Stairlift for fire evacuation

[KevinD]

Dear All,

I'm aware that the Fire Reform Order Guidance says that stairlifts should not be used for evacuation purposes but could somebody please provide guidance as to why normal lifts can be used subject to an assessment by a competent person but there is no provision for this with stairlifts also.

For example, what if it could be justified that a stairlift could be installed on a stairway:
-That is wide enough that it would not impede other users
-That there was time to evacuate others before evacuating those needing the stairlift
-That there was adequate staff to assist with transferring to the stairlift
-That there was a separate/back up power supply (most new ones seem to have such a supply)
-That the stairlift is tested/inspected six monthly by an engineer 
-That it would not be reasonably practicable to install a proper fire evacuation lift

Also, please could I have people's views on the need to train inhouse staff on emergency lift release, bearing in mind the Fire service must not be relied upon to effect a lift release and also that engineers may take several hours to arrive which in an emergency (fire or illness) situation would be unnacceptable.

Kind Regards,
Kevin

[kurnal]

Your bullet point list is well thought through.

Presumably you have considered the nulmber of persons likely to need the stair lift and have a refuge at the head of the stairs large enough to house all those waiting for the lift, and means to transfer them at the bottom.
Presumably there is a good standard of fire separation to the refuge, top and bottom. 

Usually stair lift installations do not meet these standards, but if they do then there is no reason why the fire risk assessment and emergency plan should not allow it.

I agree with the need to train staff to release persons from lifts, with hydraulic lifts it can be very simple and safe, with conventional lifts the skill and practice needed are much greater as are the hazards associated with getting it wrong. But I think it essential especially if you are out in the sticks.

[KevinD]

Thanks Kernal,

That's much appreciated.  Do you have any idea though why the guides are explicit in saying stairlifts should not be used?  Accepting your comments regarding the safe refuge area and my original points to mitigate the risk etc, I'm wondering if there is something else I'm missing!  In the absence of a proper evacuation lift or even a normal one that could be justified on a risk assessment basis, I'm trying to see how a stairlift (with adequate safeguards) could be any more problematic than using an evac chair and the issues these tend to bring (lack of confidence, training needs, transfer issues etc etc) yet evac chairs appear to be accepted if not universally popular.

Thanks also for your input re the lift release training.  Lift maintenance companies are quoting £600 for the training and refer to the British Standard to say that this needs to be done annually.  I recognise the issue of 'lose it or use it' in relation to the likelihood of having to effect a lift release but could I ask people whether this is something they tend to do i.e. get formal training by the lift engineer every year or whether they are happy for competent inhouse people who have attended initial training to work from written procedures and practise/refresh their skills inhouse?

Regards, Kevin

   

[jokar]

The only logic with the stairlifts is the space they take up in and around a staircase.

[kurnal]

I would ask the lift supplier to provide a  instructions or a Safe System of Work for lowering the lift in an emergency. The supplier have duties  to give instructions under H&S Act 1974 and the PUWER Regulations.

I would then select a suitable member of staff with both mechanical aptitude and the ability to teach others   and ask the lift engineering company to provide them with training and instruction ( for a fee of course) to ensure that they can then cascade the training to others. Regular practice is essential.

I dont know why stairlifts are not generally trecommended- except that usually they do not incorporate the measures in your checklist- especially space to pass the chair if someone is sitting on ity-  and are sooooo slow. Evac chairs take up no room and with practice are fast and effective for the 90% of persons who are able to use them. But no good at all for the other 10%.

[KevinD]

Thanks very much Jokar and Kurnal.  Kurnal, I tend to agree with your plan re training up staff in lift release duties but had just been conscious that lift engineers - as would be expected - suggest it is they who should be providing the training on a yearly basis, although as far as I can see, the British Standard says only their training/competency should be assessed yearly, not that it needs to be provided by a recognised/licensed training company. 

Thanks again,
Kevin

[ST1878]

As well as Jokars point about space taken up by the installation, I would add the point about how long it will take to travel from tp to bottom?

[Fishy]

I can see absolutely no reason why you cannot use a stairlift, provided that the space in which it travels is a fire and smoke protected route and you have enough suitably trained and competent staff on hand to manage the evacuation of however many people may have to use it.  You need to be careful with the back-up power supplies (BS 9999 gives guidance on how to spec. these).