Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of stairways in a high-rise building?
What is the primary function of stairways in a high-rise building?
- To move people and materials horizontally
- To move people and objects up and down the structure (correct)
- To enclose the building with two-hour fire-rated walls
- To provide aesthetics and ease of passage
What is the purpose of enclosing stairwells in walls with at least a two-hour fire rating?
What is the purpose of enclosing stairwells in walls with at least a two-hour fire rating?
- To increase the aesthetic appeal of the stairway
- To reduce the risk of fire and smoke infiltration (correct)
- To decrease the number of stairs in the building
- To provide additional storage space
What is the result of fire in an occupancy space?
What is the result of fire in an occupancy space?
- Heat and gases are compressing
- Heat and gases are expanding (correct)
- Heat and gases are eliminated
- Heat and gases are neutralized
What type of transportation system is used in large footprint buildings?
What type of transportation system is used in large footprint buildings?
What is the primary objective of building codes regulating stairways?
What is the primary objective of building codes regulating stairways?
What is the term used to describe the continuous and uninterrupted passage from one floor or story to another in a building?
What is the term used to describe the continuous and uninterrupted passage from one floor or story to another in a building?
What is the primary difference between early high-rise stairways and modern stairways?
What is the primary difference between early high-rise stairways and modern stairways?
What is the purpose of doors having at least a one-hour fire rating in stairways?
What is the purpose of doors having at least a one-hour fire rating in stairways?
What is the primary purpose of an enclosed stairway in a high-rise building?
What is the primary purpose of an enclosed stairway in a high-rise building?
What is the significance of maintaining stair shafts free of smoke and obstructions during fire operations and evacuation?
What is the significance of maintaining stair shafts free of smoke and obstructions during fire operations and evacuation?
What is the purpose of smoke blockers/curtains in high-rise building firefighting operations?
What is the purpose of smoke blockers/curtains in high-rise building firefighting operations?
Why is it important to have each stairwell uniquely identified and labeled in a high-rise building?
Why is it important to have each stairwell uniquely identified and labeled in a high-rise building?
What is the maximum distance an occupant would have to travel to an exit in a high-rise building with full sprinkler system protection?
What is the maximum distance an occupant would have to travel to an exit in a high-rise building with full sprinkler system protection?
What is the purpose of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the purpose of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the primary purpose of portable fan equipment in high-rise building firefighting operations?
What is the primary purpose of portable fan equipment in high-rise building firefighting operations?
What is the significance of the 'point of no return' in a high-rise building incident response?
What is the significance of the 'point of no return' in a high-rise building incident response?
What is the purpose of in-house smoke management equipment in high-rise building firefighting operations?
What is the purpose of in-house smoke management equipment in high-rise building firefighting operations?
Why is it important to ensure that stair identification markings, instruction signs, emergency lighting, and smoke management systems are present and functional in a high-rise building?
Why is it important to ensure that stair identification markings, instruction signs, emergency lighting, and smoke management systems are present and functional in a high-rise building?
What is the primary reason why open stairwells are not typically found in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary reason why open stairwells are not typically found in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of a transfer hallway within a stairwell?
What is the purpose of a transfer hallway within a stairwell?
What type of stair design is characterized by a 180° turn in the walk line?
What type of stair design is characterized by a 180° turn in the walk line?
What is the primary advantage of quarter landing stairs?
What is the primary advantage of quarter landing stairs?
Why are straight-run stairs limited in their use?
Why are straight-run stairs limited in their use?
What is the term for a stair design that ascends or descends one flight to a landing between floors and then continues to another landing?
What is the term for a stair design that ascends or descends one flight to a landing between floors and then continues to another landing?
What is the primary purpose of a grand open stairway in the main entrance of a high-rise building?
What is the primary purpose of a grand open stairway in the main entrance of a high-rise building?
What type of stair design is characterized by a straight run from the base to the terminus point?
What type of stair design is characterized by a straight run from the base to the terminus point?
Why may a variance be requested by the architect for an open stairway beyond the mezzanine level?
Why may a variance be requested by the architect for an open stairway beyond the mezzanine level?
What is the primary concern when a lobby area has been compromised from an all-hazard emergency?
What is the primary concern when a lobby area has been compromised from an all-hazard emergency?
What is a major concern with straight-run stairs in firefighting operations?
What is a major concern with straight-run stairs in firefighting operations?
Why are scissor stairs designed within the core of the building?
Why are scissor stairs designed within the core of the building?
What is a potential issue with scissor stairs during an evacuation?
What is a potential issue with scissor stairs during an evacuation?
Why is stairwell identification and labeling important in scissor stairs?
Why is stairwell identification and labeling important in scissor stairs?
What is a drawback of having scissor stairs behind an elevator shaft?
What is a drawback of having scissor stairs behind an elevator shaft?
Why are scissor stairs considered a vertical challenge in high-rise buildings?
Why are scissor stairs considered a vertical challenge in high-rise buildings?
What is a potential issue with scissor stairs in terms of smoke travel?
What is a potential issue with scissor stairs in terms of smoke travel?
What is a concern with broadcasting evacuation instructions to civilians during a fire in a high-rise building with scissor stairs?
What is a concern with broadcasting evacuation instructions to civilians during a fire in a high-rise building with scissor stairs?
Why are scissor stairs designed with a wall separating the stairs?
Why are scissor stairs designed with a wall separating the stairs?
What is a characteristic of scissor stairs?
What is a characteristic of scissor stairs?
What is the primary purpose of opening stairway doors on hot and humid days?
What is the primary purpose of opening stairway doors on hot and humid days?
Which type of stairway is characterized by a change in direction, leading users left or right of where they were on the floor above or below?
Which type of stairway is characterized by a change in direction, leading users left or right of where they were on the floor above or below?
What is the purpose of the intermediate space in a fire tower stair?
What is the purpose of the intermediate space in a fire tower stair?
Why are fire tower stairs not commonly found in modern high-rise buildings?
Why are fire tower stairs not commonly found in modern high-rise buildings?
What is the minimum distance required between stairway doors in a scissor stair configuration?
What is the minimum distance required between stairway doors in a scissor stair configuration?
Which type of stairway is prohibited from sharing a common wall, floor, or ceiling?
Which type of stairway is prohibited from sharing a common wall, floor, or ceiling?
What is the primary concern with winder stairs?
What is the primary concern with winder stairs?
What is the effect of having both stairway doors temporarily fixed in an open position during a fire?
What is the effect of having both stairway doors temporarily fixed in an open position during a fire?
What is the primary advantage of fire tower stairs?
What is the primary advantage of fire tower stairs?
Why are fire tower stairs still found in older high-rise buildings?
Why are fire tower stairs still found in older high-rise buildings?
What is the main advantage of having an access stairway within a business occupancy?
What is the main advantage of having an access stairway within a business occupancy?
What is the primary concern with open access stairways passing through multiple floors?
What is the primary concern with open access stairways passing through multiple floors?
What is the purpose of closely spaced sprinkler heads in an access stair installation?
What is the purpose of closely spaced sprinkler heads in an access stair installation?
What is the term used to describe a multifloor dwelling unit with access/convenience stairs?
What is the term used to describe a multifloor dwelling unit with access/convenience stairs?
Why is pre-incident planning and the development of a battle plan highly recommended for multifloor dwelling units?
Why is pre-incident planning and the development of a battle plan highly recommended for multifloor dwelling units?
What is the purpose of a draft curtain at the ceiling level in an access stair installation?
What is the purpose of a draft curtain at the ceiling level in an access stair installation?
What is the main benefit of having a fire tower in a high-rise building?
What is the main benefit of having a fire tower in a high-rise building?
What is the authority responsible for dictating the type of fire protection required for an access stair installation?
What is the authority responsible for dictating the type of fire protection required for an access stair installation?
What is the primary concern with multifloor dwelling units in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary concern with multifloor dwelling units in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of including information about access stairs on a building information card?
What is the purpose of including information about access stairs on a building information card?
What is the primary requirement for exit access stairways and ramps in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system?
What is the primary requirement for exit access stairways and ramps in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system?
What is the purpose of a draft curtain in exit access stairways and ramps?
What is the purpose of a draft curtain in exit access stairways and ramps?
What is the advantage of spiral stairs in castle turrets during medieval times?
What is the advantage of spiral stairs in castle turrets during medieval times?
What is the primary purpose of interior stairs in multilevel apartment units?
What is the primary purpose of interior stairs in multilevel apartment units?
What is the significance of properly identifying and labeling stairwells in high-rise buildings?
What is the significance of properly identifying and labeling stairwells in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of closely spaced sprinklers in exit access stairways and ramps?
What is the purpose of closely spaced sprinklers in exit access stairways and ramps?
What is the primary challenge faced by firefighters in multilevel apartment units with interior stairs?
What is the primary challenge faced by firefighters in multilevel apartment units with interior stairs?
What is the primary purpose of spiral stairs in lighthouses?
What is the primary purpose of spiral stairs in lighthouses?
What is the significance of having apartments on multiple levels with interior stairs?
What is the significance of having apartments on multiple levels with interior stairs?
What is the primary purpose of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the primary purpose of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the primary purpose of installing a dry standpipe riser in attic spaces?
What is the primary purpose of installing a dry standpipe riser in attic spaces?
What is the significance of the open spiral staircase in the Ansonia Hotel?
What is the significance of the open spiral staircase in the Ansonia Hotel?
What is the purpose of installing fire-rated doors in stairwells?
What is the purpose of installing fire-rated doors in stairwells?
What is the advantage of using spiral stairs in high-rise residential buildings?
What is the advantage of using spiral stairs in high-rise residential buildings?
What is the concern with using spiral stairs in high-rise buildings?
What is the concern with using spiral stairs in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the purpose of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the significance of the 2015 International Building Code, New Jersey edition Section 1011.10?
What is the significance of the 2015 International Building Code, New Jersey edition Section 1011.10?
What is the purpose of stretching a hoseline up a spiral staircase?
What is the purpose of stretching a hoseline up a spiral staircase?
What is the concern with entering a dwelling unit from the main entry floor?
What is the concern with entering a dwelling unit from the main entry floor?
What is the purpose of using a hose strap when stretching a hoseline up a spiral staircase?
What is the purpose of using a hose strap when stretching a hoseline up a spiral staircase?
When gaining entrance to a multifloor apartment, why is it best to enter on the lowest floor?
When gaining entrance to a multifloor apartment, why is it best to enter on the lowest floor?
What is the primary purpose of exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes in high-rise buildings?
What is the primary purpose of exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes in high-rise buildings?
In which year did a fire occur in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, resulting in more than 146 fatalities?
In which year did a fire occur in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, resulting in more than 146 fatalities?
What is the primary concern with exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes?
What is the primary concern with exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes?
What is the consequence of a fire escape failing while firefighters are advancing into the fire area?
What is the consequence of a fire escape failing while firefighters are advancing into the fire area?
What is the significance of the small yard or space with access to an alley or street in the Garment District of Manhattan?
What is the significance of the small yard or space with access to an alley or street in the Garment District of Manhattan?
According to the 2015 International Building Code, how often should a fire escape examination be conducted?
According to the 2015 International Building Code, how often should a fire escape examination be conducted?
What is the primary advantage of using exterior open cage stairs during fire operations?
What is the primary advantage of using exterior open cage stairs during fire operations?
What is the purpose of a cage on a fixed ladder that is taller than 24 ft?
What is the purpose of a cage on a fixed ladder that is taller than 24 ft?
What is the term that is no longer used in NFPA publications because it is considered misleading?
What is the term that is no longer used in NFPA publications because it is considered misleading?
What is the typical location of exterior open cage stairs in high-rise buildings?
What is the typical location of exterior open cage stairs in high-rise buildings?
What is the purpose of photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells?
What is the purpose of photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells?
What is the primary concern with using a dry standpipe associated with exterior open cage stairs?
What is the primary concern with using a dry standpipe associated with exterior open cage stairs?
When should a fixed ladder be examined for structural adequacy and safety?
When should a fixed ladder be examined for structural adequacy and safety?
What was the primary factor that contributed to the failure of the exterior fire escape during the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
What was the primary factor that contributed to the failure of the exterior fire escape during the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?
What is the purpose of a registered design professional examining a fire escape stairway?
What is the purpose of a registered design professional examining a fire escape stairway?
What is the primary reason why exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes are still in existence in many older urban environments?
What is the primary reason why exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes are still in existence in many older urban environments?
Why may a caged ladder present difficulties for firefighters wearing SCBA equipment?
Why may a caged ladder present difficulties for firefighters wearing SCBA equipment?
What is the purpose of an inspection report after a fire escape stairway examination?
What is the purpose of an inspection report after a fire escape stairway examination?
What is the significance of the 2015 International Fire Code regarding fire escape stairways?
What is the significance of the 2015 International Fire Code regarding fire escape stairways?
What is the primary requirement for means of egress in existing buildings?
What is the primary requirement for means of egress in existing buildings?
What is the purpose of emergency stop buttons on escalators?
What is the purpose of emergency stop buttons on escalators?
What is the primary component of an escalator that serves as a mechanical structure?
What is the primary component of an escalator that serves as a mechanical structure?
What is the primary purpose of an escalator in emergency situations?
What is the primary purpose of an escalator in emergency situations?
What is the primary component of an elevator system that moves in guide rails?
What is the primary component of an elevator system that moves in guide rails?
What is the primary purpose of occupant evacuation elevators (OEEs)?
What is the primary purpose of occupant evacuation elevators (OEEs)?
What is the primary concern for firefighters when responding to an escalator incident?
What is the primary concern for firefighters when responding to an escalator incident?
What is the primary advantage of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the primary advantage of reviewing the building information card during a high-rise building incident response?
What is the primary purpose of noting the floor location of the electric service panels during a building visit or inspection?
What is the primary purpose of noting the floor location of the electric service panels during a building visit or inspection?
What is the primary concern for firefighters when dealing with escalators during a fire incident?
What is the primary concern for firefighters when dealing with escalators during a fire incident?
What is a unique feature of destination control elevator systems?
What is a unique feature of destination control elevator systems?
What is the purpose of a key access panel in a destination control elevator system?
What is the purpose of a key access panel in a destination control elevator system?
What is the benefit of having a good working knowledge of elevator operations for firefighters?
What is the benefit of having a good working knowledge of elevator operations for firefighters?
What is the name of the code that regulates elevator safety in the United States?
What is the name of the code that regulates elevator safety in the United States?
What is the purpose of the ASME A17.4 code?
What is the purpose of the ASME A17.4 code?
What is the benefit of using cableless elevator cars controlled by powerful magnets?
What is the benefit of using cableless elevator cars controlled by powerful magnets?
What is the purpose of the Edge East Side Berlin high-rise building project?
What is the purpose of the Edge East Side Berlin high-rise building project?
Why is it important for firefighters to participate in the development of elevator codes and standards?
Why is it important for firefighters to participate in the development of elevator codes and standards?
What is the purpose of having multiple elevator cars in lower, middle, and upper elevator banks in a high-rise building?
What is the purpose of having multiple elevator cars in lower, middle, and upper elevator banks in a high-rise building?
What is the benefit of having a good understanding of elevator operations during a fire or all-hazard incident?
What is the benefit of having a good understanding of elevator operations during a fire or all-hazard incident?
What is the primary purpose of photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells?
What is the primary purpose of photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells?
What is the significance of the door frame markings at the exit discharge level in photoluminescent exit path markings?
What is the significance of the door frame markings at the exit discharge level in photoluminescent exit path markings?
What is the primary objective of the 2015 International Fire Code, Section 1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings?
What is the primary objective of the 2015 International Fire Code, Section 1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings?
What is the primary advantage of photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells?
What is the primary advantage of photoluminescent exit path markings in stairwells?
What is the primary purpose of installing photoluminescent markings in mechanical spaces?
What is the primary purpose of installing photoluminescent markings in mechanical spaces?
What is the term used to describe the ability of a material to store incident electromagnetic radiation and release it in a form of visible light?
What is the term used to describe the ability of a material to store incident electromagnetic radiation and release it in a form of visible light?
What is the primary purpose of the NYC Local Law 26 of 2004?
What is the primary purpose of the NYC Local Law 26 of 2004?
What is the primary purpose of the NYC DOB task force?
What is the primary purpose of the NYC DOB task force?
What is the primary purpose of the illustrations in the NYC Local Law 26 of 2004?
What is the primary purpose of the illustrations in the NYC Local Law 26 of 2004?
What is the primary purpose of the 2015 International Fire Code, Section 1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings?
What is the primary purpose of the 2015 International Fire Code, Section 1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings?
Study Notes
Transportation Systems and Travel Routes
- There are various transportation systems in high-rise buildings to move people, materials, and objects, including stairways, elevators, escalators, and people movers.
- These systems are regulated by building codes and are designed to provide a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one floor to another.
Stairs
- Stairways are the oldest transportation system in high-rise buildings and have evolved over time.
- Early stairways were open and spacious, but later codes required stairwells to be enclosed in walls with fire-resistant materials to prevent fire and smoke from spreading.
- Enclosed stairways are vital for occupant evacuation and provide a protected space for firefighters to operate.
- Stairways can serve as a water supply depot for standpipe/sprinkler riser operations and a transport system for other support operations.
Enclosed versus Open Stairwells
- Early 20th-century high-rise buildings had open stairwells, but modern codes require stair enclosures throughout the building.
- Open stairwells are still allowed in some buildings, but they can be compromised by all-hazard emergencies.
Transfer Hallways
- A transfer hallway is a floor space within an enclosed stairwell that redirects occupants to another physical location, enabling them to reconnect to the same stairwell.
- Transfer hallways are usually short and may be located around mechanical equipment rooms or in new buildings attached to existing structures.
Return Stairs
- Return stairs are constructed to be entered at one level and then ascend or descend to a landing between floors, returning to the same general location but one floor up or down.
- Examples of return stair designs include U-shaped stairs, half-turn stairs, and switchback stairs.
Straight-Run Stairs
- Straight-run stairs are simply stairs with a straight run from the base to the terminus point.
- They may be designed with landings at each floor, but are generally not approved for use as exit stairs due to tripping hazards.
Scissor Stairs
- Scissor stairs are designed to meet code requirements for two means of egress from a floor area, with core entry/exit points in close proximity.
- However, this design can be flawed, as occupants may have to pass through the core area to reach an exit door, which can be impeded by a fire.
- Scissor stairs can be problematic during fire and emergency operations, as they require firefighters to understand the stairwell configuration and labeling.
L-Shaped Stairs
- L-shaped stairs will deposit users in a different geographic location than the one they entered on, leading up or down and also left or right of where they were on the floor above or below.
Winder Stairs
- Winder stair designs are usually not permitted for high-egress stairs but may be used as access stairs between floors occupied by the same firm or occupant.
- They are conducive to tripping hazards, similar to circular stairs.
Fire (Smoke) Tower Stairs
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Fire tower stairs are designed in a separate enclosed tower or stair-shaftway tower within or external to the building.
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They provide a preferred evacuation route for a fire incident, as the intermediate space vents contaminants and prevents smoke from entering the enclosed stairwell.### High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges
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High-rise buildings present unique challenges for firefighters, including complex stairway systems and access issues.
Multifloor Dwelling Unit-Access/Convenience Stairs
- Multifloor dwelling unit-access/convenience stairs can be found in tower blocks and high-rise buildings.
- These stairs can span two or more floors and may be referred to as maisonettes.
- The stairs can be designed with an open or enclosed configuration, and may be located within a wall or against a wall.
- Firefighters may encounter difficulties in defining the exact fire location, connecting to the closest water source, and performing life safety searches.
Spiral (Circular) Stairs
- Spiral stairs are not designed for tall building evacuation, but are used as high-rise access/convenience stairs within dwelling units.
- Spiral stairs have been used for thousands of years, including in the construction of Solomon's temple.
- They are used in lighthouses, religious structures, and museums, and are often used for artistic design rather than function.
- The stair construction materials can be metal, wood, stone, or glazing, and may be open, exposing a greater area to fire and heat.
Exterior Open Cage Stairs and Fire Escapes
- Exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes were used as a second means of egress in older buildings.
- They are often located on the rear or side of the building and may be used by firefighters to gain alternate access to the fire area.
- Exterior open cage stairs and fire escapes are constructed of ferrous metals and may be subject to degradation and failure.
Fixed Ladders
- Fixed ladders are used to gain access from one level to another, often in mechanical equipment rooms or roof access closets.
- According to OSHA regulations, if a fixed ladder is taller than 24 ft, it is required to have a cage that meets OSHA requirements.
Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings
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Photoluminescent exit path markings were first used in the World Trade Center after the 1993 bombing.
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They are used to highlight exit paths within stairwells, and are often marked on steps, landings, and handrails.
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The NYC Department of Buildings enacted Local Law 26 in 2004 to require photoluminescent exit path markings for both existing and new office buildings.### Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings
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Photoluminescent exit path markings are designed to aid in evacuation from buildings in the event of power failure and back-up power to lighting and illuminated exit signs.
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Markings are charged by exposure to light and emit luminance after the activating light source is unavailable.
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They provide luminescent signs and outlines of the egress path, stairs, handrails, and obstacles to aid occupants in dark conditions.
Luminous Egress Path Markings (2015 International Fire Code)
- Approved luminous egress path markings are required in high-rise buildings of Groups A, B, E, I, M, and R-1 occupancies.
- Markings must be provided in accordance with Sections 1025.1 through 1025.5.
Means of Egress for Existing Buildings (2015 International Fire Code)
- Means of egress in existing buildings must comply with minimum egress requirements when specified in Table 1103.1.
- The building code that applied at the time of construction must be considered, and the most restrictive provision shall apply.
Escalators
- Escalators are commonly used in office buildings, hotel lobbies, and public buildings.
- Major components of escalators include landings, comb plate, truss, tracking system, step, and handrail.
- Emergency stop buttons can be located below or adjacent to the handrails at both the top and bottom levels of the escalator.
- Escalators can be used as evacuation stairs in emergency stop mode.
Elevator Systems
- An elevator is a hoisting and lowering mechanism that moves in guide rails and serves two or more landings.
- Conventional elevator systems consist of a hoistway, machine room, pit area, car rails, and governor system.
- Elevator banks at the lobby level should indicate bank identification, car numbers, and floors served.
- Destination control elevator systems use a lobby keypad for floor selection, and no floor selection buttons are available to occupants within the elevator car.
- Recent technological developments include cableless elevator cars controlled by powerful magnets.
Codes and Standards for Elevator Safety
- U.S. codes: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1, A17.2, A17.3, and A17.4.
- Canada: CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.
- Note: ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, is combined for U.S./Canadian use.
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Description
Test your knowledge of stairways and safety features in high-rise buildings. Learn about the importance of fire ratings, evacuation systems, and building codes.
