Ensure No One is left behind

Because Every Life Matters

Article By - K P Dominic

Evacuation Chairs: A Critical Life-Saving Asset in Every Building

Emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, or building evacuations demand rapid, safe, and inclusive evacuation of all occupants. However, for mobility-impaired individuals—such as the elderly, injured, or persons with disabilities—standard evacuation routes like staircases become major obstacles

This is where Evacuation Chairs become essential. They are designed to ensure that no one is left behind during an emergency. Globally, numerous regulations and standards now emphasize the mandatory provision of evacuation solutions to protect vulnerable populations. Buildings must go beyond minimal compliance to embrace an inclusive safety culture that respects every individual's right to safe evacuation


Why evacuation chairs are essential

  • Mobility Challenges in Emergencies.
  • During fires, earthquakes, and other emergencies, elevators are often disabled for safety reasons. Without an evacuation chair, mobility-impaired individuals are left stranded.
  • Inclusive Safety for All Occupants.
  • Safety measures must cover everyone, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals recovering from surgery, and those temporarily injured.
  • Legal and Moral Responsibility.
  • Regulations around the world increasingly demand inclusive emergency preparedness. Beyond legal compliance, it is a moral obligation to ensure no one is abandoned during a crisis.
  • Rapid and Safe Evacuation.
  • Evacuation chairs enable swift and controlled descent down stairwells, ensuring timely evacuation that could be critical for survival.
  • Workforce and Public Safety Assurance.
  • Buildings such as offices, malls, airports, and hospitals must
  • demonstrate commitment to the safety of all visitors, staff, and tenants, especially in today’s liability-conscious world.
  • Enhanced Reputation and Risk Management.
  • Companies and facility managers who invest in inclusive safety solutions enhance their organization's image and reduce potential legal, insurance, and reputational risks.
  • Simple and Cost-effective Deployment.
  • Evacuation chairs are a relatively low-cost investment compared to the potential cost of litigation, injury claims, or tragic loss of life.
  • Compliance with Emergency Preparedness Policies.
  • In many countries, emergency action plans must specifically describe procedures for assisting persons with disabilities. Evacuation chairs fulfill this requirement effectively.
  • Future-Proofing Buildings for Aging Populations.
  • With aging demographics worldwide, the need for building evacuation solutions will only grow. Installing evacuation chairs is a proactive step toward future-readiness.
  • Psychological Assurance to Occupants.
  • Knowing there are safe evacuation solutions available increases the overall confidence and peace of mind among building occupants, including the elderly and disabled.

International standards Mandating provision for Mobility-impaired persons

  1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), United States
    • ADA emphasizes accessible means of egress in new construction and alterations.
    • Buildings are required to provide Areas of Refuge and facilitate evacuation of persons with disabilities.
    • Although ADA does not prescribe the device type, Evacuation Chairs are the most recognized practical solution.

  2. NFPA 101: Life Safety Code (National Fire Protection Association, USA)
    • NFPA 101 specifies the need for accessible means of egress and the provision of assistance to individuals with disabilities.
    • In many facilities, Evacuation Chairs are cited as the solution to help fulfill the “assisted evacuation” requirement.

  3. ISO 21542: Building Construction — Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment
    • ISO 21542 mandates that buildings must provide accessible escape routes and solutions for mobility-impaired occupants.
    • The standard encourages proactive planning, including equipment like evacuation chairs at stairways.

  4. BS 9999:2017 (United Kingdom) — Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings
    • BS 9999 offers comprehensive guidance on fire safety strategies and explicitly addresses the need for assisted evacuation solutions.
    • It recommends the use of evacuation chairs and other evacuation aids to assist persons who cannot independently use stairs during an emergency
    • It also requires facilities to develop Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and evacuation chairs are a key part of implementing these plans effectively.

  5. IFC (International Fire Code) — 2021 Edition, International Code Council (ICC)
    • The International Fire Code emphasizes the importance of accessible means of egress for all individuals, including persons with disabilities.
    • It specifies that in multi-story buildings, facilities must incorporate strategies for assisted rescue — evacuation chairs are recognized as one of the most practical and effective tools to comply with this requirement.

  6. European Standard EN 81-70 (Accessibility to Lifts)
    • While mainly focusing on lift accessibility, EN 81-70 references the need for emergency evacuation solutions when lifts cannot be used reinforcing the need for chairs in stairwells and other access points.
    • High-rise buildings (above 15 meters / multiple floors)
    • Residential Apartments
    • Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
    • Educational Institutions
    • Hotels and Residential Towers
    • Office Buildings
    • Public Transportation Hubs (Airports, Train Stations)
    • Stadiums and Large Event Venues

Key Features of Modern Evacuation Chairs

  • Lightweight and easy to deploy
  • Foldable for space-saving storage
  • Track systems to control descent on stairs safely
  • Secure harnesses to protect the occupant
  • Can be operated by a single rescuer with minimal training

Key advantages include:

  • Affordability without compromising quality.
  • User-friendliness to ensure even untrained users can operate it efficiently.
  • Robust design suitable for Indian, Middle Eastern, and international market.
  • As urban landscapes grow vertical and populations age, evacuation chairs are not just optional—they are an essential part of fire and life safety strategies.
  • Can be operated by a single rescuer with minimal training

Evacuation chairs are not just an accessory—they are a life-saving necessity that upholds the dignity and safety of every occupant, especially those with mobility challenges.

As international standards evolve and awareness grows, the onus is now on builders, developers, consultants, and safety officers to proactively integrate these solutions into the design and management of buildings.

Let’s be clear : Emergencies do not discriminate. But building design often does—by omitting inclusive escape tools.By positioning an evacuation chair next to every elevator, builders send a clear message: We care. We are prepared. We include everyone.

About the Author :

K.P. Dominic is a seasoned expert in Fire, Life Safety, and Infrastructure Protection, with over 36 years of industry leadership. He is the Founder of organizations like NFE, FOCUS, and FSAI and actively contributes to shaping India’s fire safety codes through theNational Building Code committees.

As the Managing Director of Blue and Gray and the driving force behind Lifeline Equipment International, Dominic champions affordable evacuation solutions to ensure no one is left behind during emergencies. His mission is simple: Safer buildings. Inclusive evacuation. Better lives.