RALPH M. TERRAZAS FIRE CHIEF
December 7, 2021 TO:
Plan Check and Inspection Unit Development Services Section Fire Prevention and Public Safety Bureau
FROM:
Dwayne Laurent, Fire Captain II Fire Development Services
SUBJECT:
ELEVATOR CAR TO ACCOMMODATE AMBULANCE STRETCHER- EXEMPTIONS TO THE MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
It has been brought to our attention that new elevator cars intended to be used for emergency medical service are being manufactured to dimensions smaller than the minimum code required size set forth in the California Building Code (CBC) 3002.4.3a. CBC 3002.4.3a states: 3002.4.3a Elevator entrance openings and car size. The elevator car shall be of such a size and arrangement to accommodate a 24-inch by 84-inch (610 mm by 2134 mm) ambulance gurney or stretcher with not less than 5-inch (127 mm) radius corners, in the horizontal, open position, shall be provided with a minimum clear distance between walls or between walls and door excluding return panels not less than 80 inches by 54 inches (2032 mm by 1372 mm), and a minimum distance from wall to return panel not less than 51 inches (1295 mm) with a 42-inch (1067 mm) side slide door. Exception: The elevator car dimensions and/or the clear entrance opening dimensions may be altered where it can be demonstrated to the local jurisdictional authority’s satisfaction that the proposed configuration will handle the designated gurney or stretcher with equivalent ease. Documentation from the local authority shall be provided to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board. The exception in CBC 3002.4.3a grants the local jurisdiction, in this case the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the authority to accept elevator car dimensions demonstrated by an elevator manufacturer to accommodate an ambulance gurney with surface extenders. In an effort to assist elevator manufacturers, architects, engineers and developers in proposing alternate elevator car sizes to accommodate ambulance stretchers, the LAFD has established the following procedures for approval of a smaller medical emergency service elevator.