ADA National Network Learning Session: Emergency Stair Travel Devices

Safe, efficient travel along stairs is a key component of an emergency evacuation plan, in a high-rise or any building where the evacuation path includes stairways. There is a wide range of emergency stair travel devices, each with a unique combination of features to promote occupant and operator safety. The webinar will provide an overview of several devices of the carry-type, track-type, or sled-type design categories. Additionally, the results of a FEMA-funded study of both physical demands on device operators and consumer opinion of the devices will be included. Recent efforts to establish a performance standard for the devices will also be presented.

Learning objectives:

• Identify the three main design types of emergency stair travel devices used during building evacuation.

• Identify three design features which are intended to promote the safety of device occupants.

• Identify two design features which promote the safety of device operators.

• Identify two ANSI/RESNA ED-1 test methods intended to ensure a minimum level of performance of emergency stair travel devices.