320-01 Elevator Operations

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step that should be taken before entering a hoist way?

Open the hoist way door

Shut the power OFF to nearby adjoining elevators (correct)

Notify building management

Secure the roof hatch

Which of the following equipment is NOT required for Fire Rescue personnel entering a hoist way?

Safety harness

Gloves

Helmet

Fire extinguisher (correct)

What should be done after all passengers are removed from the elevator car?

Deactivate the Lockout/Tagout device

Notify the fire chief

Re-secure the roof hatch (correct)

Leave hoist way doors open for ventilation

What should be used to assist passengers from the roof of the elevator to the landing above?

A ground ladder Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper action if a second ladder needs to be extended into the elevator car?

A 10’ folding or attic ladder should be used Signup and view all the answers

When should Fire Rescue personnel NOT place an elevator back 'in-service'?

Following an elevator incident Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an elevator rescue, who is responsible for securing all hoist way openings afterward?

Building management Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical precaution when performing an elevator rescue operation?

Monitor the elevator’s operational status Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action required when dealing with a malfunctioning elevator according to the established guidelines?

Request elevator service company response Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended action for Fire Rescue personnel when dealing with a malfunctioning elevator?

Using stop switches to disable power Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is it acceptable for Fire Rescue personnel to not wait for the elevator service company?

When there is a medical emergency Signup and view all the answers

What should Fire Rescue personnel prioritize while working around elevator machinery?

Safety of passengers and personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should Fire Rescue personnel do if passengers have already exited the malfunctioning elevator?

Identify the elevator and report the situation to a building representative Signup and view all the answers

Which communications channels should Fire Rescue personnel consider using on scene?

Fireground simplex channels (TAC 14A, TAC 15A) Signup and view all the answers

What should Fire Rescue personnel do with the elevator keys found in the building Knox Box?

Report their presence to elevator service personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions is explicitly discouraged for Fire Rescue personnel during elevator malfunction incidents?

Manually moving the elevator in any capacity Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first when encountering a stalled elevator?

Determine the location of the stalled elevator. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT recommended for establishing communication with passengers in a stalled elevator?

Use a loudspeaker system from outside the elevator. Signup and view all the answers

How should passengers be instructed to verify the elevator car door is closed?

By pressing and holding the 'DOOR CLOSE' button while pushing the doors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with removing passengers when the elevator car is more than 3-feet from a landing?

Risk of passengers slipping into the hoist way. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Removal' specifically refer to in elevator emergencies?

Exiting passengers when the elevator car is within 3-feet of a landing. Signup and view all the answers

When identifying the malfunctioning elevator, what is the most important factor?

Pressing the call button in the lobby. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters use to block a hoist way opening during passenger exit?

Physical objects like a ladder or table. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for the firefighter in the elevator machine room to communicate?

Entry and exit from the elevator machine room. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when a passenger is exiting the elevator car using a ladder?

Passengers might panic and fall. Signup and view all the answers

What safety measure should be taken to secure passengers while they exit the elevator?

Using an anchor point for securing a rope. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if the elevator is equipped with multiple disconnect switches?

Leave the switch for lights and fans in the 'ON' position if possible. Signup and view all the answers

What classification applies to situations when the elevator car floor is above 3-feet from a landing?

Rescue operation. Signup and view all the answers

Why should firefighters avoid rebooting elevators during emergencies?

It could worsen the situation. Signup and view all the answers

While instructing passengers during an elevator emergency, what is a key instruction?

Wait for Fire Rescue personnel to assist. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elevator Operations Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG 320-01)

Purpose: Establish guidelines for safe passenger removal from malfunctioning elevators.
Authority: Fire Rescue Administrator
Scope: Applies to all Emergency Operations personnel.
Procedure:
- Lockout/Tagout measures required (refer to SOG 300-03).
- Personnel accountability procedures followed (refer to SOG 220-01).
- Safety paramount when working near elevator machinery.
- Do not attempt to move the elevator manually, bleed hydraulics, or repair equipment.
- Do not operate elevator switches, valves, or devices.
- Elevator Service Company: Should be contacted promptly unless medical emergency exists. Fire personnel should maintain contact with the service company and not operate any equipment.
- Elevator Location: Determine the stalled elevator's location:
  - Check position indicators.
  - Consult bystanders or building personnel.
  - Use elevator shaft lighting.
  - Use a working elevator to check the shaft.
  - Check the machine room (if accessible).
- Passenger Communication: Establish and maintain communication with passengers:
  - Voice contact.
  - Elevator car telephone.
  - Cell phone.
- Passenger Assessment: Assess passengers:
  - Count passengers.
  - Evaluate medical status.
  - Provide necessary emergency care instructions.
  - Request additional resources if needed.
  - Reassure passengers of safety efforts.
  - Instruct passengers not to exit until assisted.
- Elevator Identification: Identify the malfunctioning elevator:
  - Press call buttons on multiple floors.
  - Instruct passengers to press buttons.
  - Ensure car doors are closed.
  - Ensure hoistway doors are closed.
- Elevator Machine Room Firefighter:
  - At least one firefighter should enter machine room.
  - Communicate entry/exit.
  - Locate elevator power switches (typically near door, or visible from the machine).
  - Two disconnect switches typically present (one large, one small for secondary components).
  - Secure large switch and maintain communication.
- Elevator Return Attempt:
  - Attempt car return to main floor by activating Phase 1 via Fire Service key.
  - Do not attempt to "reboot" elevators.
- Passenger Removal: Two categories:
  - Removal: Passenger removal when the elevator car is within 3 feet of a landing.
    - Power off and secure malfunctioning elevator.
    - Open the hoistway doors.
    - Assist passengers with ladders, stepladders, or stools.
    - Utilize ladder belts/safety harnesses for passengers exposed to car or hoistway.
    - Close hoistway doors after removal.
  - Rescue: Passenger removal when the elevator car is greater than 3 feet from a landing.
    - Use risk analysis for roof hatch removal.
    - Seek assistance if necessary (Aerial or Special Operations).
    - Power off the malfunctioning and (if nearby) adjacent elevators.
    - Secure the power switches with Lockout/Tagout devices.
    - Open hoistway on floor above the elevator.
    - Ensure Fire personnel entering hoistways are wearing safety harnesses, helmets, and gloves.
    - Place ladder to car top; secure a second ladder for elevator descent.
    - Secure passengers while removing from car.
    - Close hoistway door.
- Rescue from Elevator to Another:
  - Last resort; performed only by Special Operations.
- Scene Termination:
  - Secure all hoistway openings.
  - Turn over incident to building representative or elevator company. Lockout/Tagout remains in place until they assume responsibility.
  - Fire personnel never put an elevator back in service.

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Description

This quiz covers the Standard Operating Guidelines for safely removing passengers from malfunctioning elevators. Understand the procedures that emergency personnel must follow, including lockout/tagout measures and communication with service companies. Ensure you're familiar with the correct protocols and safety measures in elevator emergencies.