18 - Elevator - Emergencies Fdny PDF

Probationary Firefighters Manual
Chapter 18
ELEVATOR EMERGENCIES
OBJECTIVE: To familiarize members with FDNY guidelines for operating at

elevator emergencies
To familiarize members with FDNY guidelines for use of
elevators during fire operations.
CONTENTS: Elevator Removal Procedures

Elevator Operations During Fires
Types of Elevator Doors
FDNY FDNY Training Bulletin Emergencies 1
REFERENCE:
18
ELEVATOR OPERATIONS
Section Title Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................1
2 LOCATING THE ELEVATOR CAR .........................................1
3 PRIMARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES....................................2
4 SECONDARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES .............................4
5 EMERGENCY REMOVAL PROCEDURES .............................8
6 ELEVATOR PIT OPERATIONS................................................12
7 FIREMAN SERVICE ..................................................................13
8 ELEVATOR OPERATION DURING FIRE OPERATIONS.....18
9 ELEVATOR TERMS AND DEFINITIONS...............................22

FDNY Probationary Firefighters Manual
Chapter 18 FDNY ELEVATOR EMERGENCIES
T he function of the Fire Department at elevator operations is limited to the safe removal of
persons trapped in the elevator car or hoistway. Repairs to and reactivation of elevators
are not carried out by members of this department. Contact shall be made with
responsible building management personnel for any information and assistance that will
aid the operation. However the first units at the scene should start operations at once without
awaiting arrival of the management personnel.
1. INTRODUCTION:
1.1 In performing the function of removal at an elevator operation the urgency of

actions, and those actions taken are determined by whether the operation is
considered an INCIDENT or an EMERGENCY.
1.2 INCIDENTS and EMERGENCIES:
INCIDENT:
A stuck elevator with trapped passengers not in immediate danger and no

evidence of injury.
Note: Conditions must be constantly monitored, an INCIDENT may

escalate to an EMERGENCY.
EMERGENCY:
A situation where one or more of the following exist:

Fire endangering passengers in a stuck elevator.
Passenger of stuck elevator injured.
Passenger of stuck elevator in panic
Note: In the event there is evidence of injuries to trapped persons, the
officer in command shall request the response of medical assistance.
The sequence of initial actions is actually the same- however, at an

EMERGENCY, additional removal techniques are acceptable in lieu of waiting
for the assistance of an elevator mechanic. All elevator operations begin with
locating the elevator car and then initiating PRIMARY removal procedures. If
the PRIMARY procedures dont effect removal then SECONDARY procedures
are attempted. If efforts are still unsuccessful AND an EMERGENCY situation
exists then EMERGENCY removal procedures are employed. Each of these
procedures is explained in upcoming sections of this chapter.
2. LOCATING THE ELEVATOR CAR
Locate the car using the following.
Lobby control panel - check floor indicator.
1
Communicate with passengers- they may be able to give their approximate
location.
Methods of communicating with passengers:
Elevator car telephone.
Elevator car intercom.
Call or yell up hoistway, or speak through car and hoistway doors.
Note: If emergency bell is ringing instruct the car passengers to

deactivate the alarm and emergency stop button. A ringing bell can cause
anxiety, confusion and hamper communications.
Open the hoistway door at first floor with elevator key and look up shaft. Key
devices are usually required at the lower levels and may be present at all
levels.
Note: If the hoistway door has a glass panel check the shaft before
opening the door. Using a flash light, look for the governor ropes
and the counterweight. Movement of either one of these is an
indication that the car is in motion, do not open the hoistway door.
The governor rope is generally located on either side near one of
the far corners of the shaft.
Counterweight location: The location of the counterweight can be used to

approximate the position of the car. For example, in a 6 story building where
the elevator serves the basement, if the counterweight is on the 1st floor, the
stalled car would be at the 5th. The counterweight can be located by viewing
through the wire glass door panel or by opening a hoistway door.
Enter a car in the same bank and open top hatch if no damage will be done to
the elevator car.
Use the floor selector in the machinery room, it indicates the exact location of
elevator car.
3. PRIMARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES
3.1 Problems with elevators often arise from defective or non-functioning electrical or
mechanical devices and equipment.
Electrical problems are the most frequent cause of elevator malfunction.
Common causes of electrical problems:
Car or hoistway door contacts open.

Blown fuses.
Shorting of electrical cables.
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When an electrical problem occurs the following can be expected:
Elevator cars will be suspended on the hoistway cables.

Elevator brake will be applied in the hold position.
Mechanical problems, though not as common, may also be encountered.
3.2 Primary removal procedures are simple approaches performed without turning off
the elevator power. There are two types of primary removal procedures- the order
in which they are tried is not important.
Checking Electrical Contacts.
The first type of primary removal procedures is to check whether simple

electrical contacts might have been broken.
IMPORTANT: If the passengers have activated the Emergency Stop

Button, they must be instructed to deactivate it- otherwise these
procedures will not work.
Have a passenger press Door Open Button. If the car is level with the
landing this may open both the car and hoistway door.
Press lobby call button.
Instruct passengers to insure the car door is fully closed. Have a
person push the door towards the closed position.
Have members physically close all hoistway doors on the shaft. Air
movement in shaft may have opened an interlock cutting power to the
car. Check the hoistway doors in the vicinity of the stuck car first.
Activate Firemen Service.
The second type of primary removal procedure is activating Firemen

Service if available. Firemen Service will over ride the Emergency Stop
Button.
Activation of firemen service - Inserting FD 1620 key into key switch

located adjacent to elevator door at lobby, and switching from
NORMAL to FIREMAN SERVICE will recall all elevators to the
lobby. The stuck elevator may return to the main lobby or sky lobby
and open its doors.
Firemen Service should be deactivated when the car responds by

returning to the lobby or if it's clear that the car isn't responding.
3
If Primary Removal Procedures fail summon an elevator mechanic. The
telephone number of the mechanic is required to be posted in the machinery room
near the elevator power switch. Consider the possibility of an elevator mechanic
on duty in a nearby building. Secondary Removal Procedures may be initiated
prior to the arrival of the mechanic.
4. SECONDARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES
If the simple methods involved in primary removal are not effective then secondary
removal methods are to be used.
4.1 Precautions:
Power Removal: whenever Secondary or Emergency Removal Procedures are

used, power removal is essential. The shut-off is located in the elevator
machinery room, which may be located at the top of the shaft, at the bottom of
the shaft or two levels above the highest floor serviced by the elevator.
Two members are to be dispatched to the elevator machinery room to shut off
the power to the stalled car. These members are to:
Determine which shaft the stalled car is in.
Shut off power to the stalled car when directed. Each elevator is
controlled by its own power switch. Elevator power switch boxes and
motors are required to be labeled in a manner which relates motor to
switch. (Ex. Switch #1, Motor #1). If any doubt exists, open as many
elevator power switches as required to insure a safe operation. Allow
passengers to exit a serviceable car before removing power.
Remain at the power switch throughout the operation to insure the

power is not restored.
Upon completion of the operation DO NOT restore power to the

stalled car.
Notes:
1) The ventilation opening located above the elevator shaft is known

as the smoke hole. Members should avoid stepping on the cover or
grating over this opening because if improperly sealed (or removed
and replaced with flimsy material) a member could fall the entire
height of the shaft.
2) Members should be equipped with a handie-talkie and forcible

entry tools. Communication between members in machinery room
and on landing is necessary.
3) Building maintenance personnel may be able to provide members

with keys to the elevator machinery room.
4
Members are not to enter the shaft or remove passengers from the car until
assured power has been removed.
When passengers are removed from a car between floors they should be taken
UP AND OUT of the car if practical. This eliminates the possibility of a
passenger falling down the shaft after exiting the elevator. If they are
removed to the lower landing, the shaft opening must be protected.
Members operating in the shaft are to be secured by a life saving rope.
Members shall not normally be permitted to enter the shaft below the elevator
car. During a rescue necessitating members entering the shaft below the car,
the power switch must be turned off.
The elevator shall never be jacked up or moved in an upward direction. This

action may free the car safeties causing the car to move either upward or
downward depending on the live load in the car.
No adjustment to or prying of the elevator machinery brake shall be

attempted. The brake will be in a safe position and should not be tampered
with.
In older elevator installations if the condition of the elevator brake is doubtful

additional protection can be provided by placing a heavy timber, iron bar or
tool between the spokes of the hoisting drum after power is removed. In most
newer installations this procedure can be dangerous and impractical.
Electrical components are usually in a close proximity to the drum and most
drums are constructed in a manner which prevents getting an effective
purchase.
If conditions indicate that the elevator is unstable, additional precautions must

be taken to prevent the movement of the car in either direction. Consider
securing the car to structural members of the building using utility ropes,
chains or shoring.
4.2 Secondary Removal Operations
All efforts must be made to remove passengers via elevator car and hoistway
door using an elevator tool or key.
Passengers of the stuck car can assist in their removal. Direct the passenger of
the car to attempt to open the car door by physically exerting pressure toward
the open position. If they succeed in opening the car door instruct them to lift
the locking arm on sliding hoistway type doors, or to depress or lift the roller
on hinge type hoistway doors.
If the elevator has a two speed system, commonly found in buildings over 10
stories, sometimes the system can be reset by shutting and then restoring
power. If the car is to restart it will do so within 10 seconds. If Emergency
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Stop Button has been activated have passengers deactivate it (this should have
already been done prior to attempting PRIMARY procedures).
Note: This is the only circumstance in which the elevator power may be
restored by members of this department. If this procedure fails, power must
be shut off and members are not to restore power at completion of operations.
If stuck car is in a multi car hoistway "POLING" can be used to remove the
passengers:
Have member work from an adjacent car which is nearest the leading
edge side of hoistway door of the stuck car.
Adjacent car should be positioned to give access to upper portion of

the hoistway door to be opened.
Have one member remain on the landing at the hoistway door of the
stuck car.
Member in the adjacent car inserts pole or hook between the striking
post and the hoistway door and trips the lock by either depressing the
roller or pushing on the locking arm.
o Hinge type door - Depress the roller.
o Sliding type door - push up on locking arm.
Member on the landing near hoistway door of the stuck car opens
hoistway door when the lock is disengaged.
Elevator car door is then opened
4.3 Types of Elevator Hoistway Doors:
Center Opening Doors:
1. Consist of two panels on the same plane. In opening,

the panels move away from each other.
2. Locks are above the point where panels meet.
3. Most frequently found doors.
6
Swing Doors:
1. Rarely installed in new installations for public

use.
2. Mostly found in older buildings- especially small

office buildings, apartment houses, and some
schools.
3. Door opens outward from hoistway (outward

opening door).
4. Lock is above the handle usually near the top of

the door.
Single Slide Doors:
1. Single panel that slides horizontally to one side

of the door opening
2. To determine which way the door slides consider

building features to both sides of the door. Usually
the leading edge of the door slides away from the
controls.
3. Lock is located above the door panel on the

leading edge side of the door.
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Two Speed Elevator Doors:
1. Two speed doors consist of two panels, one

behind the other.
2. Both panels move horizontally in the same

direction and reach the open position at the same
time.
3. Front panel is known as the high speed panel.
4. The lock is above the jamb side of the high

speed panel
5. EMERGENCY REMOVAL PROCEDURES
This section outlines procedures which may only be used during an EMERGENCY (as
defined in this chapter), or when directly advised by an elevator mechanic. Primary and
secondary procedures are usually quicker and more efficient than the methods outlined in
this section. The decision of what method to use will be based on the size-up of the
officer in command.
Power to the stuck elevator must be off when you use Emergency Removal Procedures.
This should have been done before trying Secondary Removal Procedures.
An elevator car will have a top hatch or a side exit - sometimes both. One of these may
provide a route by which you can remove trapped passengers.
5.1 Top Hatch Removal:
Although the law prohibits welding or bolting top hatches shut on elevators, it
does happen and it can make this procedure very time consuming.
Open a hoistway door or access panel (required in single car blind hoistways)
on floor above the stuck car.
Provide adequate lighting.
8
Lower a portable ladder to the elevator roof. Use straight ladder if possible.
If an extension ladder is used tie the halyard around the rungs of both sections
of the ladder. This will prevent the lower section from dropping on to the car
roof.
Climb down to the car roof. Maximum of two firefighters are to be permitted
on the roof of the car at one time.
All members working in the shaft are to be secured with a life saving rope.
Open the top hatch.
This may require the use of a wrench or screw driver.
Forcible entry tools may be required.
A small portable ladder is lowered into the elevator
One member equipped with a handie talkie enters car. Member in the car
must determine the order of removal. Secure each person with a life saving
rope.
Members are to remain in physical contact with trapped persons while they
are being removed.
5.2 Side Exit Removal.:
Useful under conditions of partial power loss in multi-car hoistways. It may not
be useful where a structural beam blocks a side exit or the rescue car can't be
brought level with the stuck car.
Members must work from a car that is in the same bank and is adjacent to the
stuck car. This will become the rescue car.
Bring rescue car even with stuck elevator. If mechanic is present, use his
operating key to bring the car level with stuck car.
Remove power to rescue car. Power to the stuck car was previously removed.
Open side exit in rescue car. A key or forcible entry is required to open panel
from inside the car.
Open side exit of stuck car. It is openable by hand from the shaft side.
Planks of sufficient lengths (6' or longer) should be used as a bridge between

cars.
Member equipped with a handie talkie and secured with life saving rope
crosses planks to the stuck car.
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Member determines the order of removal. Secure each passenger with a life
saving rope and assist them to the rescue car.
After passengers are removed restore power to the rescue car.
5.3 Forcible Entry:
Forcible entry of hoistway and elevator car doors should only be attempted under
the direct advisement of an elevator mechanic or as a last resort during
EMERGENCY REMOVAL PROCEDURES. The deformation of the doors and
locks may add to the problem and delay the rescue. Upon completion of forcible
entry operations have maintenance personnel secure the hoistway door or have
police or security warn people of the danger.
Choose one of the following procedures based on the type of hoistway door.
Hinged door:
Knock out glass panel if present. If not, breach hoistway shaft above
hoistway door.
Push down roller, located near side opposite hinges, on shaft wall.
Open hoistway door.
Push open elevator car door.
Slide type door:
Maxi Force Air Bag System- this is the preferred forcible entry
method because it is less likely than the others to push the door off its
hangers or out of its track.
1) Take a small purchase with a forcible entry tool.
2) Place bag between the leading edge of the door and

jamb as high as possible to apply a more direct force on
the linkage and the locking mechanism.
3) Position the bag to permit the center of the air bag to be

as close as possible to the door edge. This increases the
spreading capability of the air bag. It may be necessary
to have a passenger in the car push open the car door to
permit the air bag to obtain a good purchase.
4) Inflate air bag until hoistway door opens.
5) If necessary push open elevator car door.
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Rabbit Tool
1) Use forcible entry tool to gain a purchase for the jaws

of the rabbit tool.
2) Insert the jaws of the Rabbit Tool between the jamb and
the leading edge of the hoistway door, as high as
possible.
3) Ensure that the tool is flush with the hoistway door.
4) Operate tool to open door taking care not to cause the

door to come off its track.
Forcible entry tools
1) Go to landing directly above door to be opened.
2) Use a forcible entry tool to lift hoistway door out of its

guide.
3) Tilt bottom of the hoistway door slightly into the shaft,

just enough to allow the passing of a hook into the
shaft.
Note: Care must be taken not to tilt the door too much. It
may dislodge from hanger and drop into the shaft.
4) Use a hook to reach down to the lock arm mechanism

and pull it up.
Blind hoistway.
Determine the side of hoistway the car door faces.
Breach hoistway wall on that side.
Push open elevator door.
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6. ELEVATOR PIT OPERATIONS
6.1 The Elevator Pit is the lowest portion of the elevator shaft. There are two types of
Elevator Pits:
Jump Pits:
Usually 4' to 6' from lowest landing level to base of pit.
Elevator descends to within a couple of feet of the bottom of the shaft.
Pit is entered by opening the lowest hoistway door and using a

portable ladder.
Walk In Pit:
Usually 6' to 10' from lowest landing to base of pit.
Car descends to the floor level above bottom of shaft. A high buffer
and lower limit switch prevent the car from entering the pit.
Access to the pit is via a door located at the bottom of the shaft.
o Door is not required to have an interlock switch.
o Door is opened by a regular key. Emergency elevator keys are
not usable.
6.2 Operations in Elevator Pits
Jump Pit.
Shut off elevator power switch.
Open the lowest hoistway door on shaft.
Use portable ladder to enter shaft.
For additional safety, trip lower limit switch and secure it in an open
position.
Walk In Pit.
Shut off elevator power switch.
Enter via pit door.
If there is a fire in the pit, be cautious of the buffers (a device designed

to stop a descending elevator beyond the normal limits of travel), they
may be filled with combustible or inflammable liquid.
In an EXTREME EMERGENCY (immediate action necessary to save

life) entry to a Walk in Pit before the elevator power switch is off may
be made using the following precautions:
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o Open a hoistway door on shaft to be entered. The interlock
will prevent car from moving.
o Use caution around mechanical and electrical components.
o Turn off power as soon as possible.
7. FIREMEN SERVICE
All Fire Department personnel should be familiar with the operating procedure and
limitations of Firemen Service. This section describes Firemen Service components and
operational procedures.
7.1 Firemen Service Controls.
Lobby Keyed Switch.
A switch at the street floor or terminal floor for each bank of elevators.
Terminal floor is the lowest landing above the street floor of any
elevator that does not serve the street lobby floor, also known as a Sky
Lobby. (Fig. 1)
The key switch is required to be within 4 feet of the lobby call button.
The key switch is operated by use of the Fire Department 1620 key, or
by city wide standard elevator 2642 key.
Switch Configurations:
o Three position key - Normal, Firemen Service and door open.

(Fig. 2A)
o Two position key - Normal and Firemen Service with a door

open button. Door open button is required to be located in the
same faceplate as the key switch. Button is only operable when
key switch is in the Firemen Service position. (Fig. 2B)
Note: In both situations the cylinder face is approximately 1 1/2"

in diameter and colored red. Switch faceplate is required to be
inscribed "for fire department use only" or similar terminology.
The Normal and Firemen Service position in the keyed switch permit
the removal of the key. The key is not removable in the door open
position.
13
Fig 1 Elevator Configuration
Elevator Car Keyed Switch.
Firemen Service keyed switch is provided inside each Firemen Service

elevator car.
This switch is identified by red lettering "FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT

USE ONLY" and has two positions. Normal and Firemen Service.
Note: Elevators approved for installation after March 1991 are required
to be equipped with a three position switch:
NORMAL HOLD FIREMAN SERVICE
14
Fig 2 Elevator Car Key Switch
The Hold Position has the following features:
o Permits the firefighter to remove the 1620 key from the switch.
o Allows the firefighter to leave the car without the danger of an

individual, without a key, moving the car to another location.
o A firefighter with a 1620 key can move the car by changing the
switch position from HOLD to FIREMAN SERVICE.
THIS ACTION SHALL NOT BE TAKEN WITHOUT FIRST

INFORMING THE FIREFIGHTERS OPERATING ON
THAT FLOOR.
o Elevator cars equipped with a two position switch are not

required to be retro-fitted with a three position switch
To operate the car, the switch must be placed in the Firemen Service
position while the car is at the landing where the lobby keyed switch is
located.
The lobby keyed switch must be in the Firemen Service position prior
to placing the car keyed switch to Firemen Service.
Once the car switch is in the Firemen Service position it can not be
overridden by the lobby keyed switch.
The 1620 key is not removable from the elevator car keyed switch
when it is in the Firemen Service position.
15
7.2 Operation of Firemen Service.
Phase I - Recall Phase.
The recall of ALL elevators in the bank to the street or terminal floor. This recall
is done automatically (via sensors and/or detectors associated with certain
building systems) or manually. Manual recall is accomplished by the use of the
1620 key at the keyed switches located in the elevator lobby at the street floor or
terminal floor.
Results of Initiating Phase I Recall.:
By placing the keyed switch in the Firemen Service position, all

elevators in that bank will be returned to the street lobby or terminal
floor.
An elevator traveling away from the street floor or from its lowest
landing floor will reverse direction at the next landing without opening
its doors, and return non-stop to the street lobby or terminal floor.
Doors opened at any floor will immediately close and the elevator
shall return non-stop to the street or terminal floor.
Door reopening devices for power operated doors, which may be

affected by smoke, heat or flame so as to prevent door closure, shall be
rendered inoperative except for those mechanically activated by a
safety edge.
"Emergency Stop" buttons will be rendered inoperative.
When the elevator car reaches its terminal floor, one of the following
will occur:
o All car and hoistway doors open. The doors remain open for at
least 8 seconds and no more than one minute and then close.
o All car and hoistway doors open. The Firemen Service

elevator car and hoistway doors remain open with the car lights
remaining on. Non Firemen Service elevator car and hoistway
doors close between 8 seconds and one minute after opening.
o All elevator car and hoistway doors open and remain open.
The car lights in the Firemen Service elevator cars remain on
and the lights in the Non Firemen Service cars go off.
Caution: Do not return the switch to the "normal" position at this time.
Phase II - Operational Phase: The actual operation of the elevator car by use
of the controls located within the car.
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Place the 1620 key in the car Firemen Service switch and turn to the
Firemen Service position.
Press the car "Door Close" button and select a floor. It is not
important which floor button is pressed first. In some elevator cars
there may be two floor selection panels. The one to use for Firemen
Service is the one nearest to or the one with the Firemen Service keyed
switch.
As soon as the car begins to move, press the "Call Cancel" button to
verify the operation of the "Call Cancel" button.
o If the car stops at the next available landing in response to the

"Call Cancel" button, select the desired floor on the "Floor
Selection" panel.
o If the car does not stop at the next available floor in response to
the "Call Cancel" button, look to abandon the elevator.
Immediately select the next available safe floor. If the car does
not stop at the next available floor, attempt to stop the car by
forcing the car doors open, thus interrupting the interlock relay
switch. Notify the officer in command and initiate emergency
evacuation procedures.
If more than one floor selection is made, the elevator car will stop at
the nearest floor selection in the direction of travel.
If the car is operating normally when you reach the selected floor,
press the "Door Open" button. You must keep your finger on this
constant pressure button until the door is fully open, otherwise the
door will close on its own. This is a built in safety feature.
If the doors open on heat and smoke, the simple removal of the finger
from the "Door Open" button should enable the doors to close.
o If they fail to close automatically, press the "Door Close"

button and manually assist the closing.
o If the car doors still fail to close, don Mask facepiece, evacuate
the elevator and proceed to the nearest safe stairway.
When the elevator doors have fully opened, the elevator car will
remain at the selected floor, with the doors open.
The elevator car shall not be returned to the lobby street floor until the
officer has determined that the unit has arrived at the proper location.
o Due to internal building security, it is often necessary to force

your way out of an elevator landing area on upper floors. Units
may have to force their way from the elevator lobby to a fire
stair or fire tower, either for reasons of safety or in order to
17
operate. Someone should stay with the elevator, to see that it is
not moved from the floor, until safe access to the fire stair or
fire tower is assured
To move from any floor, the "Door Close" button must be pushed, and
another floor selected.
An elevator can be placed on Firemen Service or taken off of Firemen

Service only when the car is at the landing where the lobby keyed
switch is located.
Once a Firemen Service car has been placed in Phase II operation, it

will continue in Phase II operation, regardless of the Position of the
lobby keyed switch. This feature may be utilized to restore other cars
in the elevator bank to normal operation, while the Fire Department
continues to use the Firemen Service car or cars.
When an elevator car has been placed on Firemen Service, it shall be

operated by a member equipped with a handie talkie and forcible entry
tools.
8. ELEVATOR OPERATIONS DURING FIRE OPERATIONS
8.1 General Procedures.
Account for all elevators serving the fire floor, checking them for victims.
When it is confirmed that the fire is on the 7th floor or below units should
avoid the use of elevators. It is safer to utilize the stairway to reach the fire
floor.
Do not use an elevator in a bank which services the fire floor if a lower bank
of elevators reaches within five floors of the fire floor.
When it is necessary to use an elevator in a bank which serves the fire floor:
If Firemen Service is available, use a car with the Firemen Service

feature.
Select a floor at least two floors below the fire floor or two floors
below the lower level of an access stair in the fire area, whichever is
lowest.
A service elevator shall not be used until it is declared safe for use by the
officer in command of the fire. Be aware that in many high rise office
buildings the service elevators have been converted for Firemen Service. Use
of such an elevator must be avoided until declared safe by the officer in
command.
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Before entering the elevator car, all members shall have donned their mask.
The facepiece shall be maintained in the standby position.
There must be a member equipped with a handie-talkie in each car whenever

the elevator is in use.
Not more than six members are to be permitted in any elevator car. This
precaution is required to prevent overloading.
Forcible entry tools must be carried aboard each elevator car.
In the event the car does not stop at the selected floor, a tool may be
used to pry the elevator car door open disengaging the car door
interlock.
In the event the car should become disabled a tool may be needed to
extricate the members.
Tools may be required if elevator gives access into a secured area.
Elevator should be stopped every five floors (precautionary stops) to confirm

that the elevator will respond to the selected floor. At each stop a new
selection must be made.
Before leaving the lobby and at each precautionary stop direct a flashlight up
between the elevator car and the hoistway shaft to determine if there is any
accumulation of smoke in the elevator shaft.
The relationship of the elevator to the stairway should be noted. This can be
accomplished by inspecting the "YOU ARE HERE" sign which is required to
be posted at each floor near the call button. This should be done at the first
and last precautionary stop. Floor configurations may change.
Determine as soon as possible if the location of the fire could affect the
elevator operation.
Members must be careful during any emergency stop. They should prepare
themselves for the jolt of a fast moving elevator car stopping abruptly.
If you are in a smoke filled hallway, remember, elevator doors will swing
toward you and apartment doors will swing away from you. If the electric
interlock malfunctions it might be possible to open the elevator door and not
have the car on that floor.
Some elevator doors are of the sliding type. If forced by mistake due to smoke
conditions, they may pop inward and be mistaken for an apartment door.
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8.2 Affects of Fire on Elevator Components:
Mechanical or electrical systems can become affected by heat or water causing

erratic behavior of the elevator car.
Elevator car may move leaving a hoistway door in open position. To

minimize the possible dangers with such the following precautions should be
taken:
During fire operations do not straddle elevator doors to hold the car.
Use Firemen Service if available or folded lengths of hose to hold car.
If the elevator moves leaving the door open, close the hoistway door
manually if possible.
Hoistway door can become warped by heat. This can render the elevator in
the particular shaft out of service due to the opening of interlocks. To prevent
any complications involved with this, members if possible, should avoid
using elevator cars that service the fire floor.
Interlocks of hoistway door can malfunction. This may allow a member to

open a swing type door with no elevator car at landing. With this in mind,
members should always feel for a floor before moving through a door way.
NOTE: Any situation where the elevator operates erratically, members

must exit the car at the nearest safe floor. Place the car out off
service, either via the car controls or by blocking the car door.
Notify the Officer in Command immediately.
8.3 Firefighters trapped in stalled elevator cars during fire operations:
If elevator car door opens on fire floor (heat, smoke), attempt to close the door
either by pushing the Door Close Button or by forcing the door closed. Then
select a lower floor.
If car fails to move:
Check Emergency Stop Button, it may have accidentally been activated.

Deactivate it by pulling it out, or if switch type, moving switch to off
position.
Open Top Emergency Exit to relieve smoke in car.
Keep low in car.
If necessary don Mask facepiece. Remember it is important to

conserve air.
Communicate situation to officer in command.
20
If necessary use side emergency exit for rope slide to the safety of
lower floor. Have power removed to the adjacent car if this is to be
attempted.
In an EXTREME EMERGENCY, Fire Department hose can be used

to slide down to the floor below. If more than one length of hose is
used, first tie the lengths together, then couple them.
Members can be lowered to the hoistway door interlock and exit at the
floor landing below the fire.
Hose line on the floor below can be used to spray a fog stream
between the car and the hoistway door. A 30 degree fog pattern
should be used to cool and protect trapped persons during the rescue
operation.
8.4 Firemen Service During Fire Operations:
Assure the elevators serving the affected areas have been placed on Firemen
Service.
When Firemen Service is available use the elevator cars so equipped.
First arriving units should, if possible, initially avoid a Firemen Service

elevator which is capable of stopping at all floors.
Members shall never take a Firemen Service elevator which services all floors
to go above the fire. When assigned to go above the fire via an elevator,
choose an elevator which has a blind shaft on the fire floor. Remember a
"Firemen Service" elevator is not necessarily a "safe" elevator. It can still be
affected by heat, smoke or water entering the shaft. If there is no blind shaft
elevator to go above the fire, stairs shall be used.
Note: Use a fire tower or a stairway other than the attack stair.
There are situations in which units will encounter "exceptions to the rules".
Time must be taken to become familiar with particular elevators before
leaving the lobby. Utilize stairs whenever possible, and try to limit elevator
use to those in banks that cannot be affected by the fire.
If Firemen Service elevators have not been installed in the building, Fire
Department operations shall be conducted using elevators that have been
placed in the "Manual Mode" if possible. When using elevators in the
"Manual Mode" all the applicable sections of this procedural guide shall
apply.
21
9. ELEVATOR TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Alarm button (switch) - Button (switch) in elevator car which activates the alarm bell.
Car Door - Elevator car door.
Car Door Contact - An electrical device used to prevent the operation of the car unless the car
door is in the closed position.
Car Safeties - Stop car in the event of an emergency. Controlled by car governor.
Counterweights - Used to counterbalance the weight of the elevator car.
Elevator Car Selector - Panel inside car containing emergency stop button, alarm button, door
open button, floor selection buttons and Firemen Service key switch if required.
Elevator Control Panel - A visual display unit located in the lobby which indicates the status
and location of all elevator cars and the necessary controls for the operation of the cars.
Common in High-Rise buildings.
Elevator Door Vane - The connection between the elevator car doors and the hoistway doors. It
allows the elevator car door to drive the hoistway door.
Elevator Machinery Room - Area where the equipment that raises and lowers the elevator is
located. Usually located at the top of the shaft, machinery room may also be found at shaft
bottom or two floors above the highest floor serviced by the elevator.
Elevator Motor - Turns winding drum raising and lowering elevator car.
Emergency Stop Button - Elevator car button which when activated cuts power to car and
sounds alarm bell. Note: Do not rely on this button, elevator power switch must be used to
insure motor power is off.
Emergency Escape Ladder - On the top of some elevator cars used to assist in top hatch
removal operations.
Emergency Exit - Side door of a car in multi car hoistways.
Final Lower Limit Switch - A switch located in the elevator pit which prevents the elevator
from descending too low in the shaft. When tripped by elevator it cuts the power to elevator
motor. Acts as a backup to lower limit switch.
Firemen Service - A feature required in many elevators which enables the department to gain
control of the elevators
Floor Call Button - Located at elevator floor landing, used to call car to the floor when service
is desired.
22
Floor Selector - Located in the machinery room can be used to determine the exact location of
the elevator.
Governor - Regulates elevator car speed. Also engages car safeties and shuts off electrical
power in the event of free fall or over speed.
Governor Rope - A wire rope or cable which travels with the car. If engaged by the governor it
mechanically activates the car safeties.
Hoistway - The shaft the elevator moves in. Types: Single car (local service), multi car (local
service), single car blind (express service), multi - car blind (express service).
Hoisting Cable - Cable (cables) used to raise and lower the elevator.
Hoistway Door - door leading from landing to elevator shaft.
Interlock - A switch on hoistway door, and some emergency exits that will prevent the elevator
from moving when in open position.
Key 1620 - An official Fire Department alarm box key.
Key 2642 - Standard key used by elevator industry. This key is interchangeable with 1620 key
for operation of Firemen Service elevators
Limit Switch - A mechanical electrical device which is located at the top or bottom of the shaft.
Its purpose is to prevent over extension of elevator car in an upward or downward direction.
Lower Limit Switch - A switch which stops the car in pit area, below lowest landing.
Main Electrical Power Switch - Located in machinery room, each switch controls the operation
of one elevator.
Terminal Landing - lowest landing for discharge of passengers, may be at ground floor or
above in which case it is known as a Sky Lobby.
Traction Sheave - Free turning pulley for elevator cables.
Ventilation Opening - "Smoke hole" - opening providing for the movement of air in the shaft
caused by the movement of the elevator.
23

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Probationary Firefighters Manual

OBJECTIVE: To familiarize members with FDNY guidelines for operating at

CONTENTS: Elevator Removal Procedures

FDNY FDNY Training Bulletin Emergencies 1

Section Title Page

2 LOCATING THE ELEVATOR CAR .........................................1

3 PRIMARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES....................................2

4 SECONDARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES .............................4

5 EMERGENCY REMOVAL PROCEDURES .............................8

6 ELEVATOR PIT OPERATIONS................................................12

7 FIREMAN SERVICE ..................................................................13

8 ELEVATOR OPERATION DURING FIRE OPERATIONS.....18

9 ELEVATOR TERMS AND DEFINITIONS...............................22

1.1 In performing the function of removal at an elevator operation the urgency of

1.2 INCIDENTS and EMERGENCIES:

A stuck elevator with trapped passengers not in immediate danger and no

Note: Conditions must be constantly monitored, an INCIDENT may

A situation where one or more of the following exist:

The sequence of initial actions is actually the same- however, at an

2. LOCATING THE ELEVATOR CAR

Locate the car using the following.

Lobby control panel - check floor indicator.

Methods of communicating with passengers:

Elevator car telephone.

Elevator car intercom.

Call or yell up hoistway, or speak through car and hoistway doors.

Note: If emergency bell is ringing instruct the car passengers to

Counterweight location: The location of the counterweight can be used to

3. PRIMARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES

Electrical problems are the most frequent cause of elevator malfunction.

Common causes of electrical problems:

Car or hoistway door contacts open.

Elevator cars will be suspended on the hoistway cables.

Mechanical problems, though not as common, may also be encountered.

Checking Electrical Contacts.

The first type of primary removal procedures is to check whether simple

IMPORTANT: If the passengers have activated the Emergency Stop

Activate Firemen Service.

The second type of primary removal procedure is activating Firemen

Activation of firemen service - Inserting FD 1620 key into key switch

Firemen Service should be deactivated when the car responds by

4. SECONDARY REMOVAL PROCEDURES

Power Removal: whenever Secondary or Emergency Removal Procedures are

Determine which shaft the stalled car is in.

Remain at the power switch throughout the operation to insure the

Upon completion of the operation DO NOT restore power to the

1) The ventilation opening located above the elevator shaft is known

2) Members should be equipped with a handie-talkie and forcible

3) Building maintenance personnel may be able to provide members

Members operating in the shaft are to be secured by a life saving rope.

The elevator shall never be jacked up or moved in an upward direction. This

No adjustment to or prying of the elevator machinery brake shall be

In older elevator installations if the condition of the elevator brake is doubtful

If conditions indicate that the elevator is unstable, additional precautions must

4.2 Secondary Removal Operations

Adjacent car should be positioned to give access to upper portion of

o Hinge type door - Depress the roller.

o Sliding type door - push up on locking arm.

Elevator car door is then opened