In the event of the fire alarm sounding then Leuchie staff will start the evacuation process of all guests. As the passenger lifts are out of use during the activation of the fire alarm, we will use alternative means to ensure guests can evacuate the building.
Evacuation sledges
On both of the upper floors of the building there is one evacuation sledge for each zone (two zones on each upper floor). The evacuation sledge is to be taken to the guest who is being evacuated and the guest is to be placed on to the sledge (how this happens will depend on the guests manual handling requirements and a hoist and sling may be required). There is a disposable sling in with each piece of evacuation equipment in the event of a sling not being able to be located in the emergency situation. The guest will then be moved on the sledge to the location identified by the nurse in charge (Fire warden). Staff will be sent in pairs to evacuate guests with complex manual handling issues so there will be two staff present to manoeuvre the evacuation equipment.
Evacuation chairs
On both of the upper floors of the building there is at least one evacuation chair for each zone (2 zones on each upper floor). The evacuation chair is to be taken to the guest who is being evacuated and the guest is to be placed on to the chair (how this happens will depend on the guests manual handling requirements and a hoist and sling may be required). There is a disposable sling in with each piece of evacuation equipment in the event of a sling not being able to be located in the emergency situation. The guest will then be moved on the chair to the location identified by the nurse in charge (Fire warden). Staff will be sent in pairs to evacuate guests with complex manual handling issues so there will be two staff present to manoeuvre the evacuation equipment.
Staff training in the use of evacuation equipment
All staff (not volunteers) are trained in the use of fire evacuation equipment. As part of a staff member’s induction training, they attend a fire session with the Head of Services who goes over the evacuation process and use of evacuation equipment. All new staff have a go at operating both the chair and the sledge at this point. During January every year we hold mandatory staff training and one of these sessions is fire and evacuation – a reminder of how to use the equipment and a practice evacuation using the equipment is part of this session. On the evening guests arrive at Leuchie a member of the nursing team explains to the guests the fire evacuation process.