Hi Barry and all
from what I remember from my days as NATFHE safety rep, yes, that's correct - persons with a mobility disability should not be assisted out of the building by persons other than fire marshalls and Fire Brigade personnel. They may be assisted, if necessary, to the designated assembly-point for wheelchair users, and then they will be taken outside by the marshalls and Fire Brigade... carried, probably.
As a disabled person with reduced mobility (though not a wheelchair user - yet!) I find it frustrating - though understandable - that lifts must not be used, and I have to stagger downstairs during fire-drills, causing a severe tailback. Perhaps I should locate the designated point for mobility-disabled folk and stand there and wait? In the event of a real fire, that would put me and my fellow disabled in a position of greater risk than the so-called able-bodied, as I may inhale smoke or be pushed over in the crush. Strewth..
Anyway, for what it's worth, yes, I think it's correct, though I can't remember the exact source of that info.
C
Crissie Laugesen
Translator for Deaf Staff
University of Central Lancashire
Preston PR1 2HE
UK
voice/minicom + 44 1772 893092
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