Emergency Procedures for Employees with Disabilities in Office Occupancies 

Federal Emergency Management Agency 
United States Fire Administration 

CONTENTS 
Acknowledgements .......................... ii 

I. Introduction ............................. 1 
Detection ............................. .2 
Notification. ............................ 2 
Movement ............................. 3 
How to Proceed. ......................... 3 

II. Planning ............................. . . 4 
Identifying Special Needs. .................. 4 
Discussion With the Individual .............. 5 
Put It in Writing ......................... 5 
Periodic Review ......................... 5 

III. Special Equipment/ Devices ............... 7 
Notification Appliances .................... 7 
Movement Aids/ Equipment ................ 9 
Elevators. ............................. 12 
Miscellaneous Devices. ................... 12 
Sprinklered Buildings .................... 12 
Areas of Refuge/ Rescue Assistance .......... 13 

IV. Providing Assistance .................... 14 
Identifying Those With Special Needs ........ 14 
Buddy Systems and Fire Wardens ........... 14 
Spontaneous Assistance Techniques ......... 16 
Fire Department Coordination. ............. 20 
After Working Hours. .................... 20 

V. Glossary ............................... 21 
Critical Language. ....................... 24 

VI. Resources ............................. 25 

VII. References ........................... 26 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

With funding from the United States Fire Administration, this guide was develop 
by the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology with assistance from the National 
Task Force on Life Safety and People with Disabilities. 

For additional copies of this publication write to: United States Fire 
Administration 16825 South Seton Avenue Emmitsburg, Maryland 21727 

Review Panel 
The following individuals comprised our Review Panel. Their willingness to serve 
through the planning session, resource, draft review.... sometimes at a moment's 
notice and always ready with advice and information for inclusion in this guide. 

Brian Black 
Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association 

Marianne Cashatt 
Consultant. Disability Awareness/ Public Relations 

Alan Clive 
Federal Emergency Management Agency 

Eunice Fiorito 
Rehabilitation Services Administration 

Victor Galloway 
Rehabilitation Services Administration 

Anne Hirsh Job Accommodation Network, affiliate of PCEPWD 

Marsha Mazz 
U. S. Architectural 6 Transportation Barriers Compliance Board 

Bill Scott 
Abilities Unlimited 

Certain commercial equipment or products are identified in this guide as 
representative examples of products which are available for the purposes 
discussed. Such identification does not imply endorsement by the U. S. 
Government nor does it imply that the equipment identified is necessarily the 
best available for the purpose. 

ii 

INTRODUCTION 

People with disabilities are increasingly moving into the mainstream of society, 
contributing to the diversity which has been this country's strength. It is only 
right that they be provided with the same level of safety as the rest of 
society, as refer-enced in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Equipment 
and procedures exist that can provide such safety for any person with a 
disability that is not so severe that it would preclude the ability to work. The 
key points regarding finding the best solution for your building are, first, to 
remember that every person with a disability has unique abilities and 
limitations, and accommodations should be tailored to their needs. Second, it is 
crucial that the person be included in the decision on which equipment and 
procedures will work for them to provide them with the confidence that they will 
be protected. 

It is every employer's responsibility to provide a safe place for all employees 
to work. Employees with disabilities are entitled to THE SAME level of safety as 
everyone else (no more/ no less). The "reasonable accommodation" as mandated in 
ADA is intended only to provide this same level of safety and utility as is 
provided to everyone. Further, we cannot predict when any one of us may need 
assistance, such as in the case of a broken leg or the development of heart 
disease. 

The underlying principle in providing safety from fire and smoke in buildings is 
that of safe egress: the efficient relocation of building occupants to an area 
of safety usually outside the building. This depends on several steps. First, we 
must provide for detection of a fire, before it can interfere with the movement 
of people. Next comes notification of the people that a potential danger exists 
and that evacuation to a predetermined point of safety should begin. Third is 
the movement of people through the building spaces to a protected exitway by 
which they can leave the building. 

The techniques for detection, notification and movement are generally 
appropriate for anyone in any setting, but there are some exceptions. For 
example, special considerations are required with regard to movement in the case 
of the "limited mobility" of the patients in health care occupancies and the 
"limitations imposed" on the occupants in correctional occupancies. Both of 
these occupancies require special considerations with regard to movement, or a 
higher 

1 

level of protection (such as "defend in place"), which does not require 
movement. For other occupancies, the presence of individuals with temporary or 
permanent disabilities requires some additional planning. 

The purpose of this guide is to provide information for facilities managers and 
may be useful for those individuals who might need special assistance as to the 
notification of an emergency situation and/ or in the evacuation of a building. 
The information includes examples of equipment available as well as suggestions 
on procedures and comments on some of the advantages and the disadvantages. By 
starting with the same information, options can be discussed and a decision on 
the best approach to providing for the individuals needs can be made. This 
discussion is a crucial step because each person's capabilities and limitations 
are unique; thus plans must be designed to meet the needs of the individual to 
be most effective. 

Detection 

The detection of fires is generally accomplished by automatic systems that do 
not require human intervention. Generally, no special accommodations are needed 
for people with disabilities. 

One exception is where manual pull stations are provided in public buildings by 
which persons can initiate a fire alarm if they discover a fire before it is 
detected by the automatic system. In recent years, codes have been revised to 
require that these manual pull stations be mounted at a height to be within the 
"reach range" of 48" to 54" for the person in a wheel chair. 

Alarms: Strobe and Horn, left, and Strobe for the Hearing Impaired, right, are 
"ADA" and "UL Standard 1971" compliant.

Facility managers should also consider that not all people possess the strength 
and/ or dexterity to operate some of the manual pull station devices (e. g., 
those with arthritis or quadriplegia). 

Notification 

Notification refers to the process of informing occupants that an emergency 
exists and that some action is needed. In most cases, this action is simply to 
evacuate, and the quantity of information to be given is only this fact. 
Traditionally, notification of an emergency has been accomplished by audible 
devices, which are effective for all but those with hearing impairments. 
Recently, visible devices (high intensity flashing lights) are being used along 
with the audible devices to broaden the range of notification effectiveness. 

In larger buildings, emergency evacuation may involve relocation to a safe area 
within the building or sequencing evacuation by floor or area so as not to 
overload the stairways. In such cases, the amount of information that must be 
provided to occupants is substantially greater. This is typically done audibly, 
through emergency 

2 

paging systems. These are effective for all except those with hearing 
impairments where textural displays, (television monitors or scrolling text 
signs) are located throughout the building, or portable devices (tactile/ 
vibratory pagers) have been utilized effectively. 

Movement 

By far, the greatest range of special needs exists in the area of movement of 
persons to safe areas. People using wheelchairs or with other obvious mobility 
disabilities come immediately to mind; but, there are many who may not appear to 
have a disability who will also require some special assistance. 

Permanent conditions such as arthritis or temporary conditions such as a 
sprained ankle or a broken leg can limit one's ability to evacuate quickly and 
safely. Heart disease, emphysema, asthma, or pregnancy can reduce stamina to the 
point of needing assistance when moving down many flights of stairs. 

One major challenge is the identification of those individuals who may need the 
special assistance. Consider persons with emphysema, asthma and other 
respiratory conditions who may perform well in a drill but then experience 
problems in an actual emergency situation, as learned in the World Trade Center 
evacuation as a result of the February 1993 bombing. The people with respiratory 
conditions who were interviewed, described the terror they experienced when 
faced with the grim reality of 
extreme exertion required to escape down the many flights of stairs in 
unfamiliar and smoke-filled stair towers. They also explained that prior to that 
emergency evacuation they had never considered themselves as having a disability 
that would qualify them as potential candidates for inclusion in the emergency 
evacuation plans for those requiring special assistance. 

How to Proceed 

There will always be someone who will need some special assistance in the event 
of a fire or other emergency requiring evacuation. Thus, identifying these 
individuals is essential, never losing sight of the fact that some of these 
people may not recognize their own need for assis-tance. In addition, allowances 
for visi-tors present in the building must also be made. 

Once identified, individuals should be consulted about their specific 
limitations and how best to provide assistance. Finally, the methods for 
accommodation and assistive devices should be selected and discussed. This is 
necessary to assure a safe "emergency" evacuation from the build-ing for the 
individual 
with a disability. 

The remainder of this guide is intended to present the range of possible 
approaches to the accommodation of special needs along with the advantages and 
disadvantages. From this, it is expected that the facility management and the 
affected individuals can make a more informed decision on what approach would 
work best for the specific conditions present. All concerned should operate with 
a common understanding of the options so that an optimum solution can be 
reached. 

3 

II. PLANNING 

Identifying Special Needs 

While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) does not require formal 
emergency plans, Titles I and III do require that policies and procedures of 
public accommodations be modified to include people with disabilities. The 
facility emergency plan which may already have provisions for individuals with 
limited mobility must now include all the other classifications of disabilities 
as covered in the ADA. These include: 

Individuals with varying degrees of mobility impairments, ranging from slow 
walkers to wheelchair users. 

Individuals who are visually impaired and may require special assistance in 
learning the emergency evacuation routes or assistance in proceeding down exit 
stairs. 

Intele-Modem converts a personal computer into a TDD. It also automatically 
converts PC (ASCII) to TDD (Baudot); directly connects to phone lines; 
automatically detects both Baudot and ASCII calls; and is FCC approved. 

Clarity Phone with built-in equalizer automatically tunes, tones and balances 
sounds to improve clarity, making words clearer, not just louder. The phone is 
designed to help those with high frequency hearing loss, a problem affecting 95% 
of the people who are hard-of-hearing. The Clarity adjustment controls set the 
high frequency that is right for each individual. 

4 

Individuals with hearing impairments and who may require modification to the 
standard audible alarms. 

Individuals with temporary impairments due to recovery from serious medical 
conditions such as stroke or traumatic injuries such as a broken leg or a 
sprained ankle or surgeries such as a knee or hip replacement. 

Individuals with medical conditions such as respiratory disorders or pregnancy 
who may tire easily, need special assistance or more time to evacuate. 

Individuals with mental impairments who may become confused when challenged with 
the unusual activity during an emergency, lose their sense of direction, or may 
require having emergency directions that are broken down into simplified steps 
or basic concepts. 

Other populations that need to be considered as being vulnerable, such as 
visitors or customers with small children who require extra time to evacuate 
down stairs, or employees who work outside the normal working hours. All of 
these individuals need to have special provisions or contingencies included in 
the emergency plan for their protection. 

Shake-Up System. 9-V battery smoke detector, signal unit, and vibrator alert 
device. Detector and receiver attach to wall and/ or ceiling with a vibrator 
device placed on the desk. A smoke detector sends a transmitted signal to the 
receiver and activates the vibrator.

Discussion with the Individual 

Keep in mind that someone with a permanent or major impairment generally knows 
the best way to be assisted. A minute or so spent talking with the individual 
will give you crucial information. People providing assistance should be trained 
on how to help without causing injury to themselves or others. This is 
especially relevant if some-one needs to be lifted or carried. 

Put in Writing 

Identify and plan for times (of the day and the week) plus locations in the 
workplace where the basic life safety or emergency contingency plans have not 
been put in place or due, to some other factor, might not work. 

Periodic Review 

Innovative edu-cational techniques such as role playing or the use of 
audiovisual aids might prove more effective than more traditional methods of 
information dissemina-tion used in the past. Practice using the elements of 
sections II and III that you have selected as being appropriate for your 
workplace. Practice will instill confidence in one's ability to cope in an 

5 

emergency. It will also do more than anything else to assure that appropriate 
lifesaving actions will be taken during a real emergency. 

Practice consists of one of three types of activity, -walk through procedures, 
announced drills or surprise drills. 

Walk through Procedures 

Practice separate parts of a plan one at a time. In this way you can concentratc 
your efforts on the particular-parts and particular individuals requiring more 
extensive practice. Members of an emergency response organization (e. g., fire 
wardens) would be prime candidates for this practice This is also a way of 
introducing newly hired employees in the workplace to important parts of the 
plan. 

Announced Drills 

As with the walk through procedures, this is intended more to train than to 
evaluate. Such drills will help identify crucial coordination activities and 
communication links. 

Surprise Drills 

Use these drills infrequently. Depending on the situation, this might be done 
once or twice each year. Surprise drills should involve some realistic elements 
(e. g., blocked exits.) 

Panic has rarely been reported, either in drills or in actual emergencies. 

Ultratec Superprint ES This portable, 20-character display Telecommunications 
Device for the Deaf (TDD) provides printed records of conversations and optional 
auto-answer. 

6 

III. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT/DEVICES 

Notification Appliances 

The disability that most affects the process of notification of an emergency 
condition is hearing impairment. Hearing impairments can range from mild hearing 
loss to an extreme of profound deafness, the level at which individuals receive 
no benefit from aural input. 

Many persons who are hearing impaired can use their residual hearing effectively 
with assistance from hearing aids or other sound amplification devices, often 
augmented by lip reading. 

All-in-One Carrying Case includes: TDD; telephone signaler; telephone amplifier; 
door knock signaler; telecaption decoder; notification vibrator; and visual/ 
audio smoke detector. 

However, hearing aids also amplify background sounds, and the sound of the 
emergency alarms may interfere with or even drown out voice announcements of an 
emergency, voice communication system. 

Systems used for emergency notification must comply with UL1971, the 
Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Emergency Signaling Devices for the 
Hearing Impaired. The signaling devices covered in the UL 1971 standard are 
designed to alert persons with hearing impairments through the use' of light, 
vibrations, and air movement.

This device was used in the study conducted in 1988 by Underwriters Laboratories 
to evaluate alternative signaling systems that would alert persons with hearing 
impairments to fires and other emergency conditions. The study established 
guidelines for the use and installation of the devices covered in "Standard 
1971." 

Many hotels post a sign at the desk to makc deal or hearing impaired guests 
aware that rooms with strobe lights arc available. 

In some government buildings, employees who are deaf or hard of hearing have 
been provided with tactile/ vibratory pagers to notify them when a fire alarm 
has been activated. 

Building managers who wish to provide wheelchair assist equipment for use by 
visitors can receive assistance in selecting appropriate devices from one of the 
groups in the Resources section on page 25. 

7 

Tactile Signage-Raised Text and Braille 

Braille signs have been installed at some locations in buildings to assist 
individuals with visual impairments. You may have noticed these raised patterns 
of dots on elevator control panels. The problem with the use of such labels to 
mark egress doors is that the person must be at the door in order to feel the 
label. Thus, they provide no directional guidance on how to find the door in the 
first place. 

Audible Directional Signage 

Audible remote signage is a way of informing individuals who are visually 
impaired of what they need to know about their environment. 

Audible directional instructions arc transmitted by low power radio waves or 
infrared beams. The signal/ instructions are then picked up by a small receiver 
carried by the individual (e. g., "the exit is 25 steps south of the front 
desk," or simply "stairway, " "restroom," or "elevator") act as signals when one 
approaches a stairway, restroom or elevator. 

Audible Pedestrian Systems 

Another example of audible signs 

Talking Signs TM provide people who are blind with the directional and usage 
clues that traditional visual signs provide for sighted persons. By sending 
information from installed infrared transmitters these signs speak for 
themselves. Hand held sensors pick up information from the transmitters and give 
verbal directions to the blind individual (see illustration above). These signs 
are installed in the San Francisco Municipal Railway and Bay Area Rapid Transit 
District. 

8 

is the common pedestrian traffic signal. These signs "cuckoo" and "chirp" to 
alert pedestrians to changing traffic signals. But, these devices have some 
inherent limitations for those with learning disabilities. They are not 
currently in use for emergency egress systems within buildings, although there 
are exit signs available that flash and sound internal horns when activated by 
the building fire alarm system. 

Movement Aids/Equipment 

Another area where disabilities impact on emergency egress is with mobility 
limitations. This is most frequently associated with wheelchair users. Here we 
should be sensitive to the fact that wheelchairs represent mobility and are 
frequently fitted to accommodate the specific physical needs of the user. 

Thus, whether evacuated with or without their wheelchairs, they will need their 
own chairs when they reach safety for both physical and psychological reasons. 

Permanently Installed Systems 

There are several types of controlled descent devices that can be permanently 
installed within stairways to accommodate wheelchair users. In some, the 
individual transfers from the wheelchair to the portable, controlled descent 
chair. Some models permit a relatively small person to transport a larger person 
while with other devices, the individuals ideally should be about the same 
weight. These chairs are designed to travel down stairs on special tracks with 
friction braking systems, rollers or other devices to control the speed of 
descent. 

Another type of controlled descent device is designed so the wheelchair user 
rolls onto the transport device and the wheelchair is secured to the device. 
This has the advantage that the wheelchair user does not have to be separated 
from the chair -a situation that will be more comfortable and reassuring. 

The wheelchair lift is a motor-driven device designed to be installed in a 
stair-way. 
Vertical wheel-

Wheelchair lifts for use indoors, top, and for use outdoors, bottom. 

9 

Garaventa EVACU-TRAC T M Developed in Switzerland Top Convenient, top of stair 
storage. Middle. 1. Brake system engages when lever is released; 2. Adjustable 
safety belts; 3. Rubber tracks grip stairs; 4. Eight auxiliary wheels for 
smoother ride on flat surfaces, such as stair landings. Bottom: Designed so a 
passenger's weight propels it down stairs. Governor limits the maximum descent 
speed. 

EVAC+ CHAIR TM '300-H' Top Folds for on-the-job storage. Can be readily 
available for emergencies Middle-Unfolds/ opens quickly and Weighs only 15 
pounds but has a 300Ib. capacity. Cantilevered design places seat inches above 
stairs. Other features: sliding head rest; quick-release safety belt buckle; and 
instructions permanently stamped on back. Bottom: Changes the obstacle of 
firestairs into usable escape route for all, e. g., pregnant women, the frail or 
employees with limited stamina, or someone with a temporary disability. 

10 

Scalamobil T M Stairclimbing and power unit, invented in Germany Three-step 
process for use. Top: First, attach handles to the Scalamobil. Second, attach 
Scala-mobil to wheelchair. Third, begin operation. Middle: 12V/ 12AH power base. 
Bottom: Operator's safety features include: automatic mechanical security brakes 
on every wheel; variable speed control from 6-12 steps per minute, and ability 
to park the wheelchair safely on any step during ascent or descent. Designed to 
negotiate most all stairs, from the extremely narrow stair to curving circular 
stairs. 

Chair lifts are differentiated from elevators in that they are limited in the 
height of their vertical lift, are not enclosed, and do not go through a floor 
level. These lifts were originally intended for private residences, but are now 
being used in nursing homes churches buildings.  

Always consult the wheelchair user as to the selection of an emergency 
evacuation chair. The advantages or disadvantages of these devices are dependent 
on the capabili-

Evacuation Assistance Device 

A three-person, assisted-wheel-chair-carry device, called "Evac-u-Straps," was 
developed by a wheelchair user. It con-sists of wide padded leather wrist bands 
with velcro closures equipped with large metal grasping hooks. The hooks are 
designed to be attached to both sides of the front of the wheelchair. Persons on 
either side of the wheel-chair grasp the straps and are assisted by a third 
person behind, keeping the wheel-chair slightly tipped backwards. The wheelchair 
user assists by hand-braking the wheels. Photos by JakePauls, Building Use and 
Safety Institute 

11 

ties, acceptance, and understanding of the end user( s). The effectiveness or 
failure 
of evacuation chairs as a rule can be attributed to the fact that the wheel-
chair user was not consulted as to the equipment selection. Chairs that do not 
accommodate the physical needs of the user create problems which may lead to a 
refusal to use them in an emergency. 

Elevators 

Most people are familiar with the fact that elevators are not to be used for 
emergency egress and are so marked in most buildings. Elevator codes require 
that when smoke detectors in elevator lobbies activate, the elevator is recalled 
to the ground floor (as long as the ground floor smoke detector is not the one 
that alarmed) and is taken out of service. The fire department can operate the 
elevator with a special key and may use it to move their people and equipment, 
or for evacuation of occupants. This means that without the fire department, 
persons with disabilities are relegated to the stairs or must await rescue. 

In recent years (especially since the 1993 World Trade Center bombing ), there 
has been a growing interest in providing elevators that can be used for 
emergency evacuation. In a study conducted for the General Services 
Administration (GSA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
found that the use of both elevators and stairs can improve evacuation times by 
as much as 50% over stairs alone. 

However, elevators that are used for emergency evacuation need to be specially 
designed to assure their reliability and safety during the fire. NIST research 
has shown that, with enclosed lobbies at each floor which are pressurized 
through the shaft so that both remain smoke free, dual power systems for 
reliability, and water resistant components to prevent failure due to flooding 
of the shaft by firefighting water, it is feasible to design elevators that are 
sufficiently safe to allow their continued use for emergency evacu-ation. 
(Feasibility of Fire Evacuation by Elevators at FAA Control Towers, NISTIR 5445, 
1994.) 

Miscellaneous Devises 

A number of unique escape devices have been developed over the years. These 
include controlled descent devices using cables and chutes of various types. The 
cable devices usually use a strap or chair secured to the cable by a device that 
is squeezed to allow descent. The more you squeeze, the faster you go. Letting 
go stops your descent. Most people are reluctant to evacuate down the outside of 
a building. 

The chutes may be solid or flexible labric tubes that generally rely on friction 
to control speed. They have the advantage that they don't let you see out, so 
they are more acceptable than cable devices. However, their acceptance in 
practice in this country has been limited. 

There is little information available as to the performance of these devices in 
emergency situations. These unique specialized escape devices generally have 
serious shortcomings. ( Egress Procedures Technologies for People with 
Disabilities. Final Report of a State of the Art Review with Recommendations for 
Action, ATBCB 1988.) 

Sprinklered Buildings 

In a study of areas of refuge conducted by NIST for the GSA, it was con-

12 

cluded that the operation of a properly designed and maintained sprinkler system 
eliminates the life threat to building occupants regardless of their individual 
abilities and can provide superior protection for people with disabilities. 
Sprinkler systems will, in most circumstances, provide the protection to permit 
evacuation that is limited to the area under immediate threat from the fire. In 
sprinklered buildings it would probably be appropriate to put more emphasis on 
understanding of the protection afforded or provided with the sprinklers and 
about limited evacuation through horizontal exits versus total evacuation from 
the building. 

Of course, while about 95% reliable, there is a small possibility that the 
sprinkler 
system will fail to extinguish the fire. For these possibilities, there need to 
be contingency plans for providing evacuation assistance for all occupants, 
including those needing special assistance. 

Area of Refuge/ Rescue Assistance 

Even in buildings equipped with sprinkler systems it is recommended that areas 
of refuge be provided. There is the small possibility that the sprinkler system 
will fail to extinguish the fire and there is the problem of smoke propagation. 
It is quite possible for a person with a disability to be stranded and overcome 
with smoke before the arrival of the rescue personnel, given the difficulty in 
locating someone in a smoke-filled building. For these possibilities, there need 
to be contingency plans for providing evacuation assistance for all occupants, 
as well as those needing special assistance. 

Area of Refuge/ Rescue Assistance Inside of Exit Stairways 
A Horizonal Exit Can Meet the Requirement for Areas of Rescue Assistance 

13 

IV. PROVIDING ASSISTANCE 

Identifying Those with Special Needs 

Before special accommodations can be made, persons needing them must be 
identified. One strategy is to maintain a listing of individuals needing 
assistance and keeping it current as part of the facility's emergency plan. At 
the beginning of employment during the orientation process is the time to begin 
to stress the importance of identifying if an individual will need special 
assistance. Of course, since conditions change and persons can become 
temporarily dis-abled, this system needs to be flexible. 

"Buddy" Systems and Fire Wardens 

Such lists must be accessible by the emergency personnel to assist in the 
emergency evacuation. But, it should be understood that there are many 
individuals who are protective of their right to independence and privacy and 
who may be reluctant to have their names put on such a list. Some disability 
categories are easily recognizable and in these cases the individual can be 
approached as to what can be done to assist them in emergency evacuation. 

It is important to treat the individual as one who happens to have a particular 
disability, and not make the mistake of "lumping" together all persons with 
disabilities in the development of emergency procedures. There are some 
emergency plans (and codes on which they are based) where all persons with 
disabilities were "directed" to go to the area of rescue assistance to await 
members of the emergency team to escort them to safety. As a general rule there 
is no reason that individuals who are blind or deaf cannot use the stairs to 
make an independent escape as long as they can cffectively be notified of the 
need to evacuate and can find the stairway). 

One of the lessons learned from interviews of people with disabilities following 
the February 1993 World Trade Center bombing was that, prior to the incident, 
some of the people with disabilities said that, in the interest of privacy or 
because they felt that they did not need special assistance, they) had opted not 
to identity) themselves to be among those listed as disabled in the emergency 
management plan. They realized after the incident that they did need assistance 
and that they had not realized how vulnerable they were outside of normal 
working hours when there were few co-workers around to provide such assistance. 

Buddy Systems and Fire Wardens

Buddy systems are widely accepted and used, but have some inherent faults or 
flaws. When setting up such a system in the workplace, consider the following 
potential problem areas and potential solutions. 

To be effective, the person and the buddy must be able to make contact with each 
other quickly when the need arises. Situations that can prevent this include: 

The "buddy" is in the building, but is absent from the customary work area 

The "buddy" cannot locate the person with a disability because the person is 
absent from the customary work area 

14 

The employee with a disability is working late, etc., when the "buddy" is 
unavailable 

The "buddy" has left the company) and a new one has yet to be identified 

The "buddy" has not been trained in what to do or how to assist 

The "buddy" is inappropriate (e. g., not strong enough) 

The "buddy" isn't acceptable to the employee with a disability 

The "buddy" forgets or is frightened and abandons the employee with a disability 

Now, consider the following potential solutions: 

Assign at least "two buddies" who are work associates. Alert the floor warden 
about the work location of the person with a disability. 

If he/ she cannot locate the assigned person, the "buddy" should alert the floor 
warden. Employees could be given pagers. 

Employees with disabilities should identify themselves to the officials in the 
emergency control center when in the building after hours. 

The officials coordinate immediate emergency response, call the employee and 
alert responding fire service. 

Employees with disabilities can be given the responsibility for selecting their 
own "buddies"; bimonthly emergency plan reviews should include checking the 
status of' "buddies." 

The "buddy" is trained by the employee with a disability as soon as they are 
recruited. 

The employee with a disability is encouraged to select only "buddies" who are 
capable. Practice sessions are required to ensure that "buddies" can handle 
their assigned tasks. 

Employees with disabilities are encouraged to select only friends/ colleagues as 
"buddies." 

New York City leads the nation in a number of techniques for addressing fire 
safety in tall buildings, including the designation of fire wardens. Under Local 
Law 5, a fire warden is assigned for each floor of a building, and is 
responsible for the safe evacuation of persons on that floor. The fire warden 
knows who is and is not at work that day, what visitors are present, and who 
might need assistance in case of emergency. New York fire wardens take required 
training at regular intervals. The law also requires a building fire safety 
manager whose full-time job is to keep fire emergency plans up to date and who 
coordinates the activities of the fire wardens with the fire service during an 
emergency. 

15 

Spontaneous Assistance Techniques 

Vision Impairments 

When assisting persons with vision impairments there are some basic. rules to 
follow in order to be effective. 

Announce your presence; speak out when entering the work area. 

Speak naturally and directly to the individual and NOT through a third party. Do 
not shout. 

Don't be afraid to use words like "see," "look," or "blind." 

Offer assistance but let the person explain what help is needed. 

Describe the action to be taken in advance. 

Let the individual grasp your arm or shoulder lightly, for guidance. He/she may 
choose to walk slightly behind you to gauge your body reactions to obstacles; be 
sure to mention, stairs, doorways, narrow passages, ramps, etc. 

When guiding to a seat, place the person's hand on the back of the chair. 

If leading several individuals with visual impairments at the same time, ask 
them to hold each other's hands. 

You should ensure that after exiting the building that individuals with impaired 
vision are not abandoned" but are led to a place of safety, where a colleague(s) 
should remain with them until the emergency) is over. Another of the lessons 
learned from the World Trade Center incident involved the complaints of blind 
tenants who after being escorted down and out of the building, were 
unceremoniously left in the unfamil-iar environs out-of-doors in the midst of a 
winter ice storm, where they had to negotiate ice covered sidewalks and falling 
glass from overhead. 

Hearing Impairments 

When assisting persons with hearing impairments there are also some things to 
keep in mind. These include: 

Flick the lights when entering the work area to get the person's attention. 

Establish eye contact with the individual, even if an interpreter is present. 

Face the light, do not cover or turn your face away, and never chew gum. 

Suggestions When Assisting Owners of Dog Guides 

Do not pet or offer the dog food without the permission of the owner. 

When the dog is wearing its harness, he is on duty; if you want the dog not to 
guide its owner, have the person remove the dog's harness. 

Plan for the dog to be evacuated with the owner. 

In the event you are asked to take the dog while assisting the individual, it is 
rec-ommended that you (the helper) hold the leash and not the dog's harness. 

16 

Use facial expressions and hand gestures as visual cues. 

Check to see if you have been understood and repeat if necessary. 

Offer pencil and paper. Write slowly and let the individual read as you write. 
Written communication may be especially important if you are unable to 
understand the individual's speech. 

Do not allow others to interrupt or joke with you while conveying the emergency 
information. 

Be patient, the individual may have difficulty comprehending the urgency of your 
message. 

Provide the individual with a flashlight for signaling their location in the 
event that they are separated from the rescuing team or buddy and to facilitate 
lip-reading in the dark. 

Learning Disabilities 

Persons with learning disabilities may have difficulty in recognizing or being 
motivated to act in an emergency by untrained rescuers. They may also have 
difficulty in responding to instructions which involve more than a small number 
of simple actions. Some suggestions for assisting such persons include: 

Their visual perception of written instructions or signs may be confused. 

Their sense of direction may be limited, requiring someone to accompany them. 

Directions or information may need to be broken down into simple steps. Be 
patient. 

Simple signals and/ or symbols should be used (e. g., the graphics used 
throughout this section). 

A person's ability to understand speech is often more developed than his/her own 
vocabulary. Do not talk about a person to others in front of him/her. 

The individual should be treated as an adult who happens to have a cognitive or 
learning disability. Do not talk down to them or treat them as children. 

Mobility lmpairments 

Someone using a crutch or a cane might be able to negotiate stairs 
independently. One hand is used to grasp the handrail the other hand is used for 
the crutch or cane. Here, it is best NOT to interfere with this person's 
movement. You might be of assistance by offering to carry the extra crutch. 
Also, if the stairs are crowded, you can act as a buffer and "run interference." 

Wheelchair users are trained in special techniques to transfer from one chair to 
another. Depending on their upper body strength, they may he able to do much of 
the, work themselves. If you assist a wheelchair user, avoid putting pressure on 
the person's extremities and chest. Such pressure might cause spasms, pain and 
even restrict breathing. Carrying someone slung over your shoulders (something 
like the so called fireman's carry) is like sitting on their chest and poses 
danger for several individuals who fall within cat-egories of neurologic and 
orthopedic disabilities. 

17 

Carry Techniques 

One-Person Carry Technique 

The CRADLE LIFT is the preferred method when the person to be carried has little 
or no arm strength. It is safer if the person being carried weighs less than the 
carrier's weight.

Two-Person Carry Technique - The Swing or Chair Carry 

To use this technique 

Carriers stand on opposite sides of the individual 

Take the arm on your side and wrap it around your shoulder. 

Grasp your carry partner's forearm behind the person in the small of the hack. 

Reach under the person's knees to grasp the wrist of your carry partner's other 
hand. 

Both carry part	ners should then lean in, close to the person, and lift on the 
count of three. 

Continue pressing into the person being carried for additional support in the 
carry. 

18 

The advantage of this carry is that the partners can support (with practice and 
coordina-tion) a person whose weight is same or even greater than their own 
weight. 

The disadvantage is increased awkwardness in vertical travel (stair descent) due 
to the increased complexity of the two person carry. Three persons abreast may 
exceed the effective width of the stairway. 

To Assist in Moving a Wheelchair Downstairs 

When descending stairs, stand behind the chair grasping the pushing grips. Tilt 
the chair backwards until a balance is achieved. Descend frontward. Stand one 
step above the chair, keeping your center of gravity low and let the back wheels 
gradually lower to the next step. Be careful to keep the chair tilted back. If 
possible, have another person assist by holding the frame of the wheel-chair and 
pushing in from the front. But do not lift the chair, as this places more weight 
on the individual behind. 

19 

Other Impairments 

Pregnancy is not usually considered a disability, but it can result in reduced 
stamina or impaired mobility, especially in negotiating stairs. In these cases, 
offer to walk with the woman and be of support both emotionally and physically. 
Remain with her until you have reached safety and she has a safe, warm place to 
sit. 

With respiratory disorders, such as asthma or emphysema, the onset of symptoms 
can be triggered by stress, exertion, or exposure to small amounts of dust or 
smoke. Remind the individual to bring inhalation medication before leaving the 
work place. 

Persons with cardiac conditions, should be reminded to take their medications. 
Offer them assistance in walking; they may have reduced stamina and require 
frequent rest periods. 

Fire Department Coordination 

It is vital to have a clear understanding through effective planning and 
practice with the local fire and rescue services regarding evacuation procedures 
for persons with disabilities. Opinions can vary among local fire departments, 
for example: 

Whether individuals with disabilities should remain in their workplaces, 
assemble in an area of refuge to await the arrival of the fire fighters, or 
whether fellow workers should help with their immediate evacuation. 

What evacuation techniques are to be used, in particular the carry techniques 
for getting non-ambulatory individuals down the stairs. 

Whether dog guides should be permitted to evacuate down the stairway with their 
owners. There are examples of the fire department instructing that the dog be 
separated from its owner. 

Whatever the plan, what is most critical is that it be coordinated and practiced 
with the local fire and rescue service.

After Working Hours 

Most office fire fatalities occur outside of normal working hours. Here, fires 
can grow unnoticed and persons working alone can be cut off from their normal 
egress route. In many buildings, only a few peo-ple working late and the 
housekeeping staff are present at night. An employee with a mobility impairment 
who has relied on the elevator for access may need help to get down the stairs, 
but trained "buddies" are unavailable. To compensate, the individual should 
alert building security upon entering the building. Someone will then be ready 
to search for and assist the individual to safety, if needed. Alternatively, the 
person could be instructed to telephone the fire department as to their location 
when an emergency occurs. 

Managers should ensure that shift workers and others who work on the premises 
outside normal hours, such as cleaners, are included. If there are employees 
whose knowledge of English may be limited, training should be given in a man-ner 
which they can understand. Non-English speakers and staff who have poor reading 
skills should be considered when written instructions are being prepared. 

20 

V. GLOSSARY 
A 

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act 

ADAAG Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines 

Aphasia Absence or impairment of the ability to commu-nicate through speech, 
writing or signs 

Area of Refuge Area of Rescue Assistance An area that has direct access to an 
exit, where people who are are unable to use stairs may remain temporarily in 
safety to await further instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation. 

Asthma A complex disease which causes obstruction of the respiratory system 

B 

Back Pain Can be caused by congenital conditions, disease or injury, but for the 
millions of people affected by this condition the key element is always the 
same, pain. 

Blind/ Blindness Range of vision impairments from the inability to distinguish 
light and dark to a loss of part of the visual field or the inability to see 
detail. (see definition: Visually Impaired) 

Brailler "Perkins Brailler," an all-purpose Braille writer. 

Buddy System The system of assigning the appropriate individual(s) to assist in 
the evacuation of persons with disabilities. 

C 

Cane As used by the blind individual, the cane is a natural extension of the arm 
and hand and is used as an "information gathering" device (to locate familiar 
landmarks) for the purpose of establishing a clear path of travel. The 
conventional two-point touch system: The cane is moved from side to side in an 
arcing motion. The width of the arc is usually two inches to either side of the 
shoulders. As the cane touches to the left, the right foot should be forward. 
The cane tip touches in the opposite direction of the leading foot. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Includes the diseases of chronic 
bronchitis and emphysema. 

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) Localized brain damage due to a ruptured blood 
vessel in the brain; commonly called a stroke. 

Cerebral Palsy Non-progressive disorder of the brain, results from damage to the 
nervous system at birth or in the first hours or days of life; not a disease. 

Closed Circuit TV Magnifier (CCTV) Consists of television cam-era which takes 
the picture of the printed page and a television monitor which displays image in 
enlarged form. 

Critical Language Terminology that is unacceptable and/ or insulting to persons 
with dis-abilities. (see list on p. 24). 

D 

Deaf/ Deafness Range of auditory impairments, from a total lack of sensitivity 
to sound to reduced sensitivity to certain sound frequencies. 

Dog Guide Dog that has been specially trained to assist people who are blind, 
physically disabled or hearing-impaired. 

E

Epilepsy Condition characterized by occasional seizures. A small fraction of 
those with epilepsy are 

21 

photosensitive. Seizures can be triggered by flashing lights. 

Exercise Induced Bronchospasm (EIB) a form of asthma 

F 

Fingerspelling When no sign language exists for a thought or concept, the word 
can be spelled out using the American Manual Alphabet. 

G 

Guide Dog Proprietary name for a dog guide. 

H 

Handicapped Critical language (see list on p. 24). 

Hearing impaired Scale of hearing impairment ranges from mild hearing loss to 
profound 
deafness, the point at which the individual receives no benefit from aural 
input. Many hard-of-hearing persons are able to use residual hearing effectively 
with the assistance of hearing aids (HA) or other sound-amplification devices, 
often augmented by lip reading. Hearing aids amplify background noises as well 
as voices, so noise caused by emergency conditions (alarm bells, people 
shouting, sirens, etc.) may rise to an uncomfortable level for the person with 
the hearing impairment. 

Head Pointer Stick or rod which is attached to a person's head with a head band 
so that by moving the head, an individual can perform tasks that would 
ordinarily be performed by hand or finger movement. 

Hemiplegia A dis-ability resulting from a CVA which involves some degree of 
muscle weakness and motor skill loss on one side of the body. 

I 

Interpreter Professional who assists a deaf person in communicating with hearing 
people who cannot sign. 

L 

Learning Disability An individual who may have difficulty recognizing or being 
motivated to act in an emergency. These individuals may also have difficulty in 
following anything other than a few simple instructions. 

Little People General term for persons of short stature who are less than 4' 10" 
or whose height is significantly below average. 

Low Level Signage/ Floor Proximity Exit Signs are ususally placed between 6" to 
8" above the floor. A supplement to the required exit sign. The required exit 
signs are usually located over the exits or near the ceiling, the first place to 
become obscured by smoke. 

Low Vision can be moderate to severe vision impairment which includes difficulty 
in read-ing without magnification and seeing fine detail. Some persons with low 
vision may be considered legally blind. 

M 

Means of Egress An accessible means of egress is one that complies with these 
following guidelines: a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any 
point in a building or facility to a public way. A means of egress comprises 
vertical and horizontal travel and may include intervening room spaces, 
doorways, hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies ramps, stairs, enclosures, 
lobbies, horizontal 

22 

exits, courts and yards. Areas of refuge or evacuation elevators MAY BE included 
as part of accessible means of egress. (Contact the authority having 
jurisdiction or refer to the build-ing codes for the local application or 
definition.) 

Mobility Impaired Employees with mobility impairments can vary in the degree of 
assistance that they require. The degree of impairment can range from walking 
with a slow gait (thus requiring more time to exit), to walking with a mobility 
aid such as a cane, crutches and/ or braces, to the wheelchair user. 

Monitors/ Wardens Terms used to identify the different assignments made in the 
Occupant Emergency Plan. For example, the duties of the Monitor could include 
assisting with the coordination of the evacuation of their floor or unit, 
identifying people with disabilities who require special assistance and 
coordinating assignment of "buddies" or assistants to stay with them (e. g., see 
excerpt from NYC Fire Drill & Evac-uation Rules for Offices on p. 15). 

Mouth Wand Rod with a tooth grip that is held in the mouth and used to perform 
tasks that would normally be performed by hand. 

N 

Normal Critical language (see list on p. 24). 

Nystagmus Uncontrolled movement of the eye also noticeable by (characteristic) 
head tilt because it helps the person get a better focus on an object, thereby 
to see better. 

O 

Optical Character Reader Device that can be scanned over a printed page, reading 
the text aloud through a voice synthesis system. These may also have provision 
for reading directly from a computer disk containing a word processor file. 

Opticon Device to enable a blind person to "read," con-sisting of a camera that 
converts print into an image of letters which are then produced via vibrations 
onto the finger. 

P 

Paraplegia Impairment or loss of motor and/ or sensory function in the thoracic, 
lumbar or sacral segments of the spinal cord, affecting trunk and legs. 

Post Polio Syndrome This affects individuals who have recovered from polio. The 
symptoms include an increase in muscle weakness and an increase in respiratory 
weak-ness. Usually necessitates use of a wheelchair. 

Q 

Quadriplegia (see tetraplegia). 

S 

"Seeing Eye" dog Proprietary name for dog guide. 

Seizure Involuntary muscular contraction, a brief impairment or loss of 
consciousness, etc., resulting from a neurological condition, such as epilepsy. 

Service AnimaI Trained dog or other animal that provides assistance to a person 
who is blind, deaf or mobility impaired. The animal can be identified by the 
presence of a har-ness or backpack. 

Sign Language Means of communication used by persons who are deaf. 

Speech Disorder Limited or difficult speech patterns or without speech. 

T 

Tactile Signage Signs or labels with Braille, raised letters or textured 
patterns that can be read tactilely by persons with visual impairments. 

Tetraplegia Impairment or loss of motor and/ or sensory function in the cervical 
segments of the spinal cord, affecting arms, trunk and legs. 

Text Telephone Equipment that includes TTYs and employs interactive graphic 
communications through transmission of coded signals across the standard 
telephone network. 

V 
Victim Critical language (see list to the right). 

Visually Impaired A person with a vision impairment may be totally or legally 
blind. Legally blind implies that a person may be able to differentiate between 
light and dark or see very large objects, but may not be able to see anything 
clearly enough to depend on their vision in an emergency situation.This can also 
include persons with LOW VISION who can see well enough to walk but cannot read 
without magnification. 

W 

Wardens Persons assigned as coordinators of emergency actions by occupants of a 
sin-gle floor or part of a floor of a building. 

Critical Language 

Persons with disabilities are sensitive to the use of certain terms which are 
considered to be demeaning. When discussing evacuation plans with employees, the 
following terms should be avoided. 

Ablebodied 
Afflicted 
Amputee 
Cerebral Palsied 
Confined to a wheelchair 
Courageous 
Crippled 
Deaf and Dumb 
Deaf/ mute 
Disease 
Dwarf 
Gimp 
Handicapped 
Normal 
Patient 
Physically challenged 
Poor 
Retard, retardate or retarded 
Spastic 
Suffering 
Unfortunate 
Victim 
Wheelchair bound 

24 

VI. RESOURCES 

ATBCB 

U. S. Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Lawrence W. 
Roffee, Executive Director 1331 F. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004-1111 voice 
1-8OO-USA-ABLE/ 872-2253 TTY l-800-993-2822 Technical Assistance on 
Accessibility Issues & the ADA 

PCEPWD 

President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Maggie Roffee, 
Program Manager 1331 "F" Street, NW Washington, DC 20004 voice 202-376-6200 TTY 
202-376-6205 

JAN 

Job Accommodation Network* Anne E. Hirsh West Virginia University P. O. Box 6080 
918 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suite 1 Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6080 voice/ TTY 
l-800-526-7234 

NFPA 

National Fire Protection Association Learn Not To Burn Foundation Sharon 
Gamache, Executive Director P. O. Box 9101 Batterymarch Park Quincy, 
Massachusetts 02269-9101 voice 617-770-3000 TTY 6 17-984-7880 

NEMA 

National Electrical Manufacturers Association Malcolm E. O'Hagan, President 2101 
L Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20037 voice 202-457-8400 

AEMA 

Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Assn. Terry Nevins-Buchholtz, 
Administrative Assistant P. O .Box 51784 2445 South Calhoun Road New Berlin, 
Wisconsin 53151 
voice 414-789-9890 * An affiliate of PCEPWD 

EPVA 
Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association Buffalo Regional Office Brian Black, 
Assistant Director of Building Code Standards Buffalo Regional Office 111 West 
Huron Street Buffalo, New York 14202 voice 716-856-6582 

NAD 

National Association of the Deaf Nancy J. Bloch, Executive Director 814 Thayer 
Avenue Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 voice (301) 587-1788 TTY (301) 587-1789 

SHHH 

Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc. Donna L. Sorkin, Executive Director 
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 voice 301-657-2248 TTY 
301-657-2249 

TDI 

Telecommunications for the Deaf, Incorporated Alfred Sonnenstrahl, Executive 
Director 8719 Colesville Rd, Suite 300 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 voice 301-
589-3786 TTY 301-589-3006 One example of reference material available: 1994 
National Directory for TTYs with listings of emergency numbers in the 50 states. 

NFB 

National Federation of the Blind Patricia Maurer, Coordinator, Community 
Relations 1800 Johnson Street Baltimore, Maryland 21230-4998 voice 410-659-9314 

ACB 

American Council of the Blind Oral Miller, National Representative 1155 15th 
Street, NW, Suite 720 Washington, DC 20005 voice 202-467-5081 or 800-424-8666 

25 

VII. REFERENCES 

page 4 
Clarity Phone three models for business use: the basic model, 2-line phone & 2-
line fea-ture speakerphone. Walker Equipment, a Plantronics Com-pany, P. O. Box 
829, Ringgold, GA 30736 

page4 
Intele-Modem Ultractec TM 450 Science Drive, Madison, WI 53711, voice/ TDD 608-
238-5400. 

page 5 
Shake-up 9-V smoke detector, receiver & vibrator from Weitbrecht Communications 
Devices for the Deaf, 2656 29th Street, Suite 205, Santa Monica, CA 90405, 
voice/ TDD 1-800-233-9130. 

page 6 
Superprint ES TM Telecommunication Device for the Deaf, from Weitbrecht 
Communications Devices for the Deaf. 

page 7 
Office Case-Alerting System: (adapted from case for hotel guest room) from 
Weitbrecht Communications Devices for the Deaf. 

page 7 
Mult-Alert SS 12/ 24ADA Series signaling strobes from System Sensor, 3825 Ohio 
Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174, voice 1-800-SENSOR2.

page 8 
Talking Signs Inc. 8 12 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. voice 504-344-28 12. 
Talking Signs@ were developed by the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute, 
Love Electronics, Inc. and Talking Signs, Inc. Installation in New York City, 
"Light House for the Blind," example of working system in the office building 
setting.) 

page 9 
LABDATA TM page 5, issue Vol. 20, No. 1, 1990 a quarterly technical and 
information publication by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, 
Northbrook, IL 60062. 

page 10 
EVACU-TRAC TM Garaventa (Canada) Ltd., 7505-134A Street, Surrey, BC, Canada V3W 
7B3, voice l-800-663-6556 

page 10 
EVAC+ CHAIR TM Corporation, I7 East 67 Street, New York, NY 10021, voice 212-
734-6222 

page 11 
LABDATA TM Vol. 20, No. 1, 1990, pages 12 & 14. A quarterly technical and 
information publica-tion by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. 

page 11 
EVAC-U-STRAPS, were devised by a wheelchair user in Atlanta, GA. 

page 11 
SCALAMOBIL, alber TMI, Technomarketing, Inc, 307 Bacon Road, Rougemont, NC 
27572, voice 919-477-1387 

For further information about accessibility equipment and manufacturers contact: 
Accessibility Equipment and Manufacturers' Association (AEMA), P. O. Box 51784, 
New Berlin, WI 5 3 15 1 , voice/ fax 414-789-9900 

page 13 
TECH SHEET, the diagrams are taken from one of a series of publications on the 
design requirements of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (AADAG), written and 
compiled by the Barrier Free Environment, Inc., design for peo-ple of all ages 
and all abilities, P. O. Box 30634, Raleigh, NC 27622. 

26