Elevator Emergency Operations Flashcards

What does the sign required next to elevator call buttons say?

Answer: In Fire Emergency, Do Not Use Elevator. Use Exit Stairs.

This standard sign tells occupants to use the stairs instead of the elevators during a fire.

Why are ordinary elevators dangerous for occupants during a fire?

Answer: Cars can stop or open their doors on a fire floor, and shafts can fill with smoke

Heat, smoke and power failure can trap occupants or bring a car to the fire floor, so elevators are not used to evacuate.

A Phase I key switch is turned to ON, but one car is on independent service. What should happen?

Answer: After a short delay, an audible and visual signal tells the operator to give up the car so it can be recalled

Cars on independent service give a warning signal and are recalled once released from that mode.

Phase II is in use and a firefighter wants to close the car doors. What must they do?

Answer: Hold the DOOR CLOSE button until the doors are fully closed

In Phase II the doors move only while the button is held, so the firefighter keeps control of them.

What must happen before an elevator returns to normal service after a recall caused by a smoke detector?

Answer: The detector is reset and the Phase I switch is cycled to RESET or OFF

Cars stay recalled until the initiating device is cleared and the Phase I switch is moved through RESET or OFF.

Why must stairwell doors be kept clear and working while elevators are out of service during an emergency?

Answer: The stairs become the only way for occupants to leave the building

With elevators recalled, occupants and firefighters depend completely on exit stairs that work.

A smoke detector in a hoistway activates. Where are the cars in that hoistway recalled?

Answer: To the designated level, unless the alarm is on the designated level itself

Hoistway and machine room detectors usually send cars to the designated level, and the hat symbol flashes as a warning.