ELEVATOR EVACUATION PROCEDURE
SECTION 1.1
INTRODUCTION
The University recommends that any evacuation of passengers from elevator cars be performed under the direct supervision of factory trained elevator personnel, as their experience and expertise assure the resourcefulness necessary to cope with the various situations and hazards that may arise. However, in the event of an emergency waiting for elevator personnel may be impractical. Under certain emergency conditions, the passenger evacuation may be performed by campus personnel who have been trained as described in the procedure that follows.
Contracted factory elevator technicians due to their knowledge of elevator systems may utilize other procedures to safely evacuate passengers under any scenario (e.g., move the car to a landing to allow egress through the elevator door).
CAUTION
Newer elevators may not be equipped with an in-car emergency stop switch, so utilizing the mainline disconnect is extremely important.
SECTION 1.2
CAMPUS RESCUE TEAM ORGANIZATION AND TRAINING
1.2.1 Organization
In order to ensure that a rescue by other than experienced elevator personnel is performed safely, university management has selected and trained certain employees in proper elevator evacuation procedure. A rescue team of university employees should be organized with specific duties assigned to each member. Where this is impractical, university management should coordinate with the local authorities responsible for rescue operations, such as the police department or fire department. The rescue team should be similarly organized and trained. Training should always be done with experienced, qualified elevator personnel present.
Prior to attempting any rescue, it is imperative that the rescue team has the proper tools and equipment ready for use. It is equally important that they be trained in the proper use of the tools and equipment. Some of the tools and equipment necessary to make a safe rescue are:
(a) fire service switch key (Key #2389)
(b) emergency stop switch key (Key # 2395)
(c) hoistway door unlocking devices (elevator door interlock release keys)
(d) two-way radios
(e) flashlights
1.2.2 Training and Instruction
The rescue team will receive annual training and demonstrate the use of the Elevator Evacuation procedure for evacuating passengers in an actual emergency situation, which may arise in the elevator operation at every building within their jurisdiction. As part of the annual training, rescue drills should be planned to simulate various emergency conditions and should be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the rescue operation and organization.
Written instructions on the steps to be taken to affect a rescue should be furnished to all personnel designated and trained to perform rescue duties. These instructions must also be in a location known and accessible to the rescue team, where they can be readily referred to during an evacuation. These written instructions should also include:
- the telephone numbers of organizations or persons to be contacted for assistance, e.g., contracted services elevator maintenance personnel, local police or fire departments and telephone numbers of the University’s Facilities Services Director, the Safety & Risk Manager, the UHV Facilities Coordinator, and the UHSSL Building Maintenance Manager
- the location of the electrical cutoff device
- the location of keys,
- the location of elevator exterior door key device,
- the location of the necessary tools and equipment described above,
SECTION 1.3
EVACUATION PROCEDURES
1.3.1 Communication
Prior to conducting an evacuation, the following steps should be taken:
(a) The responsible personnel in the building should immediately communicate with the occupants of the elevator car to inform them that:
(1) they are safe
(2) steps are being taken to evacuate them from the elevator car
(3) they should stand clear of doors since they may be opened
(4) they should refrain from smoking.
(b) In communicating with the occupants of the elevator car, the following information should be obtained for guidance in making decisions on actions to be taken in the rescue operation:
(1) the number of persons in the elevator car
(2) whether any of the occupants of the elevator car are ill or injured
(3) whether the lights are on in the elevator car
The rescue team should verify that these steps have been taken, and while the rescue operation is in progress, the occupants of the elevator car should continually be kept informed and reassured of their safety.
1.3.2 Assessment of Conditions
It is recognized that the preferred safe practice in evacuating passengers is to move the elevator car to a landing level. The procedure outlined here does not require the movement of the elevator car by any means other than normal operation or Phase I operation. Movement of the elevator car by any other means should be attempted by factory trained elevator technicians only.
Before utilizing any of this procedure, ascertain that the mainline disconnect switch is in the "ON" position (closed) and that the emergency stop switch, if the car is so equipped, is in the "RUN" position, not in the "STOP" position.
If the elevator is equipped with firefighters' service operation, try activating the Phase I lobby key switch to recall the elevator car to the main floor.
If the elevator car is stalled due to a loss of power to the building, and the building has a standby or emergency power source equipped to operate the elevators, it may be possible to run the elevators by turning the emergency recall switch in the main floor lobby to the "ON" position.
If these methods do not work, determine the position of the elevator car and continue with the evacuation procedure for an elevator car at or near landing (see paragraph 1.3.3);
Note
In position above “at or near landing” is defined as within 18” of the loading zone. Under emergency conditions, the university rescue team is trained in the proper evacuation procedure rescue attempt for this position only.
ASME A17.1 – 2004 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators dictates that the elevator door restrictive device will not allow the interior door to be opened if the elevator car is beyond 18” of the loading zone. Factory trained elevator technicians must release the door.
If the rescue team determines that the elevator car is located in any other position than the position above, an emergency evacuation of car passengers will be attempted by factory trained elevator technicians only.
1.3.3 Procedure with Car at or Near Landing
When an elevator car is located at or near a landing (see Fig. 1.3.3), it may be that the hoistway door is unlocked and the hoistway and car doors can be opened by hand. Under these conditions proceed as follows.
(a) Set the mainline disconnect switch for the stalled elevator in the "OFF" position.
(b) Open the doors by hand.
(c) Enter the elevator car and set the emergency stop switch, if the car is so equipped, in the "STOP" position.
(d) Assist the passengers in leaving the elevator car, one at a time. If the car is not level with the landing, make sure that the passengers do not trip or fall while leaving the car.
1.3.4 Restoration of Elevator Service
Do not attempt to restore power to the stalled elevator. After the rescue has been completed, have a rescue team member stand by to inform the factory trained elevator technicians what switches were pulled and which doors were forced open.
SECTION 1.4
ELEVATOR EVACUATION RESOURCES
ASME A17.1 – 2003 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
ASME A17.1, RULE 211.3 – Firefighters Service Operation
ASME A17.3 – 2002 Safety Code for Existing Elevators
ASME A17.4 – 1999 Guide for Emergency Evacuation of Passengers from Elevators