I-D-10 Emergency Elevator Use 05/18/2021

Elevator Incident Response Procedures

• Personnel must follow established procedures when responding to elevator incidents to ensure safe operations.
• The Elevator Control Firefighter (ECF) is responsible for operating the elevator in Phase 2 mode, maintaining control before Lobby Control is established.
• Equipment for the ECF includes an elevator key, radio, fire PPE, SCBA, flashlight, and a water extinguisher.

Elevator Key Boxes and Fire Service Access Elevators

• Key boxes, such as Supra Max and Knox Box, contain vital keys for emergency situations.
• Fire Service Access Elevators (FSAEs) are designated for firefighter use in buildings over 120 feet tall.

Region 7 Key and Key Requirements

• The Region 7 key is essential for recalling and operating elevators in firefighter service mode.
• Building owners must provide one key per elevator, secured in a Supra Max lockbox for buildings taller than 5 stories.

Fire Department Service (FDS) Modes

Phase 1: Elevator Car Recall

• Activates the recall of the elevator to the lobby using the FDS lobby switch.
• Overrides building signals, forcing all cars to return to a designated floor marked with a star.
• If activated, a red fire helmet light must illuminate in the elevator to alert passengers.

Phase 2: Elevator Car Control

• Control of the elevator is obtained using the FDS switch, with the use of Region 7 or other relevant keys.
• Phase 2 overrides Phase 1 operations, rendering corridor call buttons inoperative.

FDS Lobby Switch Operation

• The FDS lobby key switch has three positions: ON (activates Phase 1), OFF (returns to normal), and BYPASS/RESET (normal operations despite alarms).
• After inserting the key and turning it to the ON position, the elevator should recall to the lobby.

Operating the Elevator in Phase 2

• Proper key must be inserted and switched to ON, then press the CALL CANCEL button to negate other call requests.
• Doors should be closed completely by holding the DOOR CLOSE button.
• Use of the HOLD position prevents the elevator from recalling.

Safety During Ascent

• Inspect the elevator shaft for smoke and water before entry.
• Make precautionary stops at designated intervals to check for hazards.
• If the elevator becomes unresponsive, force doors open to activate interlocks.

Restoring Elevator Operations

• Phase 2 is deactivated by turning the FDS Car Switch to OFF, then returning to normal operation through a series of steps with the FDS Lobby Switch.

Elevator Power Shunt Trip

• Heat/smoke detectors activate the power shunt trip, immediately stopping the elevator regardless of the operational mode.
• Only reset manually at the elevator machine room after a shunt trip.

General Guidelines for Elevator Use

• Confirm the fire floor prior to elevator use and only ascend if two floors below the fire floor.
• Inspect elevators for hazards before entering and limit occupancy to avoid exceeding weight limits.
• Elevators cannot be used during fire conditions without Fire Department Service control being established.

Fire Department Service Elevators (FSAEs)

• Identified by a fire helmet icon and must have two FSAEs in buildings over 120 feet.
• FSAEs do not contain sprinklers and activate Phase 1 recall upon alarm.

Additional Instructions

• Firefighters, including ECFs, must be equipped with full PPE, SCBA, and necessary tools for safety.
• Ensure that building power is maintained during elevator operations, as many systems will not function on auxiliary power.

Test your knowledge on elevator incident response procedures vital for safe operations. This quiz covers the role of the Elevator Control Firefighter, key access systems, and the importance of Fire Service Access Elevators. Understand how to effectively manage elevator emergencies in high-rise buildings.