Opening The Door To Elevator Evacuation

Part 1: ICC, NFPA Add Code Provisions For Evacuation Elevators

Part 2: Smoke, Water Remain Challenges to Evacuation Elevators

Part 3: ICC And NFPA Approve Code Changes for High-Rise Buildings

Part 4: Elevator Operation and Fires: Phase I and Phase II

Elevator Operation and Fires: Phase I and Phase II

By Brandon Lorenz, Senior Editor - November 2008 - Elevators

Elevator use is governed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17 life safety code for elevators and escalators. Under ASME standards, once a fire has been detected, elevators operate under either Phase I or Phase II regulations.

Phase I:

Under Phase I operation, elevators that are 25 feet or more above the main floor return either to a designated landing area or an alternate area. Phase I operation is activated either manually by a special key, or automatically by a fire alarm initiating device. A sensor could detect smoke in the hoistway, lobby or machine room, for example, and trigger Phase I. The goal is to remove the elevators from service so that building occupants do not use elevators during a fire and become trapped.

Phase II:

Phase II operation is an override meant for firefighters after Phase I has been activated. Under Phase II operation, firefighters can use a keyswitch to operate the elevator, provided the hoistway is clear of smoke and the elevator has electricity.

Comments

PhilMaher wrote re: Elevator Operation and Fires: Phase I and Phase II
on 6/24/2010 11:54:20 AM

As the Hospital Fire Marshal I am more interested in protecting the hold in place staff and patients on upper floors.
So preventing people from being stuck in an elevator during a fire is secondary. I need the elevator doors closed to prevent smoke from traveling up the open elevator shaft and killing people on the floors above.