What procedure should be adopted for persons who cannot move quickly, or at all, down stairs?
A12. As mentioned above, the disabled access lifts can be used to evacuate disabled persons in an emergency. Elsewhere, staircases are the only option. It is a fact that persons who are aged or infirm, persons with lower limb disabilities, heavily pregnant women, etc., can delay the evacuation of others on staircases and if there is any panic they might very well be pushed over by the more able-bodied and a disaster occur. Accordingly, the standard procedure is to evacuate such persons horizontally to a staircase landing and wait at the side with a colleague until the crowd passes and then descend at their own pace if possible. Meanwhile a message should be sent in person to the Duty Attendant by a second colleague giving details of location etc. The Duty Attendant will arrange for them to be evacuated by trained staff or the fire brigade if necessary. Indeed, if it transpires that there is no immediate danger then such persons may not have to evacuate further and so be spared the poss
