Evacuating by Elevator: Challenges and Considerations

There is a growing concern in our Industry about using an Elevator as an Evacuation means, therefore we must weigh in the pros and cons of this method. Some Occupancies may require Elevator Evacuation such as Healthcare Facilities and being a Person with Disability for the past 4 years using stairs is quite a challenge for me. Building Codes are evolving, catering to every challenge arising from data and experience.

Disadvantages of Evacuating by Elevator

Elevators are often seen as a modern convenience, but their use during fire emergencies has long been controversial. The prominent signage in many buildings, reading “Use Stairways in Case of Fire—Do Not Use Elevators,” reflects a broad consensus within the safety community. This caution stems from several key disadvantages associated with using elevators in the event of a fire:

1.????? Elevator Malfunction and Fire Floor Stops: In a fire, elevators can malfunction due to circuit failures, which might cause the elevators to stop at fire-affected floors. This increases the risk of exposure to smoke and flames and can also trap occupants in dangerous conditions.

2.????? Exposure to Smoke and Flames: Delays in elevator arrival can force people to wait in environments where smoke, heat, or flames are present. The potential for prolonged exposure exacerbates the risks associated with a fire.

3.????? Potential for Additional Hazards: When an elevator stops at a fire floor, it can unintentionally expose additional occupants to the fire. This is especially dangerous if the elevator was called from a lower floor and stopped on the way up.

4.????? Crowding and Door Malfunctions: During a fire evacuation, the rush to escape can lead to overcrowding in elevators. This can prevent doors from closing properly, trapping everyone inside or on the fire floor.

5.????? Power Failures: Power interruptions can leave people stranded between floors. Although emergency power systems exist, they may not always be effective if the elevator’s cabling or machinery is compromised.

Conditions for Safe Elevator Evacuation

Despite these risks, elevators can offer a highly efficient means of evacuation, particularly in high-rise buildings where stairs may be impractical for those with mobility impairments. The key is to ensure that elevators are used under strictly controlled conditions. Proposed safety measures for making elevators a viable option for emergency evacuation include:

1.????? Full Building Sprinkler Systems: Ensuring that the building is fully equipped with sprinklers helps to control the spread of fire and reduces the overall risk.

2.????? Pressurization of Elevator Shafts and Lobbies: By pressurizing elevator shafts and lobbies, smoke infiltration can be minimized, making these areas safer for evacuation.

3.????? Smoke-Free Air Intakes: Pressurization systems should use smoke-free air sources to maintain a safe environment within elevator shafts and lobbies.

4.????? Smoke Detectors in Elevator Lobbies: Smoke detectors can trigger emergency responses, such as recalling elevators to a safe level or halting their operation if necessary.

5.????? Water-Resistant Elevator Systems: Ensuring that elevators are resistant to water damage helps to protect against the effects of sprinkler systems and other fire suppression efforts.

6.????? Designated Levels for Power Failures: Elevators should be programmed to return to a designated safe level in the event of a power failure, minimizing the risk of occupants being trapped.

7.????? Dedicated Emergency Power: Elevators should have their emergency power supply to ensure they remain operational during a power outage.

8.????? Direct Access to Pressurized Stairways: Elevator lobbies should provide direct access to pressurized stairways, offering an alternative means of escape if needed.

9.????? Two-Way Communication: Elevator cabs and lobbies should be equipped with two-way communication systems linked to the fire command station, allowing for real-time coordination during emergencies.

10.? Preplanned Elevator Response: The operation of elevators during a fire emergency should be preplanned and coordinated with fire response strategies.

Current Code Requirements

While implementing all the proposed safety measures may not always be practical or necessary, some of these items are already part of current safety codes and regulations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, for example, permits the use of elevators for exiting from areas of refuge, provided that certain conditions are met. These include arranging elevators for firefighter service, protecting power supplies, and ensuring that elevator shafts are smokeproof.

Summary

Elevator evacuation during fires remains a complex and often hazardous issue. Although elevators can be a crucial part of evacuation strategies, particularly in high-rise buildings, they must be used with caution and under stringent safety conditions. Balancing the efficiency of elevators with the need for safety requires careful planning and adherence to safety codes, ensuring that elevators enhance rather than compromise overall emergency evacuation strategies.