Question 1

Why do I need an emergency evacuation plan for my workplace?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Employers are responsible for ensuring the safety of everyone in their workplace, especially during emergencies such as a fire. This includes employees, contractors, visitors and customers. It is important to be prepared to ensure everyone can evacuate quickly and safely. As people with disability are more vulnerable during an evacuation additional planning to get them out in an emergency is required. More information

Question 2

Why do I need a Carbon Monoxide alarm?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens gradually and the severity depends on the amount inhaled and duration of exposure. When carbon monoxide is inhaled it interferes with our ability to get oxygen to our body and tissues. It also affects our blood vessels and causes them to become leaky, which can lead to unconsciousness and neurological damage. More information

Question 3

Which type of smoke alarm should I install?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Fires can start in many different ways, and are often unpredictable, so installing both ionisation and photoelectric smoke alarms is the best choice for your protection. Because many residential fires begin by smouldering, photoelectric smoke alarms provide the best overall protection, so if you decide to only install one type of smoke alarm, we recommend you choose photoelectric. More information

Question 4

Which essential items will help make my workplace evacuation plan accessible to all – including people with disability?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Providing your employees with a safe workplace is not just common sense but also a legal requirement, and an important aspect of this is being prepared for an emergency. Many business owners are unaware of the huge range of emergency equipment available and how much having the right products on hand when you need them can improve the chances of getting everyone to safety.

More information

Question 5

Which essential items should I keep in my car in case of an emergency?

shelley · Accepted Answer

When you’re travelling and out and about in the car, there are many emergency situations that you may encounter while on the road. For peace of mind, it pays to have your car stocked with a few essential items. A Car & Travel First Aid Kit, Emergency Smoke Mask & Escape Hood, glass breaker and a torch. More information

Question 6

Where should I install smoke alarms

Bruce Bromley · Accepted Answer

In your home, smoke alarms should be placed between each bedroom area and the rest of the house, and if you have a two-storey home, they must be located on all levels. Plus, if anyone sleeps with their door shut, you should install a smoke alarm inside the bedroom too. Photoelectric smoke alarms are ideal for hallways and living areas, while ionisation smoke alarms are good for bedrooms. More Information

Question 7

Where can I get advice about my legal obligations to provide a safe workplace for my staff?

shelley · Accepted Answer

The new WHS legislation requires that the PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) demonstrates due diligence. That being said, they must firstly have assessed the risks and identify any foreseeable hazards, then utilising the Hierarchy of control they must implement control measures. This specifically states the obligation to plan for all emergencies and provide training and practice that is appropriate to the nature of the risks associated with the work In short we are obliged to take into a count the risk to everyone including people with disability within a work place and to ensure they can get out in an emergency, this includes assisting the risk and implementing controls. More information

Question 8

When should I check my smoke alarms?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Test all your smoke alarms every month to make sure they are working. All smoke alarms hard-wired or battery operated, are manufactured to a standard that requires them to have an effective life of 10 years. After this time, their efficiency can be compromised or they may malfunction. The use by date, or date of manufacture, should be stamped on the alarm, so check this yearly when you change your batteries. If any of your alarms are 10 years old replace them straight away. More information

Question 9

What types of emergency ladders are available?

shelley · Accepted Answer

We have two types of Emergency Evacuation Ladders. The Emergency Escape Evacuation Ladder and the Emergency Escape Rope Ladder. Both come in two storey and three storey. Easythrow Emergency Escape Evacuation Ladder: Made from aluminium alloy with a “V” centre support, the Emergency Evacuation Ladder has an adjustable hanger and a load capacity of 450kg. It can also be folded down to a small size, which means it’s easy and convenient to store away when not in use. Emergency Escape Rope Ladder: designed to attach to balustrades with the hook provided. The rungs are made from Non-Slip Epoxy Polyester and fixed to FRP Nylon ropes. The Emergency Evacuation Ladder is supplied with a hook and has a load capacity of 150kg. It can also be folded down or rolled up to a small size, which means it’s easy and convenient to store away when not in use. More information

Question 10

What things should be considered when evacuating a school in an emergency

shelley · Accepted Answer

An evacuation in a school is particularly challenging – that’s why having an emergency evacuation plan that caters for everyone – including those with mobility limitations – is essential. Here, we’ll discuss some of the unique challenges schools face in getting everyone out safely, and provide some tips to help you overcome them. More information

Question 11

What is your returns policy?

shelley · Accepted Answer

We will gladly refund products still in their original sale condition on presentation of the original EvacuLife sales invoice. Please pack the whole item along with a short note with your instructions and send it to: 6/20 Duerdin Street, Clayton, Vic, 3168 More information

Question 12

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Bruce Bromley · Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless, which means it cannot be detected in the air by humans. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause serious long-term health problems and even death. More information

Question 13

What is an Evacuation Chair?

Bruce Bromley · Accepted Answer

An Evacuation Chair or Escape Chair is used to evacuate non-ambulatory people in an emergency when lifts cannot be used. This includes people with temporary or permanent disability, pregnant woman, the obese or someone that is post-operative to such a degree that the person is unable to move from place to place without the aid of a mobility device. The evacuation chair is foldable and easily deployed and will have wheels and rubber belted tracks to aid in a control decent down stair quickly and safely. For evacuations that require going upstairs such as from a basement, there are chairs with additional carry handles or battery powered motors. More Information

Question 14

What is an emergency evacuation ladder?

Bruce Bromley · Accepted Answer

Emergency Evacuation Ladders are an essential safety item for multi storey homes and workplaces. They are simple to use and set up, and when it’s needed it can be deployed quickly. In an emergency, lifts and stairs are often no longer accessible, and the ladder provides occupants with a safe way to escape. Emergency Evacuation Ladders are an important addition to your home or workplace emergency toolkit. More Information

Question 15

What is a smoke or fire mask for evacuation

Bruce Bromley · Accepted Answer

Designed to be lightweight and adjustable the smoke masks can be used by adults and children - perfect for home, schools, universities and workplaces. In the case of an emergency, all you need to do is keep calm and kit up by placing the mask and hood over your head. Keeping calm is essential in any fire situation and by using our mask and hoods it will allow you time to be calm and exit safely. You will also be protected from poisonous toxic fumes and as every second count in a fire emergency this extra protection keeps you safe and will allow you to help others exit safely. More information

Question 16

What is a PEEP or Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan?

shelley · Accepted Answer

A Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEP) IS an individual emergency plan designed for those occupants with disability or elderly and provide emergency responses, diagrams and steps for safe evacuation. We know that with the increases in access to buildings the likelihood of having an individual with a disability in the building during an emergency evacuation is also increased. If people with a disability can get into a building then, given appropriate planning, they will be able to get out again in an emergency. The most important component to emergency evacuation is – to get everyone out safely.

Download Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan Templates

More information

Question 17

What essential items should I keep at home in case of an emergency?

shelley · Accepted Answer

In an emergency situation, if your home is well-equipped with the right tools to assist you, it could save a life. Every home is different and each comes with its own unique potential risks. A Home First Aid Kit, Emergency Smoke Mask & Escape Hood, an Emergency Escape Evacuation Ladder (2 story homes), Glass Breaker, Fire-Resistant Document Bags and a Torch. More information

Question 18

What does Get Down Low and Go, Go, Go mean?

shelley · Accepted Answer

If you’re caught in a fire, the air is cooler and cleaner low to the ground. When evacuating, crawl to the nearest safe exit – get down low and go, go, go! More information

Question 19

How often should I practice with my children using the ladders?

shelley · Accepted Answer

We recommend that Escape Ladders be used for practice drills at least once a year. After each use, the ladder must be fully inspected prior to re assembly to ensure it has not been damaged. More information

Question 20

How often should I check smoke alarm batteries?

shelley · Accepted Answer

When you change your clock at the end of daylight savings, change your smoke alarm batteries too. All smoke alarms, whether ionised or photoelectric, hard-wired or battery operated, are manufactured to a standard that requires them to have an effective life of 10 years. After this time, their efficiency can be compromised or they may malfunction. More information

Question 21

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Orders received by 1pm, will be processed the same day. Orders after 1pm will be processed the next day. Please allow 2-5 business days for standard delivery, from date of purchase. Should you require your purchased item/s earlier, please contact our office and we will provide you with a quote for express shipping or alternatively you can pick up your items direct from our showroom. If you have any inquiries about your order, please contact us via our contact details provided. More information

Question 22

How do I protect my documents in case of fire?

shelley · Accepted Answer

The EvacuLife Fire Resistant Document Bag helps keep your documents safe in the event of a fire. It is made from a fire resistant material that is designed to keep your valuables and documents safe such as passports, birth certificates, loan documents and the like. More information

Question 23

How do I make a Home Fire Escape Plan?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Draw up a plan of your house, including all the exits and smoke alarms. Locate two ways out of every room using either windows or doors, mark it on the plan, and go into each room to visualise it so everyone is clear. Keeping your plan fresh in the minds of everyone in the house, especially children, can be the difference between panic and chaos and calm and confident if an emergency does happen. More information

Question 24

How do I keep children safe at home?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Keep Fire Out of Reach : Always store lighters and matches well out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet or cupboard up high.
Explain the Dangers Clearly: Explain in age-appropriate terms what it is and the damage it can cause.
Always Set the Right Example: Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement or entertainment and always act responsibly around fires both inside and outside the home.
Watch for Fire Starting Danger Signs: Most fires started by children occur when they are left alone and have access to a flame source.

More information

Question 25

How do I get disabled people down stairs in an emergency?

shelley · Accepted Answer

We believe that the use of evacuation chairs can help meet the needs of occupants with mobility disabilities when correctly implemented, but consideration for their use must extend to the need for appropriate training, inclusion of their use into emergency plans, evacuation drills and maintenance & inspection programs. More information

Question 26

How do I evacuate someone who cannot sit down?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Evacuation Sleds are devices that can easily evacuate a non-ambulatory person down multiple flights of stairs quickly and safely. They allow staff to transport patients 2 – 3 times their own weight with no lifting as they use a roll and drag method of movement. More information

Question 27

How do I evacuate disabled staff when lifts cannot be used?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Install a powered stair climber that can help make sure that people with limited mobility are able to get up and down stairs properly. Stair climbers aren’t just beneficial for people who have difficulty getting around. They also help emergency responders who report to the scene when a lift breaks and people have to be moved within a building. More information

Question 28

How do I evacuate babies from a childcare centre?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Med Sled Infant Insert provides a safe and comfortable method for evacuating your most delicate patients. The insert can hold up to 3 Infants. The Insert fits inside an MS36 Med Sled for transportation. This device eliminates the need to carry the child. More information

Question 29

How do I evacuate a disabled person from my building?

shelley · Accepted Answer

All buildings must develop, implement and adopt emergency plans to ensure a safe environment for employees, residents and visitors. Where a person might have difficulty negotiating an exit route (i.e. using a fire stairs), each building must implement some management controls to provide for people with disability. More information

Question 30

How can my children be safe in a fire?

shelley · Accepted Answer

By including emergency escape hoods as part of your fire evacuation plan you can help prevent injury and save lives. Designed to be lightweight and adjustable the smoke masks can be used by adults and children. More information

Question 31

How can I protect myself from bushfire smoke?

shelley · Accepted Answer

To protect yourself and others from the adverse health effects of smoke inhalation, the best thing you can do is limit your exposure. Wearing a mask to protect yourself from bushfire smoke can be effective, depending on the quality of the equipment you use. Bandannas and ordinary paper dust masks do not provide adequate protection for your lungs as they fail to filter out the fine particles in bushfire smoke that cause the damage. More information

Question 32

How can I make my home safe for my elderly parents?

shelley · Accepted Answer

If possible, older adults should sleep in a ground-floor bedroom, with a smoke alarm installed both inside and just outside the room. Your home fire escape plan should designate someone to help older adults get out safely if required, plus a backup in case they are not at home. If hearing loss is a concern and they are unable to hear a smoke alarm, a vibration pad may be used to wake them in the event of a fire. More information

Question 33

How can I be safe when evacuating my apartment?

shelley · Accepted Answer

While a sound emergency evacuation plan is vital, and should include provisions for those who may need assistance to exit safely. Introducing smoke masks in residential buildings in the event that a fire does occur and smoke fills the space residents can still evacuate. By including emergency escape hoods as part of your fire evacuation plan you can help prevent injury and save lives. More information

Question 34

How can children escape a fire at home?

shelley · Accepted Answer

Smoke alarms are an important first step in fire safety, but when you back them up with a clear and well-rehearsed fire escape plan, you give your family the best chance of escape. Making a plan and ensuring your home is well prepared for a house fire doesn’t take much time or effort, and it can be the difference between life and death. More information

Question 35

Do you offer international shipping?

shelley · Accepted Answer

At this stage, Evaculife sells and ships items only within Australia. New Zealand orders can be placed on evaculife.co.nz Visit NZ Website

Question 36

Do I need an emergency ladder in my home?

Bruce Bromley · Accepted Answer

If a fire or other emergency situation occurs and your home is multi storey you need more than one option to get down to the lower floor and safely evacuate. If you live or work in a multistorey building, if a fire or other emergency situation occurs you need more than one option to get down to the lower floor and safely evacuate. Lifts are often out of action, and should not be used during a fire, and if the stairs are blocked due to the emergency, it pays to have a backup plan. More Information

Workplace Evacuation Planning

What is a PEEP or Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan?

How do I evacuate a disabled person from my building?

What things should be considered when evacuating a school in an emergency

Where can I get advice about my legal obligations to provide a safe workplace for my staff?

Which essential items will help make my workplace evacuation plan accessible to all – including people with disability?

Which essential items should I keep in my car in case of an emergency?

Why do I need an emergency evacuation plan for my workplace?

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