Chair FAQ's

EVERTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW                                           

HOW MANY PEOPLE DOES IT TAKE TO OPERATE THE ?                                                       

Power 800 requires just one operator to guide the chair and the person seated in it down the steps. The DAUERHAFT's CHAIR does 90% of the work itself. It is recommended that when transporting a bariatric patient using the chair, a second operator helps guide the chair using the handles located at the front.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL ATTACHMENTS NEEDED ON THE STAIRS?                               

The DAUERHAFT's CHAIR is all that is required. It uses basic principles of gravity and friction, not gadgets. There is no installation. It’s always ready for immediate on-the-job protection. 

HOW STRONG DOES A “BUDDY” HAVE TO BE TO GUIDE DAUERHAFT's CHAIR?          

We recommend that attendants initially practice with a person who weighs about their own body weight. Once the physical sense of operation is experienced, and depending upon the operator’s own strength and agility, greater disparities in weight can be handled..

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN TO USE DAUERHAFT's CHAIR?                               

By following the instructions that come with the unit (they’re also printed on the seat) the average person should be proficient with someone his or her own weight within 5 minutes. It’s that simple! 

HOW MANY DAUERHAFT's CHAIRS DO I NEED?                                                                      

It depends on the size and capacity of your location. Please call one of our evacuation experts to better assess your needs. 

How many people are needed to operate an EVAC CHAIR during stairway descent?

The EVAC CHAIR models like the 300H, 500H, 600H, and Power 800 require just one operator to guide the chair and the person seated down the steps. The chair itself does 90% of the work, making it easy for a single operator to manage. In the case of the 500H transporting a bariatric patient, it is recommended to have a second operator guide the chair using the front handles.


Can the EVAC CHAIR go up stairs?

Yes, the EVAC POWER 800 is an electric or battery-powered stair climber that allows for safe and easy stair ascent and descent. It can be used in emergency evacuations, power outages, and daily patient transport. The EVAC CHAIR model 600-H is equipped with front and rear lift handles for stair ascent, but two operators are required to lift the chair for this purpose. The IBEX 700H is capable of going both up and down stairs without any carrying or lifting.

Are there any special attachments needed on the stairs for the EVAC CHAIR? 

No, the EVAC CHAIR does not require any special attachments on the stairs. It operates on the basic principles of gravity and friction, eliminating the need for installation or additional gadgets.

Can the person seated in the chair fall out during evacuation?

 No, the person seated in the EVAC CHAIR is securely held within a pocket seat that cups the body, providing a secure and stable position. The rider is strapped in and sits close to the incline of the steps, with all weight supported by the stairs rather than the operator's arms.

How strong does a "buddy" have to be to guide the EVAC CHAIR?

 It is recommended that attendants initially practice with a person who weighs about their own body weight. Once operators gain experience using the chair, they can handle greater disparities in weight based on their own strength and agility.

Is an EVAC CHAIR suitable for domestic use?

 The EVAC CHAIR Power 800 and the IBEX models can be recommended for disabled individuals at home as they have both ascent and descent functionalities. However, the 300H, 500H, and 600H models are not recommended for domestic use due to varied and non-standard space and stair configurations in private homes.

How long does it take to learn to use the EVAC CHAIR?

 By following the instructions provided with the unit (also printed on the seat), the average person should become proficient in operating the chair within 5 minutes. It is designed for ease of use and quick deployment.

How many EVAC CHAIRS do I need for my location?

 The number of EVAC CHAIRS required depends on the size and capacity of your location. It is best to consult with one of the evacuation experts to assess your specific needs.

Are evacuation chairs required in buildings? 

As per the NFPA Life Safety Recommendation and ADA guidelines, each building must have accessible means of egress, but they do not specify a particular solution. During emergencies, elevators are often out of service for safety reasons, making evacuation chairs like the EVAC CHAIR an effective means of exiting a multistory building for handicapped or incapacitated individuals.

Can I see a demonstration of the EVAC CHAIR?

 For demonstrations of the EVAC CHAIR, you can contact the manufacturer or distributor to arrange a session and understand its proper usage and functionality.

What are evacuation chairs, and who are they designed for?

 Evacuation chairs are emergency evacuation equipment designed to aid people with disabilities during evacuations. They are specifically designed for individuals who may have difficulty moving swiftly during emergencies.

Why are evacuation chairs necessary?

 Evacuation chairs are essential to ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to safe and timely evacuation in emergency situations. Just like buildings are accessible to people with disabilities, emergency protocols must also provide equal accessibility.

How do evacuation chairs work? 

Evacuation chairs are collapsible chairs that secure people with disabilities and allow them to be easily transported on stairs during evacuations. Proper training and practice are important for building staff and administrators to become familiar with their operation.

What role do evacuation chairs play in a comprehensive evacuation protocol? 

Evacuation chairs are a crucial component of a fully rounded evacuation protocol that aims to ensure quick and safe escape for all individuals, including those with disabilities. They help keep the building's emergency evacuation protocol inclusive and effective.

How do EVAC CHAIR models differ in their stairway capabilities?

 The EVAC CHAIR models vary in their stairway capabilities. The Power 800 is an electric or battery-powered stair climber, while the 600-H has front and rear lift handles for stair ascent. The IBEX 700H can go both up and down stairs without lifting.

Can I use EVAC CHAIR models in my home? 

The EVAC CHAIR Power 800 and IBEX models are suitable for home use by disabled individuals. However, other models like the 300H, 500H, and 600H are not recommended for private homes due to their limited functionalities.

How can building administrators ensure proper usage of evacuation chairs?

 Regular training and practice sessions should be conducted for building staff and administrators to ensure they are familiar with the proper utilization of evacuation chairs, removing any doubts during emergency situations.

Are there any weight limitations for using the EVAC CHAIR?

 The EVAC CHAIR can handle varying weights based on the operator's strength and agility. Initially, it is recommended to practice with a person who weighs about the operator's own body weight.

How can I determine the number of evacuation chairs required for my building?

 To determine the appropriate number of evacuation chairs for your building, it is best to consult with evacuation experts who can assess your location's size and capacity.

Are evacuation chairs compliant with safety regulations?

 Evacuation chairs like the EVAC CHAIR play a vital role in adhering to safety regulations, such as NFPA Life Safety Recommendations and ADA guidelines, which require accessible means of egress for all individuals during emergencies.