allowing the elevator to continue to operate for the firefighters to complete their operations. Almost all of the issues identified by the Task Group on “Use of Elevators by Firefighters” are beyond the scope of the A17.1/B44 Elevator Code. Recommendations from this task group include enhancements falling into four areas covered by the building and electrical codes: ♦♦ Protection from water ♦♦ Protection from smoke and heat ♦♦ Protection of primary and backup power supplies ♦♦ Direct access to a protected lobby and stairwell containing a standpipe These enhancements are essentially the same as the requirements specified above for elevators used for occupant egress. Substantial training needs and opportunities for Firefighters were also identified.
3.1 Fire Service Access Elevators Many of these requirements identified above have already been added in the 2009, 2012 and 2015 editions of the International Building Code in Section 3007, specifying requirements for “Fire Service Access Elevators” (FSAE). A Fire Service Access Elevator is one that will provide greater protection allowing the elevator to continue to operate for the firefighters to complete their operations. The 2009 edition required one FSAE, and the 2012 and 2015 editions require two FSAEs in all high-rise buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 ft. (36.6 m) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The required minimum capacity of the FSAE(s) is 3500 lb. (1588 kg.). The A17 Task Group had additional recommendations that go beyond the IBC requirements, including the provision of three FSAEs. Firefighters have indicated that they need a minimum of two elevators for firefighting operations. An additional FSAE would provide a spare in case maintenance or malfunction has caused one FSAE to be unavailable. The protection required for FSAEs is as follows. Protection from water: ♦♦ No sprinklers in machine/control rooms, machinery/control spaces and hoistways ♦♦ Sprinkler system monitoring ♦♦ An approved system to prevent water inflow to hoistway from automatic sprinklers outside the enclosed FSAE lobby ♦♦ Shunt trip (removal of power) not permitted on FSAEs ♦♦ Structural integrity of hoistway specified Protection from smoke and heat: ♦♦ Hoistway lighting required when Firefighters’ Emergency Operation is active ♦♦ Dedicated FSAE lobby, involving direct access to stairwell, 1-hr. fire-rated barriers and fire-rated doors, and a size larger than 150 ft2 (14 m2) with minimum dimension of 8 ft. (2440mm) Protection of primary and backup power supplies: ♦♦ Standby power required for elevator equipment, hoistway lighting, ventilation and cooling equipment, and elevator car lighting ♦♦ Wires or cables located outside the hoistway and machine room providing normal or standby power, control signals,
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communication with the car, lighting, heating, airconditioning or ventilation and fire-detecting systems protected by construction having a 2-hr. fire-resistance rating or a circuit integrity cable having a 2-hr. fire-resistance rating Other requirements for the FSAEs include continuous monitoring at the Fire Command Center of the elevator’s location within the hoistway, direction of travel and whether it is occupied. Also, the FSAEs must be identified on the hoistway door frame at the FSAE lobby with a 3-in. firefighters’ helmet symbol. There is also a proposal, not yet finalized, for the elevator emergency exit to be openable from within the car with the Firefighters’ key, with instructions for safe egress from the car top at the Firefighters’ panel in the car operating panel and on the exit panel itself.
Conclusion ASME organized a Symposium on the Use of Elevators During Emergencies, held in December 2010, to present the work of both A17 Task Groups and review in detail the code changes proposed by the Task Groups for Elevator, Building and Life Safety codes and Firefighter training issues. There were also presentations providing an opportunity to examine proposals and experiences from some jurisdictions in implementing changes to buildings and elevator systems for emergency use. Consideration of human factors, including training of the public and firefighters was presented. The 2013 edition of A17.1/B44 is not yet effective in many jurisdictions in North America, and there are no buildings with OEO installed yet. The 2013 editions of the NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the NFPA 5000 Building Code contain most of the A17 Task Groups’ recommendations, as does the 2015 edition of the International Building Code.
Acknowledgements I would like to thank the members of the two A17 Task Groups – “Use of Elevators for Occupant Egress” and “Use of Elevators by Firefighters.” The members dedicated up to 16 days per year, not including travel time, over an eight-year period to study the issues discussed and prepare the recommendations and proposals.
References [1] ASME A17.1-2013/CSA B44-13 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, Section 2.27.11, Occupant Evacuation Operation [2] International Code Council 2012 and 2015 International Building Code, Sections 430, 3007 and 3008
David McColl, P. Eng., is Senior Manager – Worldwide Codes Development for Otis Elevator Company. Mr. McColl has worked for Otis for 35 years, the last 20 years full time in Codes and Standards. Mr. McColl is Convenor of ISO/TC 178/WG4, Safety requirements and risk assessment; a member of ISO/TC 178/WG6, Lift Installation; a member of the ASME A17 Standards Committee; and Chair of the CSA/B44 Technical Committee, as well as numerous code sub-committees and task groups in North America.