Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that employers and organisations have to ensure that one, including those at additional risks, such as the disabled, vulnerable and the mobility impaired, can evacuate safely in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation.
1. What are Evacuation Chairs?
Evacuation Chairs are specially designed seats into which mobility-impaired people are secured and transported from a building, usually via stairways during an emergency.
2. Are Evacuation Chairs a Legal Requirement?
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) states under article 9 that the findings of a Fire Safety Risk Assessment will help the ‘responsible person’ decide if Evacuation Chairs are required.
The use of Evacuation Chairs must be part of an Evacuation Plan that meets current legislative requirements including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, and the Equality Act. Correct manual handling techniques must be used, and regulations complied with. This is especially important when carrying a loaded chair for upstairs evacuation and a Fire Safety Risk Assessment should be made, including how many people will be required to carry the chair for each specific case.
3. How do Evacuation Chairs Work?
The use of Evacuation Chairs must be part of an Evacuation Plan that meets current legislative requirements including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, and the Equality Act. Correct manual handling techniques must be used, and regulations complied with. This is especially important when carrying a loaded chair for upstairs evacuation and a Fire Safety Risk Assessment should be made, including how many people will be required to carry the chair for each specific case.
4. How many Evacuation Chairs do I need?
How many Evacuation Chairs you need depends on meeting your existing fire safety arrangements under article 11 of the Fire Safety Order. Particular consideration should be given to the number of Evacuation Chairs required to meet both Personal & General Emergency Evacuation Plans.
For General Emergency Evacuation plans, a good rule of thumb is one Evacuation Chair per staircase for all upper floors, in addition to any extra chairs being required for existing personal Emergency Evacuation Plans situations. A Fire Safety Risk Assessment will need to be carried out by those responsible for premises management.
The findings of a Fire Risk Assessment should help the responsible person to source the appropriate solution to accommodate the building and its residents.
Legislation dictates that you must provide a safe means of evacuation for any persons who may be (or become) unable to use the exit routes in the event of a fire or any emergency.
5. Different types of Evacuation Chairs
We currently have a range of 3 different Evacuation Chairs and each model comes with a variety of features designed to provide comfort and reassurance for the evacuee.
Got a question about Evacuation Chairs? Need a Fire Safety Risk Assessment? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
Following the recommendations of BS5839 Part 1 2017 (Fire Alarm British Standard), it is a mandatory requirement to have an up to date, clear and accurate Fire Alarm Zone Chart adjacent to your Fire Alarm Control Panel and any repeater panels you have in your premises.
The purpose of the Zone Chart is to assist persons responding to an alarm to quickly identify the specific location in the building and to help the Fire Brigade understand the building layout before they enter.
When the Fire Alarm System is installed, the building is divided into Fire Zones. Any Manual Call Point (Red Box) or Fire Detector that is fitted will trigger a particular zone when activated.
The Zone Chart shows the division of each zone area with a ‘You are Here’ arrow to identify the position of the Fire Alarm Panel. The view of the building should be orientated in relation to the Fire Alarm Panel position to minimise confusion.
What is involved in producing a Zone Chart?
- Hard copy
- Or preferably AutoCAD (dwg) format
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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