How to Maintain an Evacuation Chair

19 Mar How to Maintain an Evacuation Chair

Evacuation chair training is essential for preparing individuals to use specialised chairs designed to transport people with mobility impairments during emergencies. An evacuation chair is a highly specialised device that ensures the safe and efficient movement of people down stairways or across rough terrain. 

These chairs are specifically designed to provide a means of escape for those with mobility issues and require proper training to operate effectively.

Proper maintenance ensures that the chair is in good working condition and can perform effectively during an emergency.

Why Maintaining an Evacuation Chair is Important

Failure to maintain an evacuation chair can result in potential risks, including injury or harm . A poorly maintained chair can also break down during an emergency, rendering it useless. Regular maintenance is critical in identifying and fixing any issues. This can help to prevent malfunctions during emergency situations and ensure that the chair is always in good working condition.

Steps to Maintain an Evacuation Chair

Inspection and Cleaning of the Chair

You should inspect the chair on a regular basis to check for any faults before they develop into something bigger. You should clean the chair on a regular basis to eliminate dirt and debris that could damage the chair.

You should:

• Check the chair for any signs of wear and tear
• Examine the seatbelts and buckles.
• Examine the seat, backrest, and armrests for any cracks or damage
• Check the safety straps for any signs of fraying or damage

Checking the Chair’s Wheels, Brakes, and Handles

The wheels, brakes, and handles are crucial components of an evacuation chair.

You should:

• Checking the wheels for any damage or wear
• Ensuring that the wheels turn smoothly and are not wobbly
• Check the brakes to make sure that they are working properly.
• Examining the handles for any signs of wear and tear.

Testing the Chair’s Performance

Testing should be performed regularly to ensure that the chair is in good working condition.

You should:

• Test the chair’s weight capacity.
• Test the chair on different types of surfaces to be sure that it functions properly.
• Test the chair on a staircase to make sure that it can safely move a person down them.

Ensuring that All Necessary Accessories and Parts are Present

You should check the following accessories and parts:

• The headrest and footrest
• The carrying case or cover
• Any additional straps or attachments
• The owner’s manual or user guide

Tips for Storing and Handling an Evacuation Chair

Proper Storage to Prevent Damage

Proper storage can help to prevent damage to the chair. The chair should be stored in a cool, dry,l place away from direct sunlight. The chair should be clearly labelled and easily accessible if you are storing it in a common area.

Transporting the Chair

Transporting the chair requires careful handling to prevent damage. The following guidelines can help ensure safe transportation:

When transporting the chair, be sure to secure it in its carrying case to prevent it from sliding around.

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Tips for Using the Chair in Emergencies

Make sure that the user is securely strapped using the safety straps and the seatbelt.

When transporting the user down stairs, ensure that the user is facing forward.

If transporting the user over rough terrain, ensure that the user’s head and feet are securely positioned on the headrest and footrest.

Communicate throughout the evacuation to ensure safety and comfort.

Conclusion

Maintaining an evacuation chair is critical to ensure that it functions correctly during an emergency. Regular inspections, cleaning, and testing can help to identify and fix any issues before they become larger problems. 

Proper storage and handling can also help to prevent damage to the chair or its components. By following the steps in this article, you can help to ensure that your evacuation chair is always in good working condition and ready to be used in an emergency.

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