislation

There are an estimated 1 billion disabled people worldwide. The purpose of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respects for their inherent dignity. In the UK, there are 14.1 million disabled people whose rights are protected through the Equality Act 2010. 

Disabled and Evacuation in an Emergency The use of technology and social care packages has resulted in many disabled people living fulfilled, independent lives within their communities. There is often a common belief that all disabled people are wheelchair users. 

Access and egress for disabled people

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, covers almost all buildings in England and Wales. The onus for compliance is on the individual Responsible Person who is the owner, employer or person in control of the building. 

The Fire Safety Order specifically states that all relevant people must be able to leave the building as quickly and as safely as possible and processes must be in place for when any relevant person is in immediate danger. There are no caveats excluding either disabled people or residential accommodation from the requirement and non-compliance is a criminal offence.

Building Regulations ensure that multi-storey buildings are accessible to disabled people through the provision of lifts, but the majority of lifts are not fire protected and cannot be used during a fire. This presents a challenge for many Responsible Persons delivering compliance with the Fire Safety Order where it relates to evacuation from residential buildings.

PEEPs and ‘buddies’ in residential buildings

The Fire Safety Order covers the common areas of residential accommodation.  English Heritage state that 54% of housing association tenants are disabled and many of these will be residents in multi-storey buildings, which have no fire-protected lifts and no staff. 

It is important to recognize that the Fire Safety Order does not require evacuation assistance to be provided by an employee, just that the person is competent and trained. In reality, in the vast majority of cases family members, neighbours or friends are the ‘first responders’ in an emergency and are unlikely to abandon the disabled person to save themselves.  There are also considerable advantages in involving them as a buddy:

  • they know the disabled person’s capabilities;
  • the disabled person trusts them;
  • they are aware of any vulnerabilities;
  • they will be used to communicating with the disabled person.

Many Responsible Persons are concerned about potential liabilities resulting from training family members, friends or neighbours to assist a disabled person.

PEEPS in the workplace and public access environments

In secure workplaces, the Responsible Person is aware who is present within the building and able to develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for each individual disabled person. 

In public access environments, the Responsible Person is unlikely to know who will be present in the building and therefore will need to develop Generic Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs).  It is important that any strategy does not place employees in danger if they are involved in the evacuation of a disabled person as this would breach the Health & Safety Act 1974.

Developing the PEEP

The Fire Safety Order requires that the Responsible Person ensures that employees are provided with training prior to their being required to undertake new activities which includes the development of PEEPs.  Triple A Solutions provides Institute of Fire Engineers accredited training to ensure that the Responsible Person can prove due diligence in meeting the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.

The elements that need to be considered during the development of a PEEP are: he physical environment, the disabled person, and the assistance required.

Conclusion

The Tenants Management Agents of Grenfell Tower failed to develop PEEPs for their disabled residents despite being fully aware that they were unable to evacuate. As a result, 41% of the disabled residents of Grenfell Tower died and there were additional fatalities and injuries occurred due to non-disabled residents refusing to attempt to evacuate without the disabled resident.

Those who manage buildings must comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Order for both disabled and non-disabled people.  The alternative is to risk a criminal prosecution if injuries or deaths occur.

This article was originally published in the May edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here

Exclusive: Evac+Chair discuss best evacuation products for all environment

by Featured NewsProducts

Evac+Chair is the original and global leader in the design, development and manufacture of emergency evacuation chairs. With over 40 years’ experience in the manufacture of life saving solutions Evac+Chair is dedicated to providing the mobility impaired with a safe and quick means of evacuation.

The Evac+Chair was invented by US citizen David Egan following an emergency evacuation in which he and his wife were involved. David’s wife had suffered with polio as a child, which had caused her mobility to be impeded and when they were forced to evacuate from the 38th Floor of a Manhattan building, David had to carry her to safety.  Recognising the need for a product to assist in the quick and safe evacuation of the mobility impaired, David set about designing a solution that would do just that.

Today, the iconic blue and yellow Evac+Chair is recognised worldwide; exported to 70 countries, across 6 continents and has assisted in saving countless lives. The Chair has earned a well-deserved place in the 9/11 memorial museum for assisting in the evacuation of mobility impaired people, during the twin towers attack.

Whilst the fundamental aspects of the design of the Evac+Chair has been unaltered over the past 40 years, customer insight and investment in R&D has led to the product range being expanded and enhanced, providing greater safety and comfort to both the operator and passenger. Independent research carried out by the University of Greenwich concluded that an Evac+Chair provides the safest, quickest means of escape for the mobility impaired, compared with other types of evacuation products.

In 2020, Evac+Chair International moved into a new state-of-the-art headquarters in the West Midlands. The 38,000 square foot purpose-built facility has enabled Evac+Chair to implement enhancements to the productivity and manufacturing processes, however every chair remains hand made.  With ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 accreditations, Evac+Chair prides itself on its superior product quality and every chair undergoes rigorous quality checks, throughout manufacture and before dispatch.

Whilst many consider a mobility impairment to be a permanent disability, it can also be temporary, such as a sporting injury, pregnancy or even panic attack brought about by an emergency evacuation. Therefore, having an evacuation chair is vital for all commercial buildings, to ensure everyone can be safely evacuated in the event of a fire, or other emergency. Evac+Chair products not only provide a safe means of escape for the mobility impaired but protect everyone, as a mobility impaired person evacuating without assistance may impede the whole evacuation process, and as a result put others’ lives along with their own, at risk. 

The Regulatory Form Order for Fire Safety 2005 states, it is no longer the responsibility of the Fire Service to facilitate the evacuation of non-domestic premises.  It is the designated ‘responsible person’ (the person having control of the building, or a degree of control; i.e.  landlords, business owners, employers, facilities managers or risk assessors) who must ensure that everyone can be evacuated quickly and safely in an emergency.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a duty of care to assess any risks that affect the health and safety of employees and put in place appropriate procedures to be followed ‘in the event of serious and imminent danger’. The responsible person must carry out a regular review of the risk of fire on the premises and identify any issues, following which a plan must be developed to mitigate these risks, this should include the planning for the evacuation of those with disabilities.

Whilst Evac+Chair products are suitable for all environments including offices, hotels, schools, sports stadia, retail outlets, healthcare and factories, each chair has a unique set of features that make it more suitable for certain environments. To help ensure you select the correct product Evac+Chair offer a FREE evacuation assessment. Conducted by one of their nationwide consultants who will visit your site and make recommendations as to the most suitable evacuation chair for the building type and the most effective installation points. In addition, Evac+Chair offer training courses to ensure operators are confident in the deployment and operation of an evacuation chair, providing a safe and smooth emergency evacuation.

For more information or to book a FREE evacuation assessment, contact Evac+Chair: Telephone: +44 (0)121 706 6744 | Email: enquiries@evacchair.co.uk | Website: evacchair.co.uk

This article was originally published in the May edition of IFSJ. To read your FREE digital copy, click here

Evac+Chair releases 900H Power evacuation chair

by Featured NewsFirefighting EquipmentProducts

Evac+Chair is the original manufacturer and global leader in emergency evacuation chairs for the mobility impaired. With 40 years’ experience in the design, Evac+Chair is trusted and relied upon in emergency situations to assist in saving people’s lives.  

There are 14.1 million disabled people living in the UK, and it is imperative that all commercial buildings provide a safe means of evacuation for everyone. In addition, temporary mobility impairments, such as a sporting injury, pregnancy or even a panic attack brought about by an emergency evacuation, will impede an individual’s ability to self-evacuate. Having an evacuation chair in a commercial building is vital to ensure everyone can be safely evacuated in the event of a fire, or other emergency.  

An Evac+Chair will provide a safe means of escape for the mobility impaired individual and protect everyone.  In the event of an emergency, should a mobility impaired person attempt to evacuate without assistance, they could impede the entire evacuation, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.   

Independent research carried out by the University of Greenwich concluded that we provide the safest, quickest means of escape for the mobility impaired, compared with other types of evacuation products. Whilst the design of the Evac+Chair has been unaltered over the last 40 years, it has been enhanced, in terms of passenger safety and comfort. In addition, the range has expanded to provide products that suit different types of staircases and accommodate heavier payload passengers.  

Evac+Chair recently introduced its new range – the 900H Power – a 24V, Lithium-Ion battery operated, motorised evacuation chair. Designed for one-person operation its powered belt track system reduces manual handling and facilitates a smooth, safe and quick method of upward or downward evacuation.  

One full battery charge provides enough power to last for 150 flights of stairs, giving complete peace of mind that the mobility impaired can be evacuated upwards or downwards in an emergency. The easy-to-use control pad enables the user to control the speed and direction (upward or downward) of the evacuation chair and the head support, arm and foot rests provide assistance and comfort to the passenger. With a payload capacity of 160kg, the 900H Power can evacuate bariatric passengers with ease and the ascending control handles, enable a second person to assist.  

Evac+Chair manufactures a wide range of evacuation chairs that are suitable for all commercial environments including offices, hotels, schools, sports stadia, retail outlets, healthcare and factories, each chair has a unique set of features that make it more suitable for certain environments.  

Evac+Chair offer complimentary, no obligation evacuation assessments to ensure the correct evacuation chair is selected. Consultants assess the staircase/s that will be used in an emergency evacuation – taking into account the direction of the evacuation (upward/downward), width and angle of the staircase. They will gain an understanding of any personnel requirements that either the passenger or operator may have, enabling the consultant to recommend the most suitable Evac+Chair for the premises.  

Evac+Chair firmly believe that it is vital that all operators undertake training. Offering an ‘Operator Training Course’ and ‘Key Training Masterclass’, Evac+Chair training courses are designed to ensure delegates have the knowledge, practical experience and confidence to competently deploy and operate the evacuation chair. The ‘Key Trainer Masterclass’ is suitable for larger organisations/premises who require multiple persons to be trained and certifies the delegate to train others. Evac+Chair courses certify a delegate for three years, after which it is recommended that all delegates refresh their knowledge and practical experience.  

As a Class 1 Medical Device, an Evac+Chair should be regularly serviced and maintained to ensure its safe operation. This requirement is included within the PUWER Regulation (Provision and Use of Works Equipment Regulations 1988 – UK only). To help their customers meet this legal requirement Evac+Chair offer a 1, 3 and 5-year maintenance contracts. This includes full call out cover, genuine replacement parts that no other third party can supply and labour. Giving complete peace of mind that in the event of an emergency everyone can be evacuated.  

Evacuation: Fire Sector Federation releases checklist

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

The Fire Sector Federation has published a checklist aimed at Fire Risk Assessors to help them evaluate the safe escape of individuals from a building fire.

The ‘Personal Emergency Evacuation Residential Premises’ guide recognises that evacuation procedures with associated provision of safe routes of escape to a place of safety must be inherent in every building safety strategy.

Following a series of prompts, the questions posed in the checklist are designed to be interpreted by the fire risk assessor and used in discussion with their clients to help decide what actions are appropriate for the building. The checklist relates specifically to general residential buildings, which are usually unstaffed and operate a ‘stay put’ two- phase evacuation strategy.

The guide offers a lead where currently none exists and was developed by the Fire Sector Federation in conjunction with members who work as fire risk assessors in the sector.

Dennis Davis, executive officer, Fire Sector Federation said: “Assessment of evacuation procedures from a personal level to ensure the safe escape of every individual from a fire is a critical component of any fire risk assessment. We have worked closely with colleagues in the fire sector to develop the overview and checklist to support fire risk assessors in their audit and review of buildings. Some of the information may also help the Responsible Person, who have very specific duties for fire safety, meet their own responsibilities. 

“The guide has no formal status but having a simple general checklist we believe assists, when linked into a recordable process, discussion and assessment of evacuation during any audit and review to the benefit of building owners and residents.”

The publication is available as a free download on the Fire Sector Federation website at: https://www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/ The Fire Sector Federation seeks to give voice to and exert influence in shaping future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector. The federation is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation established to act as a forum for the benefit of its membership and to evolve as a central source of information on all aspects relating to fire.

Spanish wildfires force thousands to evacuate

by Active

An out-of-control wildfire is raging in Spain’s southern region of Andalusia, forcing more than 3,100 people to evacuate, authorities said Sunday.

The blaze broke out Thursday in the mountains near the town of Almonaster la Real, 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of the city of Seville. It has already scorched 100 square kilometers (38.5 square miles).

Sixteen helicopters and eight planes are helping more than 500 workers tackle the blaze, including firefighters and army emergency personnel who worked around the clock this weekend.

“It is very difficult to say when the wildfire will be under control,” said Juan Sanchez of the Andalusia Forest Fire Department, as weather conditions are playing a key role.

The wind dropped overnight, making their task a little easier, but authorities expect the fire will be fueled by strong winds later Sunday. Crews were also struggling to reach all affected areas because of the rugged terrain, officials said.

A further 70 people were evacuated Saturday because of a wildfire in Mula, a small town in Spain’s southeastern region of Murcia, while firefighters are also trying to extinguish two wildfires in the western region of Extremadura.

Diesel train catches fire in Llangennech, Wales

by Active

Homes have been evacuated in south Wales after a large diesel train caught fire. British Transport police said crews were called to the blaze at Llangennech, near Llanelli, around 11.20pm on Wednesday 26th August.

Three carriages of the train were alight and an evacuation zone was put in place, according to Dyfed-Powys police.

Two employees were on board the freight train but no injuries have been reported, the British Transport Police said.

Gary Jones, a county Councillor in Carmarthenshire, wrote that “a major incident on the railway line has been declared.”

The transport police said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident on the railway near Llangennech Wales. A large diesel freight train has caught fire.

“A cordon is in place, with roads closed and surrounding homes being evacuated. Please avoid the area.”

Dyfed-Powys police said officers were contacting people living in the evacuation area and asking them to leave their homes and convene at Bryn school.

Superintendent Ross Evans said: “This is a fast-moving situation, which has been declared a major incident.

“There are a significant number of emergency services personnel at the scene and an evacuation zone has been put in place.

“Officers are in contact with people within that area asking them to leave their homes, and we urge people to comply with officers’ requests to ensure a swift and efficient evacuation.”

California ‘Apple Fire’ forces thousands to evacuate

by Americas - Featured News

California fire services are currently battling a massive wildfire that has forced thousands of people from their homes east of Los Angeles.

More than 1,300 firefighters, backed by helicopters and water-dumping planes, have been tackling the blaze dubbed the Apple Fire which started on Friday 31st July.

Parts of the fire are on steep, rugged hillsides, making it hard for fire engines to reach.

Around 7,800 residents have been told to evacuate the area.

Images show flumes of smoke filling the sky over the mountainous region. In a tweet, the National Weather Service said some smoke had blown east to Phoenix, Arizona – nearly 300 miles (482km) away.

The wildfire began as two adjacent blazes in Cherry Valley, an area near the city of Beaumont.

It has since stretched out to 20,516 acres (8,302 hectares), San Bernadino National Forest said in a tweet on Sunday 2nd August.

EVAC+CHAIR: A universal evacuation solution for smooth stairway descent in an emergency situation

by Products

In the event of an emergency such as a fire or an earthquake, passenger lifts should not be used in a multi-storey building. This can create an issue for the mobility impaired or injured who could become trapped.

If a persons capability to evacuate is impaired by a medical condition like heightened anxiety or having to exert themselves by using stairs in a bit of a hurry, then assistance might need to be provided. Evac+Chair’s products are the perfect solution; their evacuation chairs are a lightweight and easy to use device which glides effortlessly down stairways to assist with the quick and safe removal of people who are mobility impaired in the event of an emergency evacuation.

The Evac+Chair 300 series features 182kg payload capacity, is lightweight, easy to use and comes supplied in a blue textured finish and contrasting yellow hammock and is the most popular single-person operation evacuation chair within the range.

Features:

  • Ergonomic handle – For ease of deployment and compact storage
  • Adjustable passenger head strap – Limits movement, securing the passenger in place
  • Quick release adjustable safety belt – For passenger safety
  • Friction tracks – The self-braking reinforced tracks control speed of descent
  • Heavy-duty wheels – Ideal for operation over uneven terrain
  • Reflective decals – For easy location in poor visibility

www.evacchair.co.uk/