Elevator Fire Service Mode Basic Operations Prepared by

Elevator Fire Service Mode Basic Operations Prepared by: Lt. Rob Fisher – L 72 C

Learning Objectives • Have an understanding of how the 2012 IFC applies to elevator key access in a commercial buildings. • Have an understanding of the two main types of elevators: hydraulic and traction. • Be able to explain the difference between Phase I and Phase II operations of an elevator in fire service mode. • Be able to determine when an elevator is in fire service mode.

Manipulative Objectives • Identify buildings in your first-due or surrounding area with an elevator(s). • Locate the appropriate key to operate the elevator in fire service mode. • Use the elevator key to recall the elevator car(s) to the lobby or main floor. • Place the elevator into fire service mode and then return it to normal operations.

Disclaimer • Your specific department operating guidelines shall supersede anything written in this training program. • This program is only intended to help firefighters with the very basic functions of the fire service mode. It shall not replace proper training or department’s operational guideline.

Buildings and Elevators • Multi-floor commercial buildings with public access will most likely have an elevator due to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). • In high-rise buildings, elevators will likely be used by firefighters for operations on upper floors.

Where are the keys? • The 2012 International Fire Code and NFPA require a key box to be located in the building accessible to the fire department. If the building does not fall under the most recent version of the IFC, keys to operate the fire service mode for the elevator may be located in the Knox Box and/or in the elevator mechanical room.

Elevator Keys • Every elevator manufacture has their own type of key. • Some elevators use flat keys (pad lock style), while others use the barrel key. • These keys may or may not operate other functions (lights, fan, etc. ) of the elevators.

High-rise vs. Mid-rise Building • The most recent version of the building code in general terms defines a high-rise building as having 7 floors above grade level. Anything 6 floors or below would be classified as a mid-rise or lowrise building. • High-rise buildings have standpipe or standpipe/sprinkler systems in them for firefighting operations. Whereas mid-rise and low-rise may not have a interior standpipe system.

High-rise Firefighting • Jurisdictions with high-rise buildings usually have operating guidelines for using elevators for fire operations. Some common guidelines are: – If the fire is located below the 8 th floor, companies shall use the stairwell(s) for access to the fire floor. – When using the elevator for access to a fire on an upper level floor, the elevator shall be stopped two floors below the fire floor to begin firefighting operations. – If an elevator(s) are used for fire operations, a fire company shall assume “Lobby Control” and this company’s personnel will shuttle other companies and their equipment to the designated two floors below the fire floor.

If we don’t have high-rise buildings, why should we use the elevator in fire service mode? • Since there are only a few high-rise type buildings in Snohomish County, the use of elevators for firefighting operations in mid-rise buildings will most likely be used to shuttle additional equipment and personnel to upper floors during post fire operations after initial operations have already begun. • Controlling the elevators for the evacuation of the infirmed during a fire. • To have a basic knowledge of operations should there be a fire in one a the few high-rise buildings in Snohomish County as this will likely be a large response needing multiple mutual-aid units. • The use of fire service mode can be effective for removing patients on EMS responses.

Fire service mode… • Know that fire service mode can be activated automatically (whenever smoke is detected within the building) or manually (using a key switch located on the ground floor) - Phase I. • Understand that when fire service mode is activated, each elevator will automatically return to the ground floor. If smoke has been detected on the ground floor, the elevators will return to an alternate floor. Once the elevators have arrived at the recall floor, the doors will open. • At this point, the elevators will remain inoperable. In order to use them, you must set the fire service key switch (located in each elevator) to one of the following positions – Phase II: – On: Permits usage of the elevator in fire service mode – Bypass: Returns the elevator to normal operation

Fire service mode…(cont. ) • • • You may now select a floor (or group of floors) to go to. Pressing the "Call Cancel" button will clear your selection(s). The elevator will not leave the floor until the "Door Close" button is held down. You must hold this button until the doors are fully closed; otherwise, they will reopen. The elevator will travel to the desired floor. When it stops, the doors will remain closed. This is a safety feature. You must hold the "Door Open" button until the doors are fully open. If smoke or flames enter the elevator, release the button immediately. The doors will close. If you wish to leave the elevator, set the fire service key switch to "Hold" and remove the key. This prevents others from using the elevator. To continue using fire service mode, reinsert the key and turn it to "On”. To return to the recall floor, set the fire service key switch to "Off”. The elevators will continue to remain inoperable. To return them to normal operation, turn the fire recall switch (located in the hallway) to "Reset".

Company Hands-On Training As a company: 1. Identify buildings in your first-due or surrounding area with an elevator(s). 2. Go to one of these buildings to familiarize your company with its location and function. Note: be sure to contact the building’s management or maintenance before training on their elevator(s). 3. Locate the appropriate key to operate the elevator in fire service mode. 4. Use the elevator key to recall the elevator car(s) to the lobby or main floor.

Company Hands-On Training (cont. ) 5. Place the elevator into fire service mode (Phase II) and prepare to ride the car to an upper floor. Perform the following functions: 1. Select a floor(s) and use the Call Cancel to clear your selection. 2. Re-select a floor(s) and close the elevator car door. 3. Upon arriving at the selected floor, begin to open the doors and allow the doors to close before they are fully open. 4. Place the elevator into the Hold mode on this floor. 5. Return the elevator to the main floor or lobby. 6. Return the elevator(s) back into normal operations.