Human Factors Considerations in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans

Published

August 1, 1992

Author(s)

N E. Groner, Bernard M. Levin

Abstract

If elevators could be safely used in fire emergencies, the safety of building occupants with mobility limitations could be greatly enhanced and the time for all occupants to evacuate might be reduced. This report covers a study of human factors considerations related to the possible use of elevators for evacuations in fire emergencies. It covers the selection of the fundamental approach to organizing elevator evacuations for specific buildings; the coordination and direction of the evacuation; the decision-making, information and communication needs to permit a coordinated evacuation; and the documentation, manning and training requirements to permit a proper implementation of the fire emergency plan.

Citation

Grant/Contract Reports (NISTGCR) - 92-615

Report Number

92-615

NIST Pub Series

Grant/Contract Reports (NISTGCR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

human factors engineering, elevators (lifts), evacuation, fire protection, handicapped, high rise buildings, human behavior, office buildings, occupants

Citation

Groner, N. and Levin, B. (1992), Human Factors Considerations in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans, Grant/Contract Reports (NISTGCR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=909293 (Accessed October 9, 2025)