Elevator Emergency Operations Flashcards

Which type of detector is usually installed in the elevator machine room to start Phase I recall?

Answer: Smoke detector

Smoke detectors in elevator lobbies, machine rooms and hoistways start automatic recall.

Why is a heat detector installed near sprinkler heads in an elevator machine room or hoistway?

Answer: To shut off the elevator's main power (shunt trip) before sprinkler water is discharged

The heat detector trips power to the elevator before the sprinkler discharges, so water doesn't reach live equipment and cause an unsafe movement.

Where do building codes usually require fire service elevator keys to be kept?

Answer: In a secured key box at the fire command center or main lobby for FDNY use

Fire service keys must be quickly available to responding firefighters in a secured location at the lobby or fire command center.

A car is in Phase II use and a firefighter turns the in-car switch to HOLD at a floor. What happens?

Answer: The car stays at that floor with doors open and ignores calls

HOLD keeps the car at the floor with its doors open, so the firefighter can leave it and come back.

A car on Phase I recall is travelling up and away from the recall floor. What should it do?

Answer: Stop at the next possible floor without opening its doors, then return to the recall level

A car moving away from the recall floor reverses at the next possible stop without opening its doors, then goes to the recall level.

During a Phase I recall, what happens to the car's door reopening devices, such as smoke-sensitive light curtains?

Answer: They are disabled so smoke can't keep the doors from closing

Smoke-sensitive reopening devices are disabled so smoke can't hold the doors open and trap the car on a fire floor.

How should the EAP Director brief arriving FDNY members about the elevators?

Answer: Report car status, recall level, any trapped occupants, and any known shaft or machine room alarms

Clear elevator status information helps firefighters decide quickly whether they can use the cars safely.