In case of fire in high-rise buildings the one safety rule which most of us know is “Never use the elevator.” This advice is rooted to the safety protocols established through years of tragic fire-related incidents. But like any other rules, exceptions are there in this rule too, and you must understand them to save lives. With the advancement in technology, emergency systems and building design, elevators not only add convenience, but to also play a pivotal role during emergency conditions like fire.
So, can you use elevators during a fire? How does it save lives? Let us understand these questions by knowing traditional safety concerns and new revolutions in elevator technology.
Why It is Generally Unsafe to Use Elevators in a Fire
Despite being an important part of modern infrastructure, elevators are not safe for public use during fire emergencies. Below are important reasons behind this:
Power Outages Can Trap Occupants
Power interruption is common in case of fire incidents. If the power cuts off mid-operation because of a fire, it may stop between the floors, trapping the passengers. This is a dangerous condition, as trapped occupants will face suffocating heat, smoke, and a delay in rescue.
Smoke Accumulation in the Elevator Shaft
Smoke is a prominent reason behind death in building fires, and elevators in this condition can work as chimneys. Burning fumes can travel upwards through the vertical passage, causing a death trap like situation because of asphyxiation risks.
Heat and Flames Can Affect the Elevator’s Control System
Elevators work on the network of computerized controls and sensors. With excessive heat, these systems may break down or can act unpredictably. This may result in the elevator stalling, opening on a floor where fire is more intense or skipping floors.
Firefighters May Require Elevator Access
To take control of the fire, fire fighters will need elevators to reach their destination quickly. This is the most overlooked factor. Hence passengers must avoid lifts to allow them to extinguish fire as quickly as possible. Occupants using elevators for personal non-emergency use cases must hold off their non-emergency task at hand.
When Elevators Actually Save Lives
Thanks to the latest technology and intelligent designs from reputed lift manufacturers like IEC LIFTS TM , elevators are now being engineered to be more than simply transport tools. In emergency conditions like fire, these lifts can work as a fire service elevator.
Fireman’s Operation Mode
A few reputed elevator manufacturers like IEC LIFTS TM provide dedicated Fireman’s Operation or Firefighter’s Emergency Mode. This emergency mode must be activated by a firefighter through a special key or switch- often present at the ground level.
Below are the key benefits of this feature:
- Critical to save lives of elderly or mobility-impaired individuals.
- Rescuing babies, toddlers, or injured people.
- Saving pets or those unable to walk down the stairs.
In such situations, only trained professionals must use the elevator. It should not be used by the public, but when used by emergency responders, it can be a life saving asset.
Smoke-Proof Elevator Cabins in Hazard-Prone Zones
In environments that are considered hazardous-like chemical plants, oil refineries or high-risk commercial buildings- elevators can be customized with smoke-proof cabins.
These customized elevators:
- Control smoke infiltration through pressurized cabins and sealed doors.
- Give safe air pocket during evacuation.
- Reduce asphyxiation risks among passengers.
These are preferred in hazard prone buildings where traditional evacuation routes are not feasible.
Faster Access for Firefighters
For firefighters it is important to reach the impacted area quickly. In buildings with more than fifteen floors, every second matters. By using the fireman’s operation in elevators, trained professionals can:
- Reach the topmost floor quickly.
- Carry hoses and heavy gear.
- Evacuate those on upper floors and stairwells.
This will not only save lives but will also speed up emergency operations.
Automatic Return-to-Safe-Floor Programming
Modern elevators like IEC LIFTS TM can be integrated with smart systems to communicate well with the building’s fire alarm. The moment the fire alarm is triggered, the elevator will:
- Stop accepting calls from the upper floors.
- Automatically rest on a pre-decided floor usually ground or fire-safe floor.
- Open lift doors to avoid unintentional usage.
This automated process avoids trapping of passengers and the elevator will be inaccessible for normal operation yet fully operational for first responders.
What Makes an Elevator “Fire-Safe”?
Not all elevators are built equally. While taking fire incidents into consideration, look for some key features that must be present in the lift:
- Fire-rated elevator shafts and doors.
- Power backup (generator or battery)
- Emergency ventilation and intercoms
- Heat-insulated and water-resistant components.
- Clear firefighter access controls and labeling.
We at IEC LIFTS TM believe in safety and innovation, and thus we manufacture fire service elevators that are as per the international safety norms. These smart lifts include state of the art modern technology to tackle emergency scenarios.
Elevator Fire Safety Protocol: A Shared Responsibility
While we build our fire service elevators to support elevator fire safety, it is important to consider that they are part of a larger emergency ecosystem. Their performance to deal with emergencies depends on:
- Efficient training of elevator fire safety personnel
- Frequent elevator maintenance.
- Scheduled drills and system checks.
- Proper occupant guidelines to deal with fire emergencies.
It is the responsibility of building owners and facility managers to keep the elevator in good condition through proper maintenance. Only trained professionals should be allowed to operate these during a fire.
Final Word: Elevator Use During Fire – Yes, But with Caution
The common residents should never attempt to use the elevator during fire emergencies. This will increase the risk of being trapped inside the cabin.
However, with advancements in technology, some lifts are specifically designed for elevator fire safety and used by trained professionals as lifesaving tools. These modern fire service elevators like those offered by IEC LIFTS TM allow professionals to reach the impacted area in no time and evacuate trapped people. Such lifts come with comprehensive fire response strategies.
So, yes, elevators can be used during fire emergencies, but only by emergency responders.
