In today’s world, safety and accessibility are no longer optional—they are essential. Every organisation, from schools and hospitals to office buildings and event venues, must have an inclusive emergency evacuation plan in place. This is where hiring evacuation chairs becomes a critical part of your building’s preparedness strategy. Being evacuation ready means ensuring that every individual, regardless of mobility level, can exit safely and swiftly in the event of an emergency.
The Evacuation Company, the UK’s specialists in evacuation solutions, provide a complete range of evacuation chair hire options designed to meet the needs of all types of facilities. Whether you require a single unit for a small office or multiple chairs across a multi-storey building, the Evacuation Company ensures your site is compliant, efficient, and most importantly—safe.
Why Being ‘Evacuation Ready’ Matters
Emergencies such as fires, power failures, or lift breakdowns can happen at any time. During such situations, those with disabilities or limited mobility may be unable to use stairs, putting them at serious risk without the right equipment in place. Having evacuation chairs available and properly trained staff ready to use them is not only a moral obligation but a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010 and Health and Safety legislation.
Being ‘evacuation ready’ goes beyond simply owning evacuation equipment. It’s about planning, accessibility, and inclusion. Every organisation should have a detailed Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) and Generic Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) to ensure all individuals are considered in the event of an evacuation. These plans identify specific needs, ensure staff training, and confirm that the right equipment—such as evacuation chairs—is available and operational at all times.
Hiring Evacuation Chairs: The Smart Solution
While some organisations may consider purchasing evacuation chairs outright, hiring evacuation chairs often provides greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Hiring allows you to access the latest models and technologies without large upfront investment. The Evacuation Company offers tailored hire packages designed to suit temporary events, seasonal use, or long-term facility needs.
Here are some of the key benefits of evacuation chair hire:
- Compliance and peace of mind – When you hire from a trusted provider like the Evacuation Company, you know your evacuation chairs are regularly serviced, compliant, and ready for immediate use.
- Staff training and support – Hire packages can include professional training sessions, ensuring your team is fully competent in operating evacuation chairs safely and efficiently.
- No maintenance worries – The Evacuation Company handles maintenance, inspection, and replacement, ensuring your chairs remain in perfect working condition.
- Scalability – Whether you need one chair or twenty, hire agreements can be adapted to match your building layout, occupancy, and accessibility requirements.
- Short-term and event options – For temporary venues, exhibitions, or seasonal operations, hiring is an ideal solution for ensuring full accessibility without permanent purchase.
The Role of GEEPs and PEEPs in Evacuation Planning
Every building must have a clear and actionable evacuation plan that includes both GEEPs and PEEPs.
- PEEPs (Personal Emergency Egress Plans) are tailored for individuals who require specific assistance in emergencies. These are essential for employees, visitors, or residents who may have mobility impairments, temporary injuries, or other conditions that affect their ability to evacuate independently.
- GEEPs (Generic Emergency Evacuation Plans) provide a general framework for ensuring safe evacuation for all individuals in a building, including those who may not have identified specific needs ahead of time.
Both of these plans must factor in the presence of evacuation chairs and trained personnel capable of using them. Without these key elements, even the most comprehensive plan falls short.
By working with the Evacuation Company, organisations can ensure their PEEPs and GEEPs are not only compliant but also practical, tested, and aligned with best practices in emergency safety.
The Link Between Evacuation Chairs and Stair Climbing Equipment
For facilities seeking complete accessibility, it’s important to understand how evacuation chairs and stair climbers complement each other. While evacuation chairs are designed for emergency egress—helping mobility-impaired individuals descend stairs quickly and safely during an evacuation—stair climbers are built for everyday access and mobility.
Companies like The Stair Climbing Company, the UK’s leading specialist in powered stair climbing solutions, offer equipment that allows wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility to access multi-level buildings comfortably and independently. Together, the Evacuation Company and the Stair Climbing Company create a seamless partnership, ensuring that accessibility and safety are prioritised at every stage—from day-to-day mobility to emergency evacuation.
By incorporating both stair climbers and evacuation chairs into your facility, you not only comply with legislation but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusion and equality.
Training and Awareness: A Key Component of Safety
Having the right equipment is only part of the equation. Regular training and evacuation drills ensure that staff are confident and competent when it matters most. The Evacuation Company provides full training packages as part of its evacuation chair hire service, covering safe handling, chair deployment, and the correct procedures for transporting individuals down stairs.
Routine awareness sessions also help to familiarise all employees with evacuation routes, assembly points, and responsibilities during an emergency. This not only enhances safety but builds confidence and reassurance among all building occupants.
Be Proactive – Not Reactive
Too often, organisations only recognise the importance of evacuation readiness after an incident has occurred. By taking proactive steps—such as hiring evacuation chairs and implementing clear PEEPs and GEEPs—you ensure that everyone in your building is protected and that your organisation demonstrates best practice in safety and accessibility.
The Evacuation Company provides nationwide coverage, offering evacuation chair hire, training, and full compliance support. Partnering with specialists ensures your facility is evacuation ready and fully inclusive, no matter the situation.
For everyday mobility solutions, visit The Stair Climbing Company – the UK’s authority in powered stair climbers and accessibility equipment.
To discuss your building’s evacuation readiness and hire evacuation chairs tailored to your needs, contact The Evacuation Company today. Being evacuation ready isn’t just compliance—it’s care, preparation, and peace of mind for everyone in your facility.