Persons with Disabilities

Disabilities take many forms.  The majority of people with disabilities should be able to leave the premises without assistance.  However, some people will need help, which should be documented in a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP). 

The PEEP must be produced to identify the specific needs of the person, their location on the premises, the nature of the help they require, who is responsible for providing that help and the equipment that will be used to assist them along with its location.  (Refer to Part 4 Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan for guidance and templates for undertaking PEEPS).

Where an employee’s disability may impede their escape in case of fire, a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) must be prepared and practised regularly at fire drills.

Before a person with a disability which means they would require assistance, commences employment or when an employee sustains either a temporary injury or illness (e.g. broken leg) or a disability, consideration must be given to what assistance is required to ensure that person’s safety in the event of a fire. This will entail preparation of a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) which should include, the nomination of a person or persons (i.e. "buddy" system) to assist during an evacuation, the provision of special equipment, (e.g. EVAC chairs) additional ramps on fire exit routes etc.  PEEPs should be reviewed annually and after any significant change, i.e. changes in health, changes in evacuation routes.

(Please refer to Part 4 Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan for guidance and templates for undertaking PEEPS).

9.1 Visitors with Disabilities

• Where a disabled visitor who would require assistance to evacuate is invited into the premises, procedures must be in place to ensure their safe evacuation in case of fire.
• It is the meeting or event organiser’s responsibility to check if any attendees would need assistance to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. For a physically disabled person this may mean that arrangements must be made to ensure that an Evac Chair and at least two trained Evac Chair Operators are available ahead and during meetings held above the ground floor in case an emergency evacuation occurs. 
• If this cannot be guaranteed, then a physically disabled visitor who would need assistance should be limited to the ground floor or reception area of the building.
• Suitable training (and refresher training every three years) must be provided to staff allocated special duties e.g. use of “EVAC” chairs.

9.2 Pupils with Disabilities

It is the responsibility of Headteachers and the Senior Leadership Team, (SLT) to ensure that a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is developed for all pupils with a disability, or temporary illness or injury (e.g. broken leg) which means they would require assistance to evacuate, to ensure they are not put at any disadvantage or treated less favourably in the event of an emergency.

The plan should:

• Identify any specific needs of the individual.
• Identify staff responsibilities to support pupil.
• Identify staff training requirements.
• Identify equipment required.
• Identify specific evacuation routes where appropriate and the provision of additional ramps on final exit doors.
• Identify refuge areas and specific evacuation procedures.

The PEEP should be reviewed at least annually to ensure that the most up to date information is available.  Further reviews should be undertaken where there is a change in the person's health, a change in procedures or an alteration of the premises.

9.3  Evacuation Chairs

An evacuation chair is a device used to facilitate the evacuation of personnel with mobility problems or wheelchair users, down a flight of stairs.  It is usually located near the refuge point or by a stairwell.  If an evacuation chair is deemed appropriate and necessary, an adequate number of staff must be trained in its use.  This device should only be used where the consultation process has identified that it is safe to do so.  Evacuation chairs must be inspected on an annual basis or after use.