Can We Use Elevators in Case of Fire?

In case of fire, they say, 'Don't use the lift.' But without it, how on earth can I 'left' the building?

You've probably seen the bold signs or heard the stern warnings countless times: "In case of fire, DO NOT use the elevator." It’s a directive as ingrained in our minds as "Stop, Drop, and Roll." But, let's shift our perspective for a moment and ask: How can I leave a building, especially if I’m on the 100th floor?

The topic becomes all the more pertinent as urban environments keep pushing the limits of architectural engineering, with skyscrapers reaching for the clouds and subterranean structures diving deep into the Earth. In these advanced, multi-story scenarios, conventional wisdom might not always apply uniformly. The challenges of evacuating occupants from such buildings, considering aspects like fatigue and the needs of people with mobility restrictions, are growing more complex.

Here's where elevators come into play. While their use during fires has traditionally been frowned upon, this doesn't mean they have no place in evacuation procedures, especially in these towering or deep structures. To understand this better, Enrico Ronchi highly recommends this comprehensive Ph.D. thesis that delves into this very matter: link.

This research showcases how the human psychology around elevator evacuation—factors like the willingness to use lifts and the waiting times we deem acceptable—plays a pivotal role. Interestingly, while many have a built-in hesitation to opt for elevators during hypothetical fire scenarios, most individuals in a real, unannounced evacuation in a high-rise hotel still tried to use them. Moreover, in experiments in a virtual underground metro station, it was found that certain systems, such as informational and guidance setups, can markedly increase the propensity to choose elevators. Even the simple act of installing countdown timers above elevator doors significantly bolstered waiting time tolerance.

As we look to the future of architectural safety, it’s crucial for designers and engineers to keep these behavioral considerations in mind. A proposed design strategy is already paving the way to better integrate evacuation elevators in both buildings and other structures.

To summarize, while our traditional understanding advises against elevator use during fires, the reality, especially in contemporary architectural marvels, might be more nuanced. It’s a timely reminder that as our buildings evolve, so too must our safety strategies.

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