Smoke Control for Elevators.

Published

June 1, 1983

Author(s)

J H. Klote

Abstract

This paper is a second report on an ongoing project at NBS to investigate the use of elevators as a means of fire escape for the handicapped. The use of stairwells for fire evacuation poses a problem for people who cannot use stairs because of physical disabilities. This paper discusses some of the major problems associated with the use of elevators as a means of fire exit and proposes a conceptual solution to those problems. A report is made on field tests of six buildings with elevator protection systems. A simple relationship is developed for the pressure differences across the elevator shaft and across the elevator lobby for one type of elevator pressurization system. Vertical pressure profiles of such systems are also discussed.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 83-2715

Report Number

83-2715

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

building fires, egress, elevators (lifts), evacuation, handicapped, pressurization, smoke control, stairwells, elevator shafts

Citation

Klote, J. (1983), Smoke Control for Elevators., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=104360 (Accessed October 27, 2025)