Northumbria University

General Risk Assessment Form

DATE: APRIL 2010 ASSESSOR: LESLEY SALKELD LOCATION: VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS CAMPUS

AREA/ACTIVITY: OPERATION OF EVAC CHAIR IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

There is an evac chair in the designated refuge areas on “even” floors in most buildings in which a person with mobility issues could access. In the event of a Fire Alarm, Evac chair operators should make their way to the nearest refuge area on their way out of the building and assist anyone who requires help. Details of the location of evac chairs can be found on the Fire Procedures Notice posted in all buildings.

On occasion the Senior Security Officer on duty who will be controlling the evacuation may require an Evac Chair Operator to assist with an evacuation – this will depend on the circumstances – i.e. where the fire is, if the stairwell is fully protected etc.

Item No. / Activity/equipment/materials, etc. / Hazard / Persons at risk / Severity / Likelihood / Risk Rating
H 20-36
M 12-18
L 1-10 / Control Measures Required /

Final Result*

1. / Preparing to Evacuate using the Chair / Manual Handling Injuries including strains, sprains from incorrect handling
Fire / Evac Chair Operators
Members of Staff/Student/Visitors being transported in the Evac chair. / 4
4 / 4
5 / M=16
H=20 / All evac chair operators must be trained in order to operate the chairs. Training is available by contacting the Health & Safety Adviser.
Self refresher practice sessions are advised whenever possible.
Any operator with a physical injury, or a new or expectant mother, must not operate the evac chair.
In the event of emergency alarm activation, the operator should make their way to the nearest refuge area on their way out of the building. Please follow this link for your nearest refuge area. http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/estates/healthandsafety/est_fe/
Under no circumstances should an operator put themselves at risk by trying to reach a refuge area where the fire is. The location of the fire should be noted and reported to the Security Officer leading the evacuation.
If the refuge has two-way communication points, contact should be made with the Lead Security Officer of the Fire Response Team who will advise the next course of action – i.e. if it is a drill or false alarm then evacuation should not take place. If it is a fire or unknown situation begin to evacuate vertically out of the building.
If the refuge area does not have two way communications, begin to evacuate vertically out of the building. / 3x3=9 L
1x5=5 L
2 / Transfer of the Occupant / Manual Handling Injuries including strains, sprains from incorrect handling
Physical injury to Occupant by incorrect movement. / Evac Chair Operators
Members of Staff/Student/Visitors being transported in the Evac chair.
Other building users evacuating the building / 4
4 / 4
4 / M=16
M=16 / Remove the dust cover from the chair and store away from harm.
Do not lift the Evac Chair by the handle at this stage as it will slide up suddenly and may hit the operator.
The Occupant MUST be able to transfer themselves into the evac chair. It is permissible for the Operator to assist by allowing their arm to be used but physical lifting must not be attempted.
The maximum weight allowance for the evac chair is 150kg (approximately 23 stones) and should not be exceeded.
If the Occupant is unable to transfer themselves then their location should be noted and reported to the Security Officer leading the evacuation who will report their presence to the Fire & Rescue Service.
Ensure the Occupant has fastened their seat belt and is secure in the chair.
Manoeuvre the chair to the top of the stairs, using supporting wheels if necessary and commence evacuation procedure as trained.
DO NOT DECEND THE STAIRS WITH TROLLEY WHEELS DOWN. / 3x3=9 L
3x3=9 L
3. / Descending the stairs / Manual Handling Injuries including strains, sprains from incorrect handling
Physical injury to Occupant by incorrect movement.
Physical injury to Occupant due to chair failure / Evac Chair Operators
Members of Staff/Student/Visitors being transported in the Evac chair. / 4
4
4 / 4
4
4 / M=16
M=16 / Stay at the inside edge of the stairs at all times to allow other building users room to use the other side of the stairs.
NEVER let go of the chair once it is under your control.
In the event of more than one operator being present at a refuge, the other operator should assume the role of “buddy”, assisting and supporting the operators during evacuation.
If evacuation is down a number of stairs the operator and buddy (if they are trained) may find it useful to alternate roles to avoid unnecessary fatigue. / 2x3=6 L
2x3=6 L
2x3=6 L
4. / Reaching a place of safety / Manual Handling Injuries including strains, sprains from incorrect handling
Physical injury to Occupant by incorrect movement. / Evac Chair Operators
Members of Staff/Student/Visitors being transported in the Evac chair. / 3
3 / 3
3 / L=9
L=9 / Once at the ground floor the trolley wheels may be deployed and the occupant wheeled to the designated Fire Assembly Area.
Follow this link for the assembly area for your building.
http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/static/5007/estpdf/City_fire_assembly_pts.pdf
Stay with the occupant until given the “all clear” or alternative instruction from the Fire & Rescue Service. / 2x3=6 L
2x3=6 L

Northumbria University – Risk Assessment Form

To be completed by the Manager undertaking the risk assessment
Name: Lesley Salkeld Job Title: Health & Safety Adviser
Signature: Date: April 2010
To be completed by the Senior Manager
I consider this risk assessment to be suitable and sufficient to control the risks to the health & safety of both employees undertaking the tasks and any other person who may be affected by the activities.
Name: Job Title:
Signature: Date:
NB – If Senior Managers do not agree that the risk assessment is suitable and sufficient then the assessment must be reviewed.

Evac Chair Operator Risk Assessment