Hoffman Estates Fire Department Elevator Use During Fires PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: FIRE SCENE OPERATIONS – 008 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Ti...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: FIRE SCENE OPERATIONS – 008 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Elevator Use During Fires Revision: 2 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2026 Fire Chief 3 PURPOSE When operating at a fire in a highrise building, firefighters have the option of using elevators, stairways or both to reach the upper floors of the structure. POLICY From the operational standpoint, using an elevator does have a number of distinct advantages, in that it can save time, minimize fatigue, keep crews together, give fire-fighters a chance to discuss their strategy and eliminate interference from building occupants. Under some circumstances, however, elevators can also pose certain problems. For example, all of these benefits are of no value if the elevator suddenly stalls because fire, heat or water has shorted sensitive electrical equipment located in the elevator machine room or hoistway. Obviously, the elevator should not be used if this condition is reported. Firefighters should also avoid the elevator if it is known to have a poor maintenance or performance record. A major reason why firefighters should not use the elevator in a fire situation is that, when used under normal automatic operations, the elevator can be called to the fire floor as a result of flames or excessive heat contacting the floor's hall call buttons. To eliminate this occurrence, firefighters should control the elevator by using Fire Service Option. The main purpose of this feature is to lock out or ignore all hall call buttons so that firefighters using the elevator will have complete control of it. It is programmed to go to only those floors selected from inside the elevator car. Not all elevators have Fire Service Option, however. In those that do, there is no assurance that the service will operate according to the elevator code. For this reason, fire companies should make a routine, thorough inspection of all the elevators in their response districts to determine which services they provide. An elevator in the Fire Service Option mode of operation should not be left unattended, as unsuspecting building occupants may try to use it. This creates a twofold problem; first, the elevator is no longer available to firefighters; second, and more importantly, the occupant may be carried to the fire floor or a floor above it. To prevent or discourage unauthorized persons from using the elevator, the officer in charge should assign a firefighter with a portable radio to operate the elevator throughout the incident. If, for some reason, the firefighter cannot remain with the elevator, they can turn the inspection switch 1 inside the car to the "off" position or shut off the light inside the car. SAFETY TIPS: Recognizing that elevators can still malfunction under the best of circumstances, firefighters need to consider and implement a number of safety measures before and during their use: 1. Note the location of stairways. 2. Use an elevator having Fire Service Option. 3. Wear full protective clothing. 4. Wear SCBA, and make sure it is ready for use. 5. Don't overcrowd with personnel and equipment. 6. Don't permit building occupants/employees to ride. 7. Carry a portable radio. 8. Carry forcible entry tool(s). 9. Check operation of Fire Service Option control enroute to the fire floor. 10. Exit elevators at least two floors below fire floor. Another factor to consider when deciding whether to use an elevator is the height of the building. In a structure of four stories or less, firefighters should use the stairway rather than the elevator. Buildings of this height will probably have no more than two elevators, and these will have much slower operating speeds than elevators in taller buildings. Under these conditions, firefighters could reach their desired floor as fast, if not faster, by climbing the stairs. NOTE: Crew members should not use the elevators when one of the following conditions is present: 1. The elevator is not controlled by Fire Service Option control. 2. The elevator is known to have a poor maintenance or performance record. 3. The building serves four stories or less. 4. The fire is reported in or near the elevator machine room, hoistway or pit. 5. Water is threatening elevator electrical equipment. An alternative method of operating in a highrise building is to use both the elevator and the stairway. In very tall buildings, firefighters should take the elevator up a number of floors, to at least two floors below the fire, and climb the stairs the rest of the way. This approach is merely a compromise for firefighters who have strong reservations about using elevators, yet realize the 2 tremendous physical stress associated with climbing many flights of stairs. PROCEDURE DEFINITIONS EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES End of Document 3