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Elevators as a Means of Fire Escape

Published

Author(s)

J H. Klote

Abstract

This paper is the initial report of 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 test of four buildings with elevator protection systems. These protection systems and their interactions with other systems are examined.
Citation
ASHRAE Transactions
Report Number
82-2507
Volume
89
Issue
No. 2

Keywords

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

Citation

Klote, J. (1982), Elevators as a Means of Fire Escape, ASHRAE Transactions, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=909282 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created May 1, 1982, Updated February 19, 2017