The Evacuation Ski Sheet has been used in some very high-profile fires, the best example of which was the Royal Marsden Hospital Fire, in London, January 2008, when a complete evacuation of the hospital was required. This included the evacuation of the ICU and operating theatres, where one patient was undergoing extensive surgery. Staff at the hospital evacuated more than 40 patients from the fourth floor, on their mattresses, using the Evacuation Ski Sheet, which was available on each bed.
- The Evacuation Ski Sheet has been safety tested to a maximum weight of 250kg.
- The recommended safe working load for a Ski Evacuation Sheet is 120kg for two people
Note:
- Beware of imitations or equipment that has not received third party certification; you cannot afford your evacuation aid to fail when in use.
- The genuine Evacuation Ski Sheet is fitted with seat-belt style IMMI buckles.
- When considering the selection of an evacuation aid, it is also essential to determine the particular risks that staff may encounter utilising such equipment.
- This includes pulling handles that are too short for staff to move safely, particularly when descending stairs.
- Another critical element of an evacuation aid is its construction method; you need to be confident that the device you have chosen is robust, and offers protection to the patient or resident when they are being evacuated.
A product information DVD is available; Â it is not intended to substitute for training as no DVD can correct handling errors or bad habits.
Certified training is also available on this product:Â Â Evacuation Aid Training Course.
Phoenix STS is the only company in Ireland authorised to deliver “train the trainer” courses using the Evacuation Ski Sheet.
Evacuation Ski Sheet
Since the changes to the Fire Services Act 1981 in 2003, the Fire Service is no longer obliged to provide a “complete evacuation service” for premises, thus placing the onus upon the business owner and changes in the ‘Disability Act’ – which now states that everyone must have the same right of evacuation in an emergency.