Evacuation Chairs

Evacuation chairs are designed to allow people to assist people with mobility issues to exit the building safely in an emergency situation.

What is an Evac Chair?

Evac Chairs are compact and foldable chairs used to evacuate people with a disability or mobility issue down the stairs.

The Evac Chairs used by San Francisco State University (SFSU) have wheels and rubber tracks, which allow for a controlled speed of descent downstairs, and have an additional brake when stationary.

One or two people can operate the chair.

How To Use an Evac Chair? - Evac Chair Training

View an Evac chair training video.

To schedule Evac Chair training for your department or staff, contact Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) at sfehs@sfsu.edu or call (415) 338-2565 to schedule hands-on training.

Safety Tips When Using the Evac Chair

• Do not allow untrained helpers to assist in the chair's operation.
• Untrained helpers can cause injury to the passenger or themselves.
• Ensure the chair is locked in the unfolded position.
• An unlocked chair can fold up during use, causing an injury to the passenger or operator.
• Always use all of the restraint straps on the chair.
• When a passenger weighs more than 200 pounds, use at least two operators.
• Tipping could occur if the chair is moved while wheel locks are applied, resulting in injury to the passenger or operator and damage to the chair.
• Only use wheel locks during passenger transfer or without a passenger on the chair.

Where are Evac Chairs Located?

Evac Chair Maintenance, Repair or Replacement

Contact the Office of Emergency Services to address evac chair maintenance, repair, or replacement at E-mail: oes@sfsu.edu  Phone: (415) 338-7300