Evacuation Arrangements
If a person is unable to evacuate out of a building, or they may be slow to do so, due to a physical or mental disability, there are a number of systems available in most university buildings to assist with evacuation. These include:
- Fire refuge areas
Refuge Communication System - Evacuation chairs
- Evacuation Mattress
The refuge areas should be in a 30 minute fire protected area, (protected stairs, lobby, or corridor). This gives any person needing to use the refuge a minimum of 30 minutes protection from the effects of smoke and fire.
Only in the event of a fire will a person be assisted from the refuge to the assembly point by means of the evacuation chair, evacuation mattress, or with assistance down the stairs.
PEPPS's for Disabled Students
A PEEP should be completed at the earliest opportunity when the disabled person joins the University. The Disability and Learning support Service/Student will conduct a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan should the disabled person need one.
Fire Refuge Areas
What is a Fire Refuge Area?
A refuge is a location where people who need help to evacuate can wait for assistance.
Whilst awaiting this assistance, they need to be protected so that they are reasonably safe from the effects of a fire. University fire refuges are therefore generally protected for a period of time, to enable the evacuation to be completed without placing the person(s) needing assistance, or those providing assistance, at unacceptable risk.
Location of Fire Refuge Areas
Normally the refuge is located within a fire protected staircase or a protected enclosure that will offer a minimum of 30 minutes fire and smoke resistance. A protected enclosure may be a fire protected corridor or in some cases a section of the building that is divided with fire resisting construction.
How do I recognise a Refuge?
Doors leading to the refuge enclosure are identified by a green and white "Wheelchair user" pictogram. These signs are normally located next to the standard "Fire Exit" or incorporated into the signs with a directional arrow. The refuge area itself is signed with the green and white "Wheelchair user" pictogram and the words "Refuge Point" “Keep Clear”.
Refuge Communications
University refuges are equipped with an emergency two way voice communication (system to enable occupants of a refuge to alert other people that they need assistance, and for them to be reassured that this help will be forthcoming.
It is essential that there is good communication between those organising the evacuation of the building and all refuges. The persons controlling the evacuation need to ascertain in respect of each and every refuge:
- How many people require evacuation assistance
- If an evacuation chair or mattress is required
- To confirm the refuge in which they are
They should be kept informed of progress towards helping them to evacuate through the communication panel.
Evacuation Chair
A Disabled Evacuation Chair is a specially designed folding chair that can be used to transport a disabled person down a building fire evacuation staircase.
Evacuation Mattress
Evacuation Mattresses are available in the Farnham Library.
The mattress is specially designed to lay someone upon and to be securely strapped into to safely move through a building and down staircases.
Evacuation mattress are more suitable for many people, especially people you may be having severe difficulties moving, or seizures.
Who can use the evacuation equipment methods?
Any trained person can use these methods. Any person unsure about their ability to use these methods should seek medical advice before volunteering for training.
Staff who are designated to assist people during an evacuation must be properly trained in how to use these methods, and the general fire safety procedures to be followed.
Evacuation by using staircase
Many disabled people are able to descend (or ascend) a staircase, possibly with assistance. Others might need to transfer to an evacuation chair. The method of evacuation should be discussed with the individuals concerned and if needed incorporated in a PEEP if special assistance is required.
People with sight or cognitive impairments will probably be able to walk up and down stairs but may need direction and assistance.