Why use the stairs in a fire?

Stairwell usage during an emergency is for the safe evacuation of personnel, as well as access for emergency responders. In order to be as prepared as possible for the needs of everyone, the emergency plan must consider those persons needing extra assistance, as well as the responders assisting them.

Are stairwells safe during a fire?

Unless a door into an enclosed stairwell remains open, a fire should not be capable of spreading into the enclosure of an enclosed stairway.

Why don’t you use an elevator during a fire?

It isn’t appropriate to use an elevator during a fire or similar building emergency. Elevators are designed to be recalled to a floor, usually the lobby, during alarm conditions. Also, smoke may enter the elevator shaft, which would migrate toward the roof, exposing any elevator occupants to that smoke.

What are the two reasons why a lift should not be used during a fire evacuation?

The hollow column of an elevator shaft can become filled with smoke, acting like a chimney. Even if fire is isolated to one floor, smoke can travel further up the building – causing damage and endangering occupants with smoke inhalation.

What is fire escape staircase?

A fire escape stair is a special kind of emergency exit, usually mounted to the outside of a building or occasionally inside but separate from the main areas of the building. It provides a method of escape in the event of a fire or other emergency that makes the stairwells inside a building inaccessible.

What is a scissor stair?

Retractable scissor stairs – attic ladders consist of a casing with a wooden ceiling panel. A hand rail is included and easy to install. The stair is fixed hinged on the internal surface of the ceiling and is made of cast aluminium.

What is the use of stairwell?

The primary purpose of stairs is to provide a simple and easy means of moving between levels. In ancient times, houses and shelters were made up of only one storey, but it was realised that the area above ground level could be utilised to increase the amount of space a structure could offer.

What is the problem with stairs in skyscrapers?

This will be compounded with problems such as increased reflex time, occupants in the stairwell, and the inability to horizontally ventilate the fire using traditional means due to the height and location of the fire in the building. When thinking about these problems they can seem overwhelming.

Why do smoke alarms save lives?

Conventional smoke alarms work by emitting a loud noise when smoke is detected, providing the vital early warning of fire, and therefore aiding escape.

Do elevators stop when fire alarm?

In buildings with fire sprinklers located in an elevator machine room and elevator shaft, a placement of a heat detector within 24 inches of the sprinkler head, and connected to a fire alarm system shall cause a shutdown to the elevator power via a shunt trip mechanism when activated.

When should lifts be used in a fire?

Fire fighting lifts are required in housing where the building has a floor more than 18m above or more than 10m below fire service vehicle access level. What is an evacuation lift? Enables the use of a passenger lift by a designated warden in an evacuation strategy to evacuate those less ambulant.

What are fire lifts?

Fire Lift Means a lift installed to enable fire services personnel to reach different floors with minimum delay, equipped with all necessary features. The Fire Lift and all the lifts should have a provision to ground automatically in case of electricity failure.