Evacuation Chair Training for Designated Operators
Exitmaster provides practical evacuation chair training for staff responsible for assisting people who cannot use stairs independently during an emergency. Our courses help designated operators understand how to prepare, deploy and use Exitmaster chairs with greater confidence, while supporting the evacuation procedures established for their building.
Training can be arranged for individual premises or coordinated across several locations. To discuss your equipment, staffing and preferred training arrangements, contact the Exitmaster team.
Who Should Attend Evacuation Chair Training?
Evacuation chair training is intended for employees who may be expected to operate the equipment or support an assisted evacuation. Depending on the organisation, this could include:
- Facilities and building-management teams
- Health and safety or fire safety personnel
- Security and reception teams
- Fire wardens and designated evacuation assistants
- Staff named within an evacuation procedure or Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan
- Teams responsible for several buildings or operational sites
The number of trained operators should reflect shift patterns, absence cover, staff turnover and the requirements identified through the organisation’s evacuation chair risk assessment.
What Does Exitmaster Chair Training Cover?
The course combines explanation, demonstration and practical chair operation. The precise content should reflect the Exitmaster models at the premises and the role operators are expected to perform.
Training can cover:
- Locating, unfolding and preparing the chair
- Safe passenger positioning and communication
- Correct use of chest, ankle or four-point evacuation chair restraints, according to the model
- Controlled movement across floors, landings and stairways
- Operator posture, grip and handling techniques
- Safe deployment and return to the designated storage position
- Basic pre-use checks and the reporting of damage or missing components
- The chair’s role within the agreed emergency evacuation procedure
This practical focus makes the course suitable for organisations seeking evacuation equipment training that relates directly to the chairs installed in their building.
Training for Upright and Traditional Evacuation Chairs
Exitmaster training can cover both upright four-wheel and traditional evacuation chair formats. The operating method, passenger position, restraints and handling requirements differ between models, so training should be matched to the equipment staff may need to use.
- The Versa, Versa Plus and Versa Elite use an upright four-wheel format.
- The Ego provides a further upright option.
- The Original uses a more traditional evacuation chair design.
For detailed specifications, passenger capacity and model-selection guidance, compare the full range of Exitmaster evacuation chairs.
Certified and Authorised Exitmaster Training
Exitmaster offers certified training sessions for its evacuation chair range. This provides organisations with structured instruction based on the equipment their teams are expected to operate.
When requesting a quotation, confirm the certification or course documentation required for your internal records. The Exitmaster team can explain what is included with the selected training format and what information will be recorded following the session.
Initial and Refresher Evac Chair Training
Initial training should be arranged when staff first take responsibility for an evacuation chair or when a new model is introduced. Exitmaster generally recommends refresher training annually, particularly where the equipment is not practised with regularly.
An earlier refresher may also be appropriate when:
- New operators join the evacuation team
- Existing responsibilities or shift arrangements change
- A different chair model is installed
- The building layout, storage point or escape route changes
- A drill identifies uncertainty or gaps in the procedure
- An individual’s evacuation arrangements are updated
Training intervals should be reviewed alongside the organisation’s wider fire safety arrangements and the guidance in its risk assessments. For further context, see the guide to UK evacuation chair regulations and responsibilities.
Pre-Use Checks and Professional Servicing
Operators can be shown how to complete straightforward visual and functional checks before using the chair. These may include confirming that restraints are present, the frame appears undamaged, moving parts operate correctly and the chair has not been obstructed or interfered with.
Operator checks do not replace professional inspection or maintenance. Damage, wear or operational concerns should be reported, and suitable evacuation chair servicing should be arranged where required.
Training for One Site or Multiple Locations
Training can support a single building or a coordinated programme across several premises. Multi-site organisations may benefit from a consistent approach to chair operation, refresher planning and training records, while still accounting for the equipment and evacuation procedure at each location.
Before booking, gather the following information:
- The address or locations requiring training
- The Exitmaster chair models available at each site
- The approximate number of staff to be trained
- Whether initial or refresher training is required
- Any particular staircase, passenger-support or evacuation considerations
- Your preferred dates or operational restrictions
How to Book Evacuation Chair Training
- Contact Exitmaster: provide details of your site, chair models and anticipated number of trainees.
- Confirm the training requirement: the team will discuss whether you need initial training, refresher training or support across multiple locations.
- Agree the arrangements: confirm the course format, location, certification details and suitable date.
- Prepare your team: ensure the relevant chairs are accessible and the designated operators are available for the practical session.
Send your training requirements to Exitmaster, or use the enquiry form below to begin arranging a course.
Evacuation Chair Training FAQs
Book Exitmaster Chair Training Today
Ensure your staff are fully prepared to operate Exitmaster evacuation chairs safely and confidently. Our courses combine practical demonstrations with compliance guidance, providing staff with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively in emergencies.
Whether for a single site or multiple locations, scheduling training is straightforward. Protect your staff, reduce risk, and maintain compliance by booking training today.