In any evacuation drill, evacuation of disabled people is the most neglected aspect. Lack of proper equipment and practice can make situation worsen. Considering limited ability to move, special care has to take to make smoother evacuations of physically challenge people.
- -by Madan Bandodkar, Safety Professional
NFPA has given following important guidelines for FM AND PM team to make safe evacuation of disable person.
- ● Identify the list of physical challenged people and share with building management team. information should Age, Gender and way of mobility during normal operation.
- ● Identify the narrow space, up-down levels and path towards staircase through exit corridor.
- ● Identify the team of assistance (Evac-buddy) and conduct actual training of evacuation.
- ● Ensure at least one ‘Evac-chair’ should be there in your office.
- ● In real fire scenario, physical challenge persons shall be evacuated at least two floor below the fire affected floor, instead of taking them directly into ground floor.
- ● People with mobility impairments should be provided with some form of written directions, a brochure, or a map showing all directional signs to all usable circulation paths.
- ● Check the possibility of use of ‘fireman lift’ if conditions permits.
- ● People with mobility impairments who are able to go up and down stairs easily but have trouble operating door locks, latches, and other devices due to impairments of their hands or arms can be assisted by anyone.
- ● Ensure dedicated space shall be assigned at assembly point for headcount of disable person.
- (This "Security Blogs" Published in February 2024 Edition)
