Fire safety and accessibility are two areas that should always work in tandem, but in practice, they can sometimes conflict.
At Sesame Access, we’re often asked how wheelchair access solutions fit into fire egress strategies. It’s a fair question, and one that frequently arises with access officers, architects, and building control teams. So, let’s unpack how accessibility and fire safety can be designed to complement each other.
Understanding fire egress
In simple terms, fire egress means how people get out of a building safely in the event of a fire. For most pedestrians, this is straightforward - find the nearest fire exit and follow the escape route.
But for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility, it’s rarely that simple. Stairs, narrow corridors, and inaccessible routes can turn what’s an easy escape for some into an impossible one for others.
That’s why, when designing accessible buildings, we have to think about inclusive evacuation from the very start.
The challenge of powered lifts
One of the biggest questions we hear is: “Can wheelchair lifts be used during a fire?”
According to British Standards, powered lifts within a building shouldn’t be used during a fire, just in case the power fails. It’s a vital safety measure to prevent anyone from being stranded.
However, that doesn’t mean a lift can’t be part of a well-planned evacuation strategy. Many modern accessibility solutions, including our Sesame lifts, are designed with 24V battery back-ups as standard.
These battery back-ups allow the user to:
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Emergency lower lift to a safe position
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Lower barriers or gates
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Exit safely, even in a power outage
Some installations can be fitted with a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) battery backup system. This optional system provides limited temporary power if the building’s main supply fails. Its purpose is solely to return the retracting stairs to their normal, pedestrian-accessible position, allowing people to exit the area safely via the steps.
The UPS backup is not required if the building already has its own emergency or generator-based backup supply.
It is important to note that the UPS system must never be used to evacuate wheelchair users. The lifts are not located within a fire-rated lift shaft and are therefore unsuitable for use during an evacuation. In the event of an emergency, evacuation chairs or designated refuge routes should be used for mobility-impaired occupants, in line with the building’s fire strategy.
The key is ensuring the lift forms part of a clearly defined fire procedure, agreed with your fire officer or consultant.
Can your wheelchair lift be on a fire-exit staircase?
Yes, your wheelchair lift can be on a fire-exit staircase, but only if you coordinate closely with your fire officer and have a robust fire-evacuation plan in place.
British Standards prohibit relying on a wheelchair lift for evacuation during a fire (e.g., in the event of power failure).
Sesame Access wheelchair lifts include a 24 V battery backup as standard (allowing emergency lowering/opening), yet this does not by itself transform a lift into a safe fire-escape route without the correct procedures and approvals.
The importance of working together
Every building is unique - in layout, use, and evacuation routes. That’s why we always recommend involving your fire officer or fire consultant right at the beginning of any accessibility project.
Together, we can:
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Review where the lift will be positioned
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Understand how it fits within the overall fire strategy
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Make sure the right emergency procedures are in place
Early conversations make all the difference. They allow safety and accessibility to evolve together, not as two separate systems trying to meet in the middle.
Different users have different needs
When thinking about fire egress, it’s vital to remember that not everyone experiences a building the same way.
A standing pedestrian can move quickly and use stairs without assistance. A seated wheelchair user, however, needs a clear, level route and possibly staff support. These differences should be reflected in your evacuation planning. The goal isn’t identical routes, but equal safety outcomes.
Inclusive design means planning for everyone, so that no one is left behind in an emergency.
Designing for safety and inclusion
The best fire strategies are those that consider accessibility right from the start. This means talking to fire officers and access consultants early in the design process, thinking carefully about how lifts, ramps and exits all work together, and putting clear evacuation procedures in place for every building user.
At Sesame Access, we’ve worked with hundreds of architects and access officers on projects where fire safety and accessibility are both prioritised. Our experience shows that when teams collaborate from the very beginning, achieving both safety and inclusion can be straightforward.
Fire safety and accessibility should never conflict. With thoughtful planning, open communication and the right technology, buildings can be both safe and inclusive for everyone.
Get in touch to see how we can transform your accessibility with a lift that blends seamlessly into your fire and access strategy.