I-D-04 Elevator Rescue 01/05/2021

Elevator Rescue Procedures

• Follow designated procedures for safe and orderly removal of trapped elevator occupants.
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) must know SOP IB-4 (High-Rise Fires) and SOP I-D-10 (Emergency Elevator Use).
• Some situations may require modification of procedures by Unit Officers-in-Charge (OICs).

Types of Elevators

• Traction Elevators

  • Used in buildings with two or more stories; operate via an electric motor and hoisting ropes.
  • Speed depends on building height and weight capacity; machine room is typically above the hoistway.
  • Main power shutoff can reach 600 volts; lights and fans operate on a separate 110-volt circuit.

• Hydraulic Elevators

  • Limited to six stories; powered by hydraulic fluid, either water or oil.
  • Machine rooms may be at varying floor levels, containing the hydraulic power unit and controller.

• Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators

  • Components fit within the hoistway, eliminating the need for a traditional machine room.
  • Can be traction or holeless hydraulic systems.

Elevator Construction

• Hoistway

  • Shaft allowing elevators to move between building floors efficiently; accommodates opening/closing mechanisms.

• Elevator Doors

  • Comprise inner (car) and outer (hoistway) doors; car doors initiate operation while hoistway doors are reliant on them.
  • Types of doors include swing hall doors, single slide doors, center opening doors, and two-speed doors.

• Elevator Interlocks

  • Prevent elevator movement unless hoistway doors are closed and secured.

• Safety Features (GIB Blocks & Brakes)

  • GIB blocks stabilize hoistway doors; normal elevators utilize two blocks.
  • Traction elevators use brakes similar to automotive brakes; hydraulic elevators possess built-in safety features that control descent.

Rescue Procedures

• General Guidelines

  • Essential equipment for personnel includes lockbox keys, hoistway door drop keys, handlights, and protective gear.
  • Assess presence of emergencies (fire, injury, illness, panic) before attempting removal of occupants.
  • Establish voice communication with trapped passengers to assess conditions and direct actions.

• Electrical Circuit Check

  • Ensure main power to elevator is off before rescue; check circuits for functionality.
  • If necessary, attempt to reset power after 30 seconds.

• Recalling the Elevator

  • Try to recall the elevator to the ground floor and open its doors; if unsuccessful, request additional resources.

Opening Doors and Key Procedures

• Hoistway/Elevator Car Door Access

  • Main power must be shut off before opening doors; appoint a firefighter to ensure power remains off.
  • Identify keyhole using the escutcheon plate; use appropriate key type (single/double-drop, lunar, cylinder, tee keys).

• Escutcheon Tube Locations

  • Found at every landing for single and multi-car hoistways; contain crucial access points for emergency procedures.

• Special Considerations

  • Use of improvised tools (screwdrivers) may assist in key operations if necessary; spare keys might be available in machine rooms.

Important Warnings

• Ensure elevator car is within three feet of landing to attempt rescue.
• Verify brakes are engaged before disconnecting power to prevent elevator movement.
• Avoid direct access on top of the elevator car when conducting rescues involving flywheel mechanisms.

Additional Notes

• Modern elevators often have “restrictor” devices that prevent door opening outside the landing zone; power must be disconnected to manipulate these mechanisms.
• Safety measures are critical to prevent uncontrolled movement during emergencies.### Disengaging the Elevator Piston
• To disengage the piston, press the “RESET” button on the Computer Signaling Box.
• If unsuccessful, insert a gloved hand between the actuating pin and the car rail.
• Lift the actuating pin out of the rail and place a finger between the pin and the rail to keep it disengaged.
• Rotate the car's flywheel to open the elevator door(s).
• In traction-type elevators, ensure brakes are operational before shutting down power at the main disconnect.

Using the Top Emergency Exit

• The top emergency exit should only be used in true emergencies when the elevator is over three feet above the floor.
• De-energize all power to elevator motors and ensure it cannot be restored.
• Position personnel at the landing above the elevator.
• Use fall-arrest systems when entering the hoistway; do not overcrowd the area.
• Climb down to the roof of the elevator using a ladder and locate shutoff switches.
• Emergency exit panels may require tools to remove; panels open outward.
• Access is limited to single-car hoistways; multi-car hoistways require advanced fall-arrest techniques and Technical Rescue response.

Forcing Hoistway Doors

• Forcing hoistway doors should be a last resort due to risk of door misalignment and property damage.
• Alternative methods should be exhausted before considering forcible entry.
• Recommended tools include: Ratcheting forcible entry tool, Halligan bar with flathead axe/sledge hammer, and Hydraulic Spreaders (Jaws).
• Before applying force, de-energize power, and instruct occupants to step back and face the rear of the elevator.
• Force should be applied near the top of the door to minimize damage and avoid knocking doors off rollers.

Moving Elevators

• Personnel should not manually move traction elevator cars; certified technicians must handle them.
• Moving a hydraulic elevator requires careful consideration and should only happen if immediate action is needed.
• De-energize electrical power before attempting to move the hydraulic elevator.
• Locate and operate the hydraulic bleeder valve to lower the car slowly; do not fully open the valve.
• Passengers should manually open the car door once it is level with the landing for safe exit.

Shunt Trip Activation

• A shunt trip is an electronic circuit breaker that cuts power to an elevator when activated, typically by heat or smoke detection.
• The shunt trip halts elevator movement, even during emergency operations, to prevent entrapment.
• Activation is indicated by a flashing red firefighter helmet light on the control panel.
• Firefighters can manually open doors at the nearest landing or attempt to return to the recall floor before activation.
• To reset an elevator after a shunt trip, reset the alarm, locate the shunt trip breaker, and place it in the “ON” position.

Demobilization Post-Rescue

• After all occupants are safely removed, secure the elevator car and hoistway doors.
• Do not restore power; confirm that power is locked out.
• Notify management that technicians are needed to restore service.
• The Unit Officer in Charge (OIC) must complete a basic report, noting any life safety issues identified, such as missing fire service keys.