Fire engulfs Torch Tower “But on our way down, the elevator shut down on the 35th floor because the water had reached it, so we escorted them to safety through the stairs.” "Water started to pour from the light panels in the ceiling of the elevator with the doors shut, trapping the residents and firemen in the lift." The recent fire accident at The Torch is yet another grim reminder of the difficulties in high rise emergency evacuation. It also reminds the building design consultants (Architects) and developers of the necessity in designing 'extra-durable' fire fighter's elevators. When suitably equipped, elevators can help in faster fire fighting and elevators can greatly assist in reducing the evacuation time on high rise towers. Here are our recommendations: •
Take the help of professional Elevator Consultants and Fire-Life safety consultants in reviewing & adopting the best suitable evacuation concept.
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Elevator consultants can advise you on improving the 'sturdiness' of fire fighting elevators, to make them available for an extended period of time. 'Hardened elevators' remain operable even under harsh environment. Remember to purchase a 'Hardened Elevator' from the elevator supplier.
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Install dedicated elevator evacuation communication systems, which are hard wired to facilitate reliable communication between the egress floor and the other occupied floors during evacuation.
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Facility Managers should adopt the original evacuation concepts approved for each project without fail. Identify suitable evacuation management personnel for each floor [floor captain] and provide complete training on the fire alarm, fire protection and emergency communication tools that have been installed on each building.
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Conduct regular evacuation drills and educate the occupants on interpreting various smoke and fire alarm signals and emergency messages.
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Avoid using a service elevator as the designated fire fighter's elevator. If it is inevitable, then develop stringent and frequent inspections for this dual purpose elevator in order to maintain it in good working condition, 24/7. Record deficiencies, monitor timely rectification such deficiencies. Maintain attic spares on site for essential components.
VTME Vertical Transportation Systems Consultants, Dubai, UAE Tel: +97142636647 Fax: +97142636674 E-Mail: info@vtmeconsulting.com www.vtmeconsulting.com