Evacuation Ski Pad

Answer: Since the amendments of 2003 to the Fire Services Act 1981, and the requirement of the Safety Health and Welfare At Work Act 2005 the Fire Service is no longer obliged to provide a "complete evacuation service" for premises placing the onus upon the person with responsibility for the management of fire safety within the organisation.

Answer: Everyone has to have the same right of evacuation in an emergency, and the responsibility to ensure this is in place falls upon the person having the responsibility for the management of fire safety within the organisation.

Answer: Yes, depending on the size and style of stairwells and landings.

Answer: The Ski Pad has been safe load tested to a weight of 160kg. If an individual of this maximum weight is to be moved multiple handlers will be required to move the pad safely - please refer to the safety instructions for advice on safe working load weights. If a very large/obese/bariatric individual is to be moved, a device such as the Bariatric EvacMat should be considered - this device solves the problem of body mass stabilisation, has a safe working load weight of 350kg and has multiple ladder handles allowing for multiple handler contact.

Answer: Once used in an evacuation - if any damage occurs, it is recommended that the Ski Pad should be replaced.

Answer: Yes, the Ski Pad is ideal for use with elderly or fragile patients/residents as they are protected while being moved by the internal foam pad. If the patient/resident is living with brittle bones, then a double thickness Ski Pad should be considered.

Answer: Visual checks should be made after each use. Should any damage occur to stitching, webbing, buckles, base or the foot pocket the Ski Pad should be replaced. It is also recommended that Ski Pads that haven't been used are occasionally checked to ensure that they haven't been tampered with.

Answer: No. Due to varying policies on safe, appropriate wall fixing for individual organisations, Ski Pads are not supplied with fixings. However, suitable heavy-duty hooks can be sourced from any good DIY store.

Answer: The standard Ski Pad has metal buckles so; therefore, it is not suitable for use in MRI or X-ray areas. However, plastic buckles can be fitted instead of metal making them MRI and X-ray compatible. The MRI and X-ray compatible Ski Pad comes standard with three securing straps.

Answer: Product demonstrations are available on Ski Pads throughout Ireland, subject to prior arrangement and availability of consultants.

Answer: No, as this places both the staff member and the patient/resident at a high level of risk.

Answer: No, for staff to operate a Ski Pad safely, they must receive face to face training with a competent person, as the operation of a ski pad is both skill and knowledge based.

Answer: No, a rescue training dummy must be used to simulate a patient/resident for training with a Ski Pad.

Answer: Training packages are available throughout Ireland, subject to prior arrangement for further information; please contact our office.

Answer: The Ski Pad comes complete in a storage bag which can be wall mounted at the head of fire escapes, in rooms or along corridors. When needed, in an emergency, the Ski Pad is quickly and easily removed from its storage bag by pulling the velcro tab - if the Ski Pad is wall mounted there is no need to take it off as the pad will fall to the floor once the velcro fastening is released. Once the Ski Pad has been laid out and buckles unfastened, the patient/resident can be transferred on to the pad. The transfer can be performed on a bed, floor, chair or wheelchair, and his/her feet (if possible ) be placed in the foot pocket to prevent him/her from slipping down the mat when being moved down flights of stairs. The seat belt style metal buckles can then be fastened over the patient/resident and adjusted for a snug fit, securing the user safely on the Ski Pad - if available pillows can be placed over the patients/residents chest and legs before fastening the straps for extra comfort. The patient/resident is then ready to be pulled to a place of relevant safety. While being moved, the patient/resident is protected by a 50mm foam pad. The tough, slippery, vinyl-coated base means that the Ski Pad moves easily down stairs, over indoor and outdoor surfaces, so the patient/resident can be safely and quickly evacuated.

Answer: It is advised that only a Ski Pad that has been used for staff training or partial evacuation within a building (between internal fire safety zones) may be cleaned if it becomes dirty. However only the vinyl base and storage bag can be cleaned. If the Ski Pad requires cleaning, the vinyl components can be wiped with antibacterial wipes and air dried. To renew the base surface of a training mat and help it slide, a spray polish may be applied and then buffed with a clean, dry cloth. Only once all the components are fully dried, should the Ski Pad be stored away in its bag. If the top cotton becomes soiled it is recommended that the Ski Pad be replaced to prevent cross contamination. An "all vinyl" Ski Pad can be produced to help meet individual organisations cleaning policies. If a Ski Pad is used for a total evacuation and is pulled over road surfaces or gravel, the vinyl base may become worn and unfit for use after the evacuation process has been completed. At this point, the Ski Pad has done its intended job and should be replaced by a new Ski Pad in line with your fire safety policy and risk assessments. After use or cleaning, visual checks should be made on the stitching, buckles, vinyl base and all webbing. If any damage has occurred the Ski Pad should be replaced.