Emergency Elevator Operations

Question 1

What is the primary responsibility of the Warwick Fire Department when responding to a stalled elevator?

Answer 1

Safe removal of persons trapped in the elevator car and/or hoistway

Members are not allowed to reactivate or make repairs to an elevator.

Question 2

Under what conditions should the Warwick Fire Department not wait for an elevator mechanic?

Answer 2

• Emergency situation
• Availability and response time of elevator mechanic

Emergency situations include fire or occupants in distress.

Question 3

Define Non-Emergency in the context of a stalled elevator.

Answer 3

A stalled elevator with occupant(s) not in immediate danger and no signs of injury/illness

Occupant(s) are merely inconvenienced.

Question 4

What constitutes an Emergency situation in a stalled elevator?

Answer 4

• Fire endangering occupant(s)
• Occupant(s) that are ill, injured, or in a panic state

These conditions require immediate action.

Question 5

What must be done to the power of a stalled elevator before occupant removal?

Answer 5

Shut down power along with all battery and generator back-ups using a lock-out/tag-out kit

This is crucial for safety before proceeding with occupant removal.

Question 6

What should be done if an occupant must be removed through the top hatch?

Answer 6

Considered a technical rescue; activate Technical Rescue Team

This indicates a higher level of complexity and risk.

Question 7

What is the first step upon arrival at a stalled elevator incident?

Answer 7

Determine the location of the stalled elevator and if there are any occupants trapped

This assessment is critical for planning the response.

Question 8

What should the Incident Commander do if a rescue is necessary?

Answer 8

Request an elevator mechanic to respond and obtain an estimated time of arrival

This ensures that professional assistance is on the way.

Question 9

What items might be found in the Lock Box at an elevator incident?

Answer 9

• Machine room key
• Hoistway door key
• Fire department elevator service key

These keys are essential for accessing the elevator system.

Question 10

What is the caution regarding the lighting inside the elevator?

Answer 10

The absence of lighting does NOT indicate that power has been secured

The lighting operates on a separate dedicated circuit.

Question 11

When should forcible entry methods be used on hoistway doors?

Answer 11

As a last resort unless a true emergency exists

The Incident Commander should await the arrival of elevator door keys if possible.

Question 12

What should be confirmed before opening the hoistway door?

Answer 12

Confirm that power has been disconnected

This is crucial for the safety of both responders and occupants.

Question 13

What are the types of manual lower (ML) valves found in hydraulic elevators?

Answer 13

• T shaped
• Wheel type
• Spring-loaded push type

These valves control the lowering of the elevator.

Question 14

What is the safest way to remove occupant(s) from a cable elevator?

Answer 14

Through the normal entranceway at floor level

If not possible, use the top escape hatch as a last resort.

Question 15

What should be done after occupant(s) have been safely removed from the stalled elevator?

Answer 15

• Secure the hoistway door
• Do NOT restore power
• Place lock-out/tag-out kit key in Lock Box

These steps are vital for ensuring ongoing safety.