elevator controls, by andy roe, alarm tech solutions

MD-DC-VA Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.

Interfacing Fire Alarm, Sprinklerand Elevator Systems

In Maryland, DC and Virginia

Presented by:Andrew Roe, SETAlarm Tech Solutions, LLC

Scope:

• The Purpose of Elevator Controls

• History of Elevator Controls & Sprinklers

• Elevator Recall and Power Shutdown

• Relevant Codes

• What our local AHJ’s are enforcing

• Discussion of issues

• Where we appear to be headed

MD-DC-VA Automatic Fire Alarm Association2

Purpose:

• 1973 ASME A17.1b (supplement to the 1971 Code)

• Purpose:

– Prevent people from using elevators during a fire scenario

– To Allow for Responding Firefighters to Account for all Elevators

– Stage Equipment (Hose lines, air tanks, etc.)

– Evacuate Occupants with Mobility Restrictions

– Prevent Car from being called to the Fire Floor


History - Controls:

1973 ASME A17.1b (supplement to the 1971 Code):

• Identified Designated Level

• Both Manual and Automatic Recall

• Key Switch (only by firefighters)

• Smoke Detectors in Lobbies

• Travel of 25’ above or below designated level

• 1981 introduced the “Alternate” Level


History - Controls:

• 1984 introduced “only” lobby and machine detectors were to initiate recall

• A17.1 referred users to NFPA 72E, Automatic Fire Detectors

• NFPA first mentions A17.1 requirements in 1987 edition of NFPA 72A, Installation, Maintenance and use of Local Protective Signaling Systems – “Elevator Recall for Firefighters’ Service”

• 1993 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code addressed cases where there was no required building fire alarm system … “Elevator Recall and Supervisory Panel”


History - Controls:

• 1996 edition of NFPA 72 introduced “other” fire detection as being permissible if environment was not appropriate for a smoke detector.

• A “third” control circuit was added to provide a warning of fire in the hoistway or elevator machine room

• The 2000 A17.1 was “harmonized” with the Canadian B44 Elevator Safety Standard

• NFPA 72 [2002] and A17.1 [2004] now both address new technology elevators … machine room-less elevators


History - Controls:

• First introduced in ASME A17.1 – 1984

• Purpose:

• Remove Main-line Power prior to sprinkler activation

• Prevent Elevator from Moving/Operating dangerously

Note: the requirement does not include circuits for ventilation,

in-car lights and communication, pit receptacles and lights, etc.


History - Controls:

• A17.1 applies to all new elevator installations

• A17.3 (where adopted) applies to existing elevators

• A17.3 re: Firefighters’ Service

3.11.3 Firefighters’ Service

Elevators shall conform to the requirements of ASME/ANSI A17.1–1987 Rules 211.3 through 211.8 (see Appendix C) unless at the time of installation or alteration it was required to comply with a later edition of A17.1.


History - Sprinklers:

• Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms and hoistways have been recognized by the Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, ASME A17.1 since the 1955 Edition.

• The building codes at first did not require buildings to be sprinkled but encouraged their use by allowing “tradeoffs” (fire resistance ratings, distances to exits & area and height limitations) which reduced the cost of construction.

• This “tradeoff” worked well and now the building codes require most buildings to be fully sprinkled.



• In the early 1980’s the ASME A17.1 Committee became aware of this trend and initiated a study of the hazards of water being discharged on elevator equipment.

• Some of the reported hazards include cars operating with car and/or hoistway doors opened, loss of brakes and loss of traction.

• There are numerous cases of elevators leaving a floor with the doors open which have been traced back to wet interlocks and control circuits.



• The ASME A17.1 Committee could not blindly prohibit sprinklers in elevator machine rooms and hoistways since if a building code or fire code required sprinklers in all areas of a building, that code would be enforced regardless of any contrary requirement that would be in the elevator code.

• The Committee did approach the building and fire code community with a proposal that sprinklers not be required in elevator spaces in fully sprinkled buildings but this was rejected.



• The ASME A17.1 Committee, aware of its responsibility to ensure the safety if the elevator user, in early 1982 asked Edward Donoghue, a member of the ASME A17.1 Hoistway Committee, to contact the National Fire Sprinkler Association and discuss the issue. They came up with 3 recommendations:

– shields and raintight covers was impractical as they would over a period of time, be removed or become ineffective and how would you test them anyway?



– Another recommendation was to use gaseous extinguishing agents in lieu of sprinklers but this was also discarded as its ability to provide the required level of protection was questionable.

– The third recommendation to disconnect main line power to the elevator before sprinkler activation, was acceptable, was reworded in performance language, balloted, approved by the ASME A17 Main Committee and published as Rule 102.2(c)(4) in ANSI/ASME A17.1-1984.


International Building Code - 2009:

102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.


Elevator Controls (A17.1 - 2004):

2.27.3 Firefighters' Emergency Operation: Automatic Elevators

Firefighters' Emergency Operation shall apply to all automatic elevators except

a) where the hoistway or a portion thereof is not required to be fire-resistive construction (see 2.1.1.1), the travel does not exceed 2 000 mm (80 in.), and the hoistway does not penetrate a floor

Where Firefighters' Emergency Operation is provided

voluntarily these requirements shall also apply.



2.27.3.1 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation

2.27.3.1.1 A three-position key-operated switch shall be

a) provided only at the designated level for each single elevator or for each group of elevators.

b) labeled "FIRE RECALL' and its positions marked "RESET," "OFF," and "ON” (in that order), with the "OFF" position as the center position.



2.27.3.2 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation by Fire Alarm Initiating Devices

2.27.3.2.1 In jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, fire alarm initiating devices used to initiate Phase I Emergency Recall Operation shall be installed in conformance with the requirements of NFPA 72, and shall be locateda) at each floor served by the elevatorb) in the associated elevator machine roomc) in the elevator hoistway, when sprinklers are located in

those hoistways



2.27.3.2.3 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation to the designated level shall conform to the following:

a) The activation of a fire alarm initiating device specified in 2.27.3.2.1(a) at any floor, other than at the designated level, shall cause all elevators that serve that floor, and any associated elevator of a group automatic operation, to be returned nonstop to the designated level.

b) The activation of a fire alarm initiating device specified in 2.27.3.2.1(b) shall cause all elevators having any equipment located in that machine room, and any associated elevators of a group automatic operation, to be returned nonstop to the designated level. If the machine room is located at the designated level, the elevator(s) shall be returned nonstop to the alternate level.

c) The activation of a fire alarm initiating device specified in 2.27.3.2.1(c) shall cause all elevators having any equipment in that hoistway, and any associated elevators of a group automatic operation, to be returned nonstop to the designated level, except that initiating device installed at or below the lowest landing of recall shall cause the car to be sent to the upper recall level.



Summary of Phase I:

The detection of smoke or heat causes the elevators to

be recalled to the ground floor, unless this is where

smoke was detected. The doors open, and the

elevators are locked out of service. Responding fire

fighters may use the elevators under manual control of a

fire fighter in the car using a special fire fighter key in

what is called Phase-II operation.



2.27.3.3 Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation. Athree-position ("OFF," "HOLD," and "ON," in that order) key-operated switch shall be labeled "FIRE OPERATION; provided in an operating panel in each car; and shall be readily accessible.



Summary of Phase II:

Phase II operation is used to evacuate people with

mobility impairments, some fire department

standard operating procedures for high-rise fire

fighting rely on stairs for access, staging, and

operations. ASME A17.4, Guide for Emergency

Personnel, contains detailed instructions for fire

fighters' service operation.


Elevator Power Shutdown (A17.1 – 2004/2005):

2.8.2.3.2 In jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main line power supply to the affected elevator upon or prior to the application of water from sprinklers located in the machine room or in the hoistway more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the pit floor.

a) This means shall be independent of the elevator control and shall not be self-resetting.

b) Heat detectors and sprinkler flow switches used to initiate main line elevator power shutdown shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 72.

c) The activation of sprinklers outside of the hoistways or machine room shall not disconnect the main line elevator power supply.


Elevator Power Shutdown (IBC – 2006 & 2009):

• 3006.5 Shunt trip. Where elevator hoistways or elevator machine rooms containing elevator control equipment are protected with automatic sprinklers, a means installed in accordance with NFPA 72, Section 6.16.4, Elevator Shutdown, shall be provided to disconnect automatically the main line power supply to the affected elevator prior to the application of water. This means shall not be self-resetting. The activation of sprinklers outside the hoistway or machine room shall not disconnect the main line power supply.


Elevator Recall (NFPA 72 - 2007):

6.16.3 Elevator Recall for Fire Fighters’ Service.

6.16.3.1 System-type smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 6.16.3.7, located in elevator lobbies, elevator hoistways, and elevator machine rooms including machine space, control room, and control space used to initiate fire fighters’ service recall, shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

6.16.3.2* In facilities without a building fire alarm system, these smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 6.16.3.7, shall be connected to a dedicated function fire alarm control unit that shall be designated as “elevator recall control and supervisory control unit,” permanently identified on the dedicated function fire alarm control unit and on the record drawings.

6.16.3.3 Unless otherwise required by the authority having jurisdiction, only the elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and the elevator machine room smoke detectors, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 6.16.3.7, shall be used to recall elevators for fire fighters’ service.

6.16.3.4 Each elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and elevator machine room smoke detector, or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 6.16.3.7, shall be capable of initiating elevator recall when all other devices on the same initiating device circuit have been manually or automatically placed in the alarm condition.



6.16.3.5* A lobby smoke detector shall be located on the ceiling within 6.4 m (21 ft) of the centerline of each elevator door within the elevator bank under control of the detector.

Exception: For lobby ceiling configurations exceeding 4.6 m (15 ft) in height or that are other than flat and smooth, detector locations shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 5.

6.16.3.6 Smoke detectors shall not be installed in unsprinklered elevator hoistways unless they are installed to activate the elevator hoistway smoke relief equipment.

6.16.3.7* If ambient conditions prohibit installation of automatic smoke detection, other automatic fire detection shall be permitted.

6.16.3.8 When actuated, any detector that has initiated firefighters’ recall shall also be annunciated at the building fire alarm control unit, or other fire alarm control unit as described in 6.16.3.2, and required remote annunciators.

6.16.3.9 Actuation from elevator hoistway and elevator machine room smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection as permitted by 6.16.3.7 shall cause separate and distinct visible annunciation at the building fire alarm control unit or the fire alarm control unit described in 6.16.3.2 and required annunciators to alert fire fighters and other emergency personnel that the elevators are no longer safe to use.



6.16.3.10 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, the detectors used to initiate elevator recall shall be permitted to initiate a supervisory signal in lieu of an alarm signal.

6.16.3.11 Where lobby detectors are used for other than initiating elevator recall, the signal initiated by the detector shall also initiate an alarm signal.

6.16.3.12* Separate outputs from the fire alarm systems to the elevator controller(s) shall be provided to implement elevator Phase I Emergency Recall Operation in accordance with Section 2.27 of ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, as required in 6.16.3.12.1 through 6.16.3.12.3.


Elevator Power Shutdown (NFPA 72 - 2007):

6.16.4 Elevator Shutdown.

6.16.4.1* Where heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the detector shall have both a lower temperature rating and a higher sensitivity as compared to the sprinkler.

6.16.4.2 If heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, they shall be placed within 610 mm (2 ft) of each sprinkler head and be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 5. Alternatively, engineering methods, such as specified in Annex B, shall be permitted to be used to select and place heat detectors to ensure response prior to any sprinkler head operation under a variety of fire growth rate scenarios.

6.16.4.3* If pressure or waterflow switches are used to shut down elevator power immediately upon or prior to the discharge of water from sprinklers, the use of devices with time-delay switches or time-delay capability shall not be permitted.

6.16.4.4* Control circuits to shut down elevator power shall be monitored for presence of operating voltage. Loss of voltage to the control circuit for the disconnecting means shall cause a supervisory signal to be indicated at the control unit and required remote annunciators.

6.16.4.5 The initiating devices described in 6.16.4.2 and 6.16.4.3 shall be monitored for integrity by the fire alarm control unit required in 6.16.3.1 and 6.16.3.2.


Relevant Codes


“Out of Sync” Codes


Confused Yet?


Must use A17.1, NFPA 72, NFPA 13 and IBC together to correctly apply the required elevator controls!

Here’s where to find them:

ASME A17.1 - 2010


Section 2.27

Emergency Operation and Signaling

Devices

2.27.3.2 Phase I Emergency Recall Operation by Fire Alarm Initiating Devices

Note: Section 2.27 applies to Electric Elevators and section 3.27

applies to Hydraulic Elevators … section 3.27 says refer to 2.27.

ASME A17.1 - 2010


Section 2.8

Equipment in Hoistways, Machinery Spaces, Machine Rooms, Control Spaces and Control Rooms

2.8.3.3.2

(Shunt Trip / Power Disconnect requirement)

NFPA 72 - 2010


23.17 Protected Premises Fire Safety Functions

23.17.1 Emergency Elevator Operations Emergency

elevator operations shall meet the requirements of Sections 21.3, 21.4, 21.5, and 21.6.

NFPA 72 - 2010


Chapter 21 – Emergency Control Functions and Interfaces

21.3* Elevator Recall for Firefighter’ Service

21.4 Elevator Shutdown

21.5 First Responders Use Elevators

21.6 Elevators for Occupant-Controlled Evacuation

NFPA 13 - 2010


Chapter 8 – Installation Requirements

8.15 Special Situations.

8.15.5 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms.

ASME A17.1 - 2010


2.27.3.2.1 In jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, fire alarm initiating devices used to initiate Phase I Emergency Recall Operation shall be installed in conformance with the requirements of NFPA 72, and shall be located

a) at each floor served by the elevator

b) in the associated elevator machine room, machinery space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, or control room

c) in the elevator hoistway, when sprinklers are located in those hoistways.

NFPA 72- 2010


21.3 Elevator Recall for Firefighters’ Service

21.3.6 Smoke detectors shall not be installed in unsprinkleredelevator hoistways unless they are installed to activate the elevator hoistway smoke relief equipment.

21.3.7 If ambient conditions installation of prohibit automatic smoke detection, other automatic fire detection shall be permitted.

NFPA 72- 2010


17.7 Smoke-Sensing Fire Detectors

17.7.1.8* Unless specifically designed and listed for the expected conditions, smoke detectors shall not be installed if any of the following ambient conditions exist:

(1) Temperature below 32°F

(2) Temperature above 100°F

(3) Relative humidity above 93 percent

(4) Air velocity greater than 300 ft/min

NFPA 72- 2010



21.3.1 All initiating devices used to initiate firefighters’ service recall, shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

NFPA 72- 2010



21.3.2* In facilities without a building fire alarm system, initiating devices used to initiate firefighters’ service recall shall be connected to a dedicated function fire alarm system control unit that shall be designated as “elevator recall control and supervisory control unit,” permanently identified on the dedicated function fire alarm control unit and on the record drawings.

NFPA 72- 2010



21.3.3 Unless otherwise required by the authority having the elevator machine room jurisdiction, only the elevator lobby, elevator hoistway, and elevator machine room smoke detectors … … shall be used to recall elevators for firefighters’ service.

NFPA 72- 2010



21.3.5* A lobby smoke detector shall be located on the ceiling within 21 ft. of the centerline of each elevator door within the elevator bank under control of the detector.

Exception: For lobby ceiling configurations exceeding 15 ft in height or that are other than flat and smooth, detector locations shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 17 (Chapter 5 in 2007 NFPA 72).


Smoke Detector Location

NFPA 72- 2010


17.7.3 Location and Spacing

17.7.3.1.4* If the intent is to initiate action when smoke/fire threatens a specific object or space, the detector shall be permitted to be installed in close proximity to that object or space.

NFPA 72 – 2007

5.7.3.1.3 If the intent is to protect against a specific hazard, the detector(s) shall be permitted to be installed closer to the hazard in a position where the detector can intercept the smoke.

NFPA 72- 2010


A.17.7.3.1.4 There are some applications that do not require full area protection, but do require detection to initiate action when specific objects or spaces are threatened by smoke or fire such as at elevator landings that have ceilings in excess of 15 ft. and for protection of fire alarm control units. In high ceiling areas, to achieve the desired initiation such as for elevator recall and protection of FACUs, detection should be placed on the wall above and within 60 in. from the top of the elevator door(s) or FACU.

NFPA 72- 2010



21.3.9 Actuation from the elevator hoistway, elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space, or elevator control room smoke detectors … … shall cause separate and distinct visible annunciation at the building fire alarm control unit … … and at required annunciators to alert fire fighters and other emergency personnel that the elevators are no longer safe to use.

Paragraph 6.16.3.9 in NFPA 72 – 2007 is very similar.

ASME A17.1 - 2010


2.27.3.2 Phase Emergency Recall Operation by Fire Alarm Initiating Devices

2.27.3.2.6 When a fire alarm initiating device in the machine room, control space, control room or hoistway initiates Phase 1 Emergency Recall Operation, … … the visual signal shall illuminate intermittently only in a car(s) with equipment in that machine room, control space, control room or hoistway .


FIG. 2.27.3.1.6(h)Visual Signal

NFPA 72- 2010



21.3.12.3* Visual Warning. For each elevator or group of

elevators, an output(s) shall be provided for the elevator visual warning signal in response to the following:

(1) Activation of the elevator machine room, elevator machinery space, elevator control space, or elevator control room initiating devices identified in … …

(2) Activation of the elevator hoistway initiating devices identified in … …

Paragraph 6.16.3.12.3 in NFPA 72 – 2007 is identical.

NFPA 72- 2010


Chapter 21 - Emergency Control Functions and Interfaces

21.2.4* A listed relay or other listed appliance connected to the fire alarm system used to initiate control of protected premises emergency control functions shall be located within 3 ft of the controlled circuit or appliance.

21.2.5 The relay or other appliance shall function within the voltage and current limitations of the fire alarm control unit.

Paragraph 6.16.2.2* in NFPA 72 – 2007 is identical.

NFPA 13- 2010



8.15.5.4* Upright, pendent, or sidewall spray sprinklers shall be installed at the top of elevator hoistways.

8.15.5.5 The sprinkler required at the top of the elevator hoistway by 8.15.5.4 shall not be required where the hoistway for passenger elevators is noncombustible or limited combustible and the car enclosure materials meet the requirements of ASME A17.1 …

NFPA 13- 2010



8.15.5.6 Sprinklers shall be installed at the top and bottom of elevators that utilize polyurethane-coated steel belts or other similar combustible belt material.

NFPA 13- 2010



8.15.5.1* Sidewall spray sprinklers shall be installed at the bottom of each elevator hoistway not more than 2 ft above the floor of the pit.

8.15.5.2 The sprinkler required at the bottom of the elevator hoistway by 8.15.5.1 shall not be required for enclosed, noncombustible elevator shafts that do not contain combustible hydraulic fluids.

ASME A17.1 - 2010


A17.1 – 2004/2005 allowed no power disconnect as long as sprinklers were located 24 in. or less above the pit floor. (slide 22)

2.8.3.3.2 In jurisdictions not enforcing the NBCC, where elevator equipment is located or its enclosure is configured such that application of water from sprinklers could cause unsafe elevator operation, means shall be provided to automatically disconnect the main line power supply to the affected elevator and any other power supplies used to move the elevator upon or prior to the application of water.

NFPA 72- 2010



21.4.1* Where heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, the detector shall have both a lower temperature rating and a higher sensitivity as compared to the sprinkler.

Paragraph 6.16.4.1* in NFPA 72 – 2007 is identical.

Example


• Use 165: F, ordinary temperature rated sprinkler.

• Use 135: F, thermistor-based heat detector.

Or maintain a similar relationship based on ambient temperatures

Note:

Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms and hoistways must be of ordinary or intermediate temperature rating. (NFPA 13 [2010], 8.15.5.3)

NFPA 72- 2010



21.4.2* If heat detectors are used to shut down elevator power prior to sprinkler operation, they shall be placed within 24 in. of each sprinkler head and be installed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 17(5). Alternatively, engineering methods, such as specified in Annex B, shall be permitted to be used to select and place heat detectors to ensure response prior to any sprinkler head operation under a variety of fire growth rate scenarios.

Paragraph 6.16.4.2 in NFPA 72 – 2007 is identical.

NFPA 72- 2010



21.4.3* If pressure or waterflow switches are used to shut down elevator power immediately upon or prior to the discharge of water from sprinklers, the use of devices with time-delay switches or time-delay capability shall not be permitted.


NFPA 72- 2010



21.4.4* Control circuits to shut down elevator power shall be monitored for presence of operating voltage. Loss of voltage to the control circuit for the disconnecting means shall cause a supervisory signal to be indicated at the control unit and required remote annunciators.


NFPA 72- 2010



21.4.5* The initiating devices described in 21.4.2(HD) and 21.4 21.4.3 (WFS) shall be monitored for integrity by the control unit required in Section 21.3.1 and 21.3.2.


Shunt Trip Operation – (theoretical)


• Smoke detector actuates, causing elevator recall

• Elevators arrive at the recall floor and doors open

• Heat buildup causes heat detector to actuate

• Shunt trip operates, removing power from the elevator

• Sprinkler operates extinguishing heat source

Concern:


Potential of passengers becoming entrapped in the elevator if a heat detector or waterflow switch actuates (to cause “shunt trip”) prior to the completion of the recall function!

An A17.1 task force was convened to discuss this concern.

Recommendations included exempting sprinklers from being installed in elevator machine rooms and the top of the hoistway, delaying the release of water so recall can be completed first – “the delay strategy” and use of the “Earthquake Mode” (stop at the next floor).

NFPA 72- 2010



A.21.4.2 Upon activation of the heat detector used for elevator power shut down, there should be a delay in the activation of the power shunt trip. This delay should be the time that it takes the elevator cab to travel from the top of the hoistway to the lowest recall level.

Identical verbiage in paragraph A.6.16.4.4 of the 2007 – NFPA 72

What are we doing locally?


Loudoun County

Fire Marshal is enforcing IBC requirement for all sprinkled elevator shafts to be provided with detection for shunt trip (smokes for recall, heats for shunt trip)

Heat detectors in elevator machine rooms and elevator shafts must cause a supervisory condition and shunt trip the elevator power. Theory is that the smoke detector will already have alarmed the panel



Arlington County

Fire Marshal has always enforced IBC requirement for all sprinkled elevator shafts to be provided with detection for shunt trip (smokes for recall, heats for shunt trip)

Heat detectors in elevator machine rooms and elevator shafts cause an alarm condition and shunt trip the elevator power.

The speakers in recalled elevator cabs must be silenced after a time delay so they don’t sit on a floor that isn’t on fire scaring people.



Most other jurisdictions

Require all elevator shafts with sprinklers over 2’ AFF to be provided with detection for shunt trip (smokes for recall, heats for shunt trip). This may of course change now.

Heat detectors in elevator machine rooms and elevator shafts cause an alarm condition and shunt trip the elevator power.

No AHJ is enforcing the delay mentioned in the Annex material.

Problems?


The most common problem reported is a lack of understanding of what is actually required. We have heard of contractors installing heats and smokes in shafts per direction of the Fire Marshal and then having to remove them at the direction of the Elevator Inspector or vice versa.

Where conflicts exist between the Building Code and the Elevator Code it is the Building Code that has the last say.

Questions?


Ongoing Industry Effort …


Background:

• Emergency egress re-examined as a result of September 11, 2001 attack on the WTC

• Workshop on the Use of Elevators in Fires and other Emergencies (Atlanta – March 2-4, 2004)


9-11-2001 made us re-examine the way we look at high-rise buildings and evacuation strategies

Tall Buildings:


2004 Workshop:

• Co-sponsored by ASME, NIST, ICC, NFPA, IAFF, and the US Access Board

• 20 attendees representing a cross section of industry

• 20 Fire service representatives – funded by NIST and FEMA


Workshop Program:

• Focus:

– Use of Elevators by Firefighters

– Use of Elevators by Occupants During Emergencies

• Goal: to develop proposals that can be submitted to various code writing organizations


Workshop:

• Steering Committee: made up of representatives from each of the sponsoring organizations

– Review breakout groups recommendations

– Develop a prioritized list of issues

– Conduct a hazard analysis of the issues

– Draft code revision proposals addressing those issues


Process:• ASME took lead on the hazard analysis

• 2 Task Groups were formed

– Occupant Use – to evaluate the use of elevators for egress in emergencies… what can be done to decrease egress time

– Firefighter Use – to evaluate use of elevators by firefighters during fire operations… what can be done to mitigate existing hazards


Consistent Themes - Concerns:

– Culture change since 9-11 … total evacuation

– Elevators are not a “substitute” for stairs

– Evacuation of mobility impaired people

– Lack of firefighter confidence in using elevators

– Elevator reliability issues

– Water entering hoistways


Consistent Themes - Concerns:

– Rescue of passengers

– Shunt trip – entrapment

– Loss of elevator power from elsewhere in the building

– Retraining occupants to “use elevators” (in some buildings)

– Cost concerns

– Not enough information for occupants to make an informed decision


Consistent Themes - Recommendations:

– Mandatory adoption of ASME A17.3 … everywhere

– Ensure reliability of Phase I, Phase II operation

– Better training on elevator operation for firefighters

– Regular testing by qualified (certified?) personnel

– Building Emergency Action Plan enforcement


Consistent Themes - Recommendations:

– Sprinkler all buildings

– Compartmented/pressurized lobbies/vestibules

– Area of Refuge / Rescue Assistance

– Better “real time” communications to occupants

– Better “real time” communications to firefighters

– Elevator technician respond to building emergencies


Consistent Themes - Process:

– Utilize Hazard Analysis

– Involve firefighters in decisions

– Involve appropriate committees and organizations

(A17-B44, IBC, NFPA, Access Board, etc.)


Process:

• Hazard Analysis (not a risk analysis)

– Develop scenarios

– Identify hazards

– Mitigate the hazard

– Identify residual hazards

– Mitigate the residual hazards


Recommendations:

• Robust Fire Service Elevator

– Provides greater protection allowing the elevator to continue to operate for the firefighters during their operations.• Protection from water

• Protection from smoke and heat

• Direct access to protected lobby and stairwell containing standpipe

• Protection of primary and backup power supplies


Recommendations:

• Occupant Evacuation Operation [OEO]

• Scalable: OEO can be applied to one or more elevators in the building but is not necessarily required on all elevators. Allows elevators to be used for evacuation until they are recalled.

– Routing of elevators

– Cancel all pre-existing calls

– Respond only to hall calls at affected floors

– As the fire grows to include more floors, the zone of affected floors would also increase


Recommendations:

• Provide protected elevator lobbies

• Dynamic signage at elevator lobbies

• Early warning detection

• 2-hour fire rating for elevator power feeders

• Remote control operation of elevators for firefighter use (shuttle equipment, etc.)


Current Status:

Proceeding at GLACIAL SPEED …


• A17.1 - 2010 Edition (has been released)

• NFPA 72 - 2010 Edition (has been released)

• Elevator Use in Fires and Other Emergencies

– For Occupants

– For Firefighters

– Hazard Analysis almost finished

• NFPA and ICC “jumping the gun”

– NFPA 101 and IBC

NFPA 72- 2010


21.5 First Responders Use Elevators

21.5.1 The conditions monitored and displayed shall include, but are not limited to the following: (various temperatures, availability of emergency power, elevator location and status, etc.)

21.5.2 The conditions shall be displayed on a standard emergency services interface complying with Section 18.11

NFPA 72- 2010


21.6 Elevators for Occupant-Controlled Evacuation

• 21.6 talks about required status indicators (red and green) and signage for the use of these elevators, however this is really pre-mature

For instance, the current thinking of the task group is that these status indicators and signage will be provided by the elevator provider.


• Response to current construction demand

• Different terms used

– “occupant-controlled evacuation”

– “elevator evacuation operation”

– “occupant evacuation elevators”

• NFPA 101 – Annex “B” – in mandatory language

– so can be adopted as needed

• Conference in Orlando, FL - 12/2010


Stay tuned ! … …

Questions??


Thank You for Attending!!

elevator controls, by andy roe, alarm tech solutions

Documents