> I would like advice on the issue on disabled people's access to our
> buildings, where a fire refuge facility is in place for disabled people
> that cannot use the stairs, who access the upper levels via a lift.
May I chime in on this subject with an idea that has been buzzing in my head since reading
stories about evacuees from the World Trade Centre collapse. In that tragedy even able-bodied
men found it exhausting to climb down ninety stories of stairs.
The solution I have is that there should be a knee high folding slide attached to the railing of
each flight of stairs. Normally the slide will be folded up vertically against the railings and out of
the way. In an emergency evacuation these are folded down so that those who are weak or
have mobility problems can sit on the slide, put one arm on the handrail for balance and walk
their feet on the steps to slow their descent. For those who are injured and need help, helpers
can get him to lie on the slide while they hold onto him to slow down his descent. This will
certainly be easier and less tiring than having an injured person wrap his arms around the
helper for assistance, or to get two or more persons carry him out bodily.
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