Top 5 Misconceptions About Evacuation Chairs:

Myth-busting who they’re for, when they’re used, and why they matter more than ever

Evacuation chairs are one of the most misunderstood pieces of safety equipment in any building. From who should be using them to how (and when) they’re deployed, we hear the same myths repeated by facilities managers, procurement teams, and even fire safety professionals.

At Evaccess, we believe that inclusive evacuation starts with education. So, let’s clear up the confusion and set the record straight. 

Myth 1: “Only wheelchair users need evacuation chairs.”

The truth:
Evacuation chairs are designed for anyone who cannot safely use stairs in an emergency—not just wheelchair users.

This includes:

• People with temporary injuries (e.g. a broken leg)
• Pregnant individuals
• Elderly occupants
• People with fatigue, anxiety, or balance conditions

In an emergency, mobility is dynamic. What matters is whether someone can evacuate safely and independently – not their usual day-to-day mobility.

Myth 2: “We’ll carry people if needed.”

The truth:
Manual lifting is risky, slow, and often not possible—especially during a fire or high-stress evacuation. It also exposes your staff to injury and your organisation to liability.

Some Evacuation chairs, such as the CD7 are engineered for safe, controlled stair descent. They reduce physical strain on staff and preserve the dignity of the person being evacuated.

“If your plan involves carrying people down the stairs, it’s not a plan – it’s a liability.”

Myth 3: “Evacuation chairs are only for large buildings.”

The truth:
Even low-rise buildings with a single flight of stairs may require evacuation equipment. It’s not about size – it’s about accessibility.

If there’s a staircase and any occupant might struggle to use it during an evacuation, you need to provide a suitable means of escape. That includes many schools, clinics, offices, and public venues – not just hospitals or skyscrapers.

Myth 4: “Anyone can operate an evacuation chair.”

The truth:
Without training, evacuation chairs can be difficult or dangerous to use – especially on tight stairwells or with heavier occupants.

We’ve seen too many organisations purchase the right equipment but fail to train staff. In a real emergency, that delay can be costly.

Evaccess offers expert, hands-on training to ensure every operator is confident, capable, and compliant.

Myth 5: “All evacuation chairs are basically the same.”

The truth:
They’re not. From weight capacity and manoeuvrability to tilt-resistance and braking systems, different evacuation chairs are designed for different environments and users.

Choosing the wrong chair for your setting can lead to:

• Equipment that’s too heavy or unwieldy
• Incompatible stair access
• Unsafe handling during use

That’s why we always start with a site-specific assessment to ensure the right solution for your building, your people, and your risk profile.

The Evaccess Approach: No Myths. Just Safe, Inclusive Solutions.

We help organisations take a proactive, practical, and people-first approach to evacuation planning.

From selecting the right equipment to staff training and ongoing support, we help ensure:

• Everyone can evacuate with dignity
• Your building meets current accessibility standards
• Your team is confident and prepared

A Partner in Compliance, Safety & Strategy: We’re not just equipment providers – we’re accessibility experts.

Featured Products from Evaccess

✅ The LG2004 T-Lift – A game-changer for wheelchair users, allowing for smooth stair evacuation without requiring physical lifting. This device enables a person to remain in their wheelchair, eliminating unnecessary transfers.

✅ The Gecko – A versatile evacuation chair capable of handling straight, spiral, and flared staircases. With anti-tilt technology and a 180kg weight capacity, it enhances safety and reduces strain on operators.

✅ The Super-Trac TRE-70  and TRE-52– A powerful stair climber that transports individuals in wheelchairs over stairs – without requiring them to transfer from their chair.

Explore the full range of Evaccess products here: Evaccess.uk

The Evaccess Commitment

Beyond providing evacuation equipment, Evaccess is dedicated to supporting organisations in meeting modern safety and accessibility standards. The team offers expert guidance, compliance support, and hands-on training to ensure that evacuation plans are practical, effective, and legally compliant.

By partnering with Evaccess, organisations can take proactive steps to improve safeguarding measures – ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has a safe and dignified evacuation solution in an emergency.

The Evaccess Commitment

Beyond providing evacuation equipment, Evaccess is dedicated to supporting organisations in meeting modern safety and accessibility standards.

The team offers expert guidance, compliance support, and hands-on training to ensure that evacuation plans are practical, effective, and legally compliant.

Call us for advice and information. 0121 444 3690

Get in. Get Out. Together.