Evacuation Chair Locations

[Guest Tommy]

Hi all, 

Firstly, thanks for running the forum

Just a quick query on the location of evacuation chairs within a care home. 

Basically the building is 3 storey with 3 internal protected stairwells built for progressive horizontal evac, however all the evacuation chairs are located within the central stairwell  (one on each level) would it not be beneficial to have one at the head of each stairwell as this makes it easier to access and ensures that if this central stairwell becomes affected by fire then we have others chairs in a safe location. 

Thanks for any input on this. 

[AnthonyB]

Is the central stair the only one with refuge space?
Ideally each stair should have provision as it's healthcare and evac matresses are usually preferred as most chairs don't suit the service users.

[Guest Tommy]

Hi Anthony, 

Although one of the stairs does not have the recommended dimensions for a refuge point, the building designed for progressive horizontal evac allows for a refuge point within the corridor providing 60 minute fire/smoke resistant construction (2 x FD30s) am I correct in thinking this?, yes we use evacuation sleds/sledges not chairs. 

Thanks for your input.