Firefighting Training: High Rise Buildings

Introduction

• Elevators operate efficiently for transporting people and goods in buildings.
• In emergencies, firefighters utilize elevators for transporting crews and equipment.
• Familiarity with elevator operations during emergencies is essential for firefighters.

Types of Elevators

• Hydraulic Elevators

  • Operate through a piston filled with hydraulic fluid.
  • Service limited to five or six stories.
  • Machine rooms are typically at the bottom of the shaft.

• Traction Elevators

  • Use long hoisting cables and a traction sheave for operation.
  • Counterweight system ensures balance during operation.
  • Machine rooms usually located one or two floors above the top floor served.

Elevator Uses

• Passenger Elevators

  • Commonly used in residential and commercial high-rises for transporting people.
  • Shafts often designed for multiple elevator cars.

• Service Elevators

  • Larger than passenger elevators with wider doors for transporting goods and equipment.

• Freight Elevators

  • Designed for moving freight, not for passenger use.
  • Typically larger in square footage, height, and weight capacity compared to passenger elevators.
  • Initial firefighting crews should avoid as they are slow and lack heat/smoke protection.

Firefighter Elevators

• Regulatory Authority

  • The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates elevators in Ontario.
  • Ontario Building Code (OBC) and Ontario Fire Code outline installation and operation standards for firefighter elevators.

• OBC Requirements

  • Mandates at least one designated firefighter elevator in residential and institutional buildings over 18 meters (approximately 6 stories).
  • For assembly, office, mercantile, or industrial buildings, a firefighter elevator is required in structures over 36 meters from grade.
  • Firefighter elevators can be identified by a red helmet symbol according to OBC standards.

This quiz focuses on the essential firefighting knowledge and skills relating to high rise buildings. It covers topics necessary for understanding the unique challenges and protocols in such structures. Ideal for training divisions and fire departments looking to enhance their operational efficacy.