Fire Service Access Elevator FSAE Training Class

Fire Protection Education is hosting a 2 day online virtual seminar covering the new code revisions pertaining to fire service access elevators and occupant evacuation elevators. Read below for a quick overview of the class, pricing, contact info and how to signup.

Fire Service Access Elevator Introduction 

Fire Service Access Elevators or FSAEs were first required in the 2009 edition of the International Building Code or IBC Section 403.6 for all high-rise buildings over 120 feet. At that time only one Fire Service Access Elevator FSAE was required with 3,500lb capacity, serving all floors and sized to accommodate an ambulance stretcher per IBC Section 3002. This was just a standard electric passenger elevator (could not be hydraulic or freight) which was required to serve all floors of the building. This fire service access elevator could have a simplex operation or be a part of a group automatic operation and it required significant building protection around the elevator hoistway and the FSAE car per IBC Section 3007. The building protection features included: large lobbies (150SF in size with a minimum 8 feet dimension), protection of the hoistway and lobbies from Smoke, Heat, Fire and Water, hoistway lighting activated upon fire service activation, pathway survivability for control wires and a monitoring system to monitor the smoke and temperature conditions in the FSAE lobbies and Elevator Machine Room (EMR) or Elevator Control Room (ECR)

This one traction FSAE was just a regular passenger elevator or a service passenger elevator which could be used by the building occupants during the normal operation of the building. 

During fire and non-fire emergencies, the trained firefighters had the ability to choose this elevator for their firefighting emergency operation using Phase II in-car emergency operation. The responding firefighters had available information about the lobbies and EMR/ECR from the FCC and they could make a decision if they want to use this elevator or not to conduct their emergency firefighting and rescue operation. This one elevator had a much greater level of protection than all other elevators in the building and the firefighters were trained to select this specific elevator which was identified with a Fire Helmet symbol on the hoistway door jambs of the FSAE car.

Within the following 4 Code cycles of the IBC (2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021) another FSAE was added and since the 2012 IBC - TWO FSAEs are required in each high-rise building over 120 feet.  This additional FSAE was required for redundancy (in case the other FSAE was out of service or on inspection, etc.) but not for additional firefighting operation. Both FSAEs are required to be sized to accommodate an ambulance stretcher  per Section 3002 and both are required to have 3,500lb capacity.

What is changing with Fire Service Access Elevators?

There are many requirements included in the International Building Code (IBC) regarding these elevators however, no requirements are included for FSAEs in the A17.1/B44 Elevator Safety Code (current edition is 2019). 

The new 2022 edition of the A17.1/B44 will include provisions for the Fire Service Access Elevator FSAE controllers to provide a signal to the building electrical system to activate the FSAE hoistway lights upon Elevator Fire Service (FEO) activation. 

Significant changes are included in the 2021 edition of the IBC and detailed information about the FSAE Lobbies EMR/ECR temperature monitoring system via the building FA system is included in the 2019 edition of NFPA 72 Section 21.5 and A.21.5.

What is changing with Occupant Evacuation Elevators? 

A very significant change regarding the interface between the building fire alarm system and the Occupant Evacuation Elevators (OEE) is included in the 2022 edition of NFPA 72 Section 21.6 which will greatly affect the Fire Alarm system design and interface with the building elevator system.

Class Information

Class is a covered over two sessions as follows:

• Session #1 (4 Hours): Thursday August 12, 2021 from 9:00am - 1:00pm PST
• Session #2 (4 Hours): Friday August 13, 2021 from 9:00am - 1:00pm PST
• Be sure to log in at 8:30am each day to verify connection
• Course includes PDF color copy of class slides, completion certificate, color PDF flow chart for occupant evacuation elevator and fire alarm sequencing.

ICC Preferred Education Provider

• ICC Course No 19708
• Approved for 8 Hours - 0.8 ICC-CEUs

Course cost

• General Public = $400.00
• Active AHJs = $350.00

How to enroll

• visit www.fireprotectioneducation.com
• email info@fireprotectioneducation.com
• call 510-589-6286

    

Two-Way Communication Code Requirements

What is a Two-Way Communication System?

A two-way communication system is a means of communication between a constantly attended support staff and building occupants unable to exit the building via the stairs due to injury or disability.  In short, two-way communication systems have two key components; a master station (typically installed in the fire command center or other approved location) and Call Boxes required to be provided at the landing of each elevator on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.  These areas provided with two-way communication systems are known as Areas of Refuge.  An area of refuge is a location in a building designed to hold occupants during a fire or other emergency, when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Occupants can wait there until rescued or relieved by firefighters or first responders.

Just like it sounds, a two-way communication system allows stranded occupants to talk back and forth with trained personnel at said attended location.

Note:  When you come across the term one-way voice communication system, this is reference to a PA (public address) or fire alarm emergency voice/alarm communication system.  The term one-way means exactly that, the operator of the microphone can only communicate out.  There is no means for the intended listeners to communication back.

SPACE AGE ELECTRONICS SHIELD 30 TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

What Codes and Standards are Two-Way Communication Systems Noted in?

Did you know the 2021 International Fire Code now requires 120 VAC single and multiple station smoke alarms to produce a 520 Hz low frequency audible tone? 

Two-Way Communication Systems are covered in a few different documents as broken down below:

• NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) Section 7.2.12 - 7.2.12.3.6
• NFPA 72 2022 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) 
• Sections 24.10.5, 24.10.14, 24.10.2.1, 24.10.2.2
• Section 10.6.9 for "Monitoring Integrity of Power Supplies" 
• Sections 24.3.14.10, 24.3.14.4.3, 24.3.14.4.4, 24.3.14.11, 24.3.14.12, 24.10.4 for cable and survivability requirements.  
• Table 14.3.1 #25 for testing requirements.  
• Important Note, NFPA 72 is NOT actually a code.  Find out why or how here
• International Building Code 2021 Sections 1009.6.5, 1009.8, 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2, 1009.9, 1009.10, 1009.11, and 403.5.3.1
• International Building Code 2021 Section 3008 under "Occupant Evacuation Elevators"
• ICC A 117.1 This applies to the visual characters for Directions and Signage

The International Building Code (IBC) now requires a two-way communication system in all new construction regardless if they have a sprinkler system or not.  Also, significant remodels or change of use of a building may require Areas of Refuge.  See the code adoption map below to see if your State is up to date!

Where to Start when Designing a Two-Way Communication System for Areas of Refuge.

Remember, CODES tell you when you have to install two-way communication systems and STANDARDS tell you how to install them.  This is important as it makes it easy to navigate to the appropriate document when you need information on either.  Example, if you need to know what height the call boxes are required to be mounted at, you are going to turn to the Standard (NFPA 72).  If you want to know what levels of a building require call boxes, you are going to turn to the Code (NFPA 101 or IBC).    

Two-Way Communication and the International Building Code 2021

Areas of Refuge are required to be provided with an approved two-way communication system complying with sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.  These two sections cover "system requirements" and "Directions".

As noted above in the introduction, two way communication system call boxes are required to be provided at each elevator landing on each accessible floor that is more than one stories above or below the level of exit discharge.

Of course there are exclusions to this code.  See below:

1. two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator where the two-way communication system is provided within Areas of Refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5
2. two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.
3. two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.
4. two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving only freight elevators.
5. two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.

Two-Way Requirements

This is a big one that always come up.  Two-way communication systems are required to communicate between the required call boxes and master station installed in the fire command center or approved location.  If the master panel location is NOT constantly attended, the two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability.  The master station shall dial out to a monitoring location or 9-1-1,  Also note the two-way communication system shall have BOTH audible and visual signals.

Directions and Signage for Two-Way Communication

It is a requirement to provide directions on how to operate the two-way communication system.   These directions shall be placed adjacent to the two-way communication system and the signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 requirements for visual characters.  

Signage is obviously important for Areas of Refuge locations and shall be provided as follows:

1. Each door providing access to an Area of Refuge an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sin stating:  AREA OF REFUGE.
2. Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating:  EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.
3. Signage shall comply with the ICC A 117.1 and include the International Symbol of Accessibility.  Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1013.3, the signs shall be illuminated.  All doors used for Areas of Refuge and Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue shall have signage with visual characters, raised characters and braille complying with ICC A 117.1.

Directional Signage

In addition to the signage noted above, directional signage indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1. Exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress
2. Elevator landings
3. at Areas of Refuge

Instructions

In Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue and Areas of Refuge, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.  Again all signage shall comply with ICC A 117.1 and shall include the following:  

1. "Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others."
2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
3. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system where provided.  This goes along with the "Directions" noted above.

International Building Code "Stairway Communication System"

If the stairway doors are locked, not less than every fifth floor shall be equipped with a telephone or two-way communication system connected to an approved constantly attended station.

What does NFPA 101 Have to Say About Two-Way Communication?

NFPA 101 (The Life Safety Code) basically covers the same requirements as found in the 2021 International Building Code and noted above.  In an effort to shorten this article, the key sections to review or note out of the NFPA 101 are as follows:

• 7.2.12 
• 7.2.12.1.1
• 7.2.12.2.5
• 7.2.12.2.6
• 7.2.12.3.5
• 7.2.12.3.5.1
• 7.2.12.3.5.2
• 7.2.12.3.6

Each of these sections cover the same requirements of Section 1009 in the 2021 International Building Code.

Mounting Heights for Two-Way Communication System and Area of Refuge Equipment.

Master Station = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Call Box = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Instruction Signage = Between 48" - 60" from Floor to Tactile Characters

Tactile Signage = 60" to Center Above Finished Floor

Illuminated Sign = Between 60" - 80" Above Finished Floor

Let's Consult NFPA 72 to See How We Install Two-Way Communication Systems.  

Sections 24.10.1 through 24.10.8 briefly mention the same requirements found in the 2021 IFC and NFPA 101.

Supervision Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

As with anything related to life safety, all pathways between the remote Area of Refuge call boxes and master station shall be monitored for integrity.

Power Supply - Monitoring for Integrity

Unless otherwise permitted by or required by Section 10.6.9.1.3 and 10.6.9.1.6 all primary and secondary power supplies shall be monitored for the presence of voltage.  Loss of primary or secondary power shall initiate a trouble signal in accordance with Section 10.14.

Battery Backup for Two-Way Communication Systems

The secondary power supply (a.k.a. battery backup) shall have the capacity to operate the two-way communication system in a non-active condition for a minimum of 24 hours.  At the end of this period, the system shall be capable of operating in active status for 5 minutes.

Cable Requirements for Two-Way Communication Systems

NFPA 72 2016 Section 24.3.13.9.1 stated "Area of Refuge emergency communication systems shall have a pathway survivability of level 2 or level 3."  Level 1 is permitted when the building is less than 2-hour fire rated construction. 

Use the 2021 IBC table 601 to verify the building's fire rated construction

Below are the Requirements for Survivability  Level 2 and Level 3

Survivability Level 2 shall consist of one or more of the following:

1. 2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable
2. 2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)
3. 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
4. Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Survivability Level 3 shall consist of pathways in the building that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and one or more of the following:

1. 2-hour fire rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable
2. 2-hour fire-rated cable system (electrical circuit protective systems)
3. 2-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area
4. Performance alternatives approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction

Testing Frequency for Two-Way Communication for Areas of Refuge

NFPA 72 2021 Table 14.3.1 #25

Shall be tested at Initial Acceptance and annually thereafter.  Method of testing:  "Verify location and condition"

In closing we now know that two-way communication systems are required for areas of refuge and elevator landings on floors that are accessible.  These two-way communication systems are required to be installed with a pathway survivability level 2 or level 3 and the master station shall be installed in an area that is constantly attended.  Areas of refuge with two-way communication systems have been hot for some time now so make sure to read up and become familiar with the codes and standards for them.  

Occupant Evacuation Elevator Code Explained

What is an Occupant Evacuation Elevator?

Much like Fire Service Access Elevators, Occupant Evacuation Elevators are in fact elevators that have strict rules and regulations put in place to allow special uses above standard elevators.  An Occupant Evacuation Elevator can be used for self-evacuation during a fire emergency pending the elevator system meets the requirements set forth in the International Building Code.

Occupants Running to the Elevator During Fire

 

What Code Requires or Allows the Use of Occupant Evacuation Elevators?

The requirement to provide occupant evacuation elevators can be found in the IBC or International Building Code 2021 section 403.5.2 within the EXCEPTION.

"For buildings other than Group R-2 that are more than 420 feet in building height, one additional interior stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3.  The total width of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exist stairway removed shall be not less than the total width required by Section 1005.1.  Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section."

Exception: An additional interior exit stairway shall NOT be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008."

Furthermore, the International Building Code 2021 Section 403.6.2 Occupant Evacuation Elevators.  States, "Where installed in accordance with Section 3008, passenger elevators for public use shall be permitted to be used for occupant self-evacuation."

The requirements on how an occupant evacuation elevator is to be installed can be found in the IBC or International Building Code 2021 section 3008.

Other references include:

• ASME A17.1
• CSA B44
• NFPA 72 2022 section 21.6

Requirements for Occupant Evacuation Elevators

When an occupant evacuation elevator is to be used for occupant self-evacuation during a fire, all passenger elevators for public use shall comply with Sections 3008.1 through 3008.10.  If any additional elevators are are used for self-evacuation, those elevators shall comply with these sections as well.

In buildings that utilize occupant evacuation elevators, a fire safety and evacuation plan shall be approved and in place.  Requirements for a fire safety and evacuation plan can be found in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 section 404 "Emergency Planning and Preparedness".

The operation of self-evacuating occupant evacuation elevators shall comply with the requirements in ASME A17.1, CSA B44 and the above mentioned Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan.

Emergency Voice Communication System

The building shall be equipped with an emergency voice/alarm communication system that is accessible to the fire department.  System shall be installed in accordance to section 907.5.2.2.  Each elevator lobby used for occupant evacuation shall be equipped with at least one audible and one visual notification appliance.  Not that it would be common but if you had to install voice evacuation just for the occupant evacuation elevators, it is allowed to mix audible evacuation tones.  Find out more in this article, "Mixing Speakers and Horns for Fire Alarm."

Automatic Sprinkler Requirements:

The building with occupant evacuation elevators shall be protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section 903.3.1.1.  The automatic sprinkler system shall be provided with a supervised tamper switch and alarm initiating water flow switch on every floor of the building.  Note, the following areas are prohibited from having automatic fire sprinkler protection:

• Elevator Machine Rooms  
• Elevator Machinery Spaces
• Elevator Control Rooms
• Elevator Control Spaces
• Elevator Hoistways serving the Occupant Evacuation Elevator

The lobby on each floor served by the fire service access elevator shall have an approved method of preventing water from the operation of the automatic sprinkler system from infiltrating the FSAE hoistway.

Lastly, a means for elevator shutdown or Shunt Trip in accordance with IBC section 3005.5 shall NOT be installed on elevator controllers used for occupant evacuation elevators.

Occupant Evacuation Elevator Hoistway Enclosure

The shaft or hoistway enclosure shall comply with IBC section 713 "Shaft Enclosures" as well as section 403.2.3.4 "Wall Assembly" and sections 403.2.3.4 "Other Wall Assemblies".

Occupant Evacuation Elevator Cab Dimensions

Although this is not a direct requirement for occupant evacuation elevators or fire service access elevators rather buildings that are four stories or more, it still applies and is worth mentioning.  IBC section 3002.4 "Elevator Car to Accommodate Ambulance Stretcher" gives us the dimensions required for the cab.  "The elevator car shall be of such a size and arrangement to accommodate an ambulance stretcher 24 inches by 84 inches with not less than 5 inch radius corners, in the horizontal, open position.  ADA Table 407.4.1 breaks this down a little further and gives us the following:  The cab shall be provided with a minimum clear distance between walls and door excluding return panels not less than 80 inches by 54 inches and a minimum distance from wall to return panel not less than 51 inches with a 42 inch side slide door.

Fire Service Access Elevator and Occupant Evacuation Elevator Car Dimensions

Stretcher inside FASE Elevator Cab

Occupant Evacuation Elevator Lobby Requirements

The Occupant Evacuation Elevator lobby shall be enclosed with a smoke barrier having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.  The occupant evacuation elevator lobby doorways shall comply with Section 3008.6.3.  NOTE: Just like Fire Service Access Elevators, enclosed occupant evacuation elevator lobbies are NOT required at the levels of exit discharge

Lobby Sizing

Keep in mind the following for occupant evacuation elevator lobby sizing requirements:

1. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall accommodate 3 square feet per person, not less than 25 percent of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.
2. Occupant evacuation elevator lobbies shall be able to house one wheelchair with a space of 30 inches by 48 inches for every 50 persons within the area the lobby serves.

There is an exception to these 2 rules.  The size of an elevator lobby that serves multiple banks of elevators shall have the minimum area APPROVED on an individual basis.  This sizing shall be consistent with the building's fire safety and evacuation plan.

Lobby Doors

The occupant evacuation elevator lobby doors shall be provided with a 3/4 hour fire door assembly complying with Section 716.5.  Doors shall comply with the smoke and draft control assembly requirements of Section 716.5.3.1 and UL 1784 test conducted WITHOUT the artificial bottom seal.

There shall also be a fire protection rated glazed vision window within the occupant evacuation elevator lobby doors.

No different from standard elevators or fire service access elevators, the lobby doors of occupant evacuation elevator lobbies shall close upon receipt of the fire alarm system serving the building.

The self closing mechanism shall close the door from a fully open position (90 degrees) to 12 degrees from the latch at a minimum of 5 seconds.  This insures the doors do not close to quickly.  This information can be located in ANSI 117.1 2009 section 404.2.7.1.

How are Occupant Evacuation Elevators Designated or Noticed?

On all floor served by the occupant evacuation elevator, there shall be an approved sign posted adjacent to each call station.  We suggest consulting with your local AHJ if they have a standard on this signage.  

Occupant Evacuation Elevator System Monitoring

The occupant evacuation elevator shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center (FCC) or a central control point approved by the AHJ.  The following information shall be displayed or available:

1. The location of each elevator car
2. The travel direction of each elevator car
3. If the elevator car is occupied or not
4. Status of normal power conditions to the elevator equipment, machinery, electrical apparatus cooling equipment, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.
5. Status of standby or emergency power conditions to the elevator equipment, machinery, electrical apparatus cooling equipment, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.
6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room, machine space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, control room or elevator hoistway.

Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication System

You are required to provide a two-way communication system at the lobby of each level served by an occupant evacuation elevator.  The two-way communication call stations shall initiate communication to the building's fire command center or an alternate location approved by the AHJ.  Note the two-way communication system shall be installed in accordance with sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2

SPACE AGE ELECTRONICS SHIELD 30 TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

      

Electrical Power

The following features serving each occupant evacuation elevator shall be provided with both normal power as well as Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

1. Elevator equipment
2. Elevator hoistway lighting
3. Ventilation for elevator machine rooms, elevator control rooms, machine and control spaces.
4. Elevator cab lighting

He is the big one to watch out for.

Protection of Wiring and Cables for Occupant Evacuation Elevators

Wires and cables located OUTSIDE of the fire service access elevator lobby and machine room that are provided for the fire-detection system shall be protected by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, shall be circuit integrity (CI) cable with a rating of not less than 2 hours or shall be protected by a listed electrical protective system having a rating of not less than 2 hours.

Hazardous Material

The building shall not contain any hazardous material areas exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area as noted in section 414.2


All code references for this article are found in the 2021 Edition of the International Building Code.