7-09

Question 1

Regarding Elevator incidents, define Level 1 Operations.

Answer 1

Standby - involve a typical entrapment involving an elevator device, where responders dispatched may standby, while awaiting assistance from an elevator mechanic – the incident is deemed to be non-life threatening.

Question 2

Regarding Elevator incidents, define Level 2 Operations.

Answer 2

Removal – involve circumstances warranting the use of passive measures to extricate trapped occupants

• The entrapment time has exceeded 90 mins
• The incident involves non-life threatening conditions with medical factors
• The incident involves severe environmental factors, i.e. high temperatures inside the elevator car.

Question 3

Regarding Elevator incidents, define Level 3 Operations.

Answer 3

Rescue – involve circumstances, where there is an immediate threat to life or extreme environmental factor, and forceful measures are warranted to extricate trapped occupants

Question 4

Explain the Training and Certifications required for Elevator incidents

Answer 4

1-Shall have completed the department approved elevator rescue training following the TSSA guidelines
2-Elevator Operations shall be in accordance with the TSSA Reference Guide
3-Only certified Elevator Rescue personnel may remove occupants from the elevator car, while utilizing the approved equipment and following the endorsed procedures
4-Uncertified BFES personnel may assist as directed by certified elevator Rescue personnel
5-A min. of 3 certified Elevator Rescue personnel are required to respond to an elevator emergency.
6-The Captain shall advise Fire Control, when a designated Elevator Rescue apparatus does not have at least 3 trained Elevator Rescue personnel to respond to elevator emergencies

Question 5

List the procedures for Level 1 Operations (Standby)

Answer 5

1- Make contact with building representative
2-have the building rep contact elevator repair company, obtain an ETA (elevator company contact info should be located and forwarded to Fire Control for action). The emergency telephone numbers should be located in the fire safety plan and/or the elevator machine room.
3-Size-up the situation
4-Assess the conditions of the elevator occupants for life threatening conditions. Notify ambulance if required.
5-The 1st arriving Captain should assess the entrapment situation involving an elevating device to determine the appropriate level of response required. If patient removal is required, initiate elevator rescue (Level 2 or 3 Operation)
6-Personnel shall continue to assess any occupants in their condition, until there is a responsible person on site. A responsible person might be a building security guard, a building superintendent or an elevator repair person.
7-Apparatus may clear the incident if the Captain is satisfied that a responsible person is standing by and assessing the occupants for change in their condition. The Captain shall ensure the responsible person is aware to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Question 6

What are the additional steps for Level 2 Operations (removal)

Answer 6

1-Complete steps from Level 1
2-Ensure that the EMS has been notified. Establish an Elevator Rescue Sector when elevator extrication operations are initiated
3-Certified personnel shall extricate the entrapped occupants using only approved equipment, guidelines and lock-out procedure
4-Prior to the removal of any trapped passengers, the mainline disconnect must be locked-out and tagged-out, notwithstanding this, if the “drive Sheave” is rocking rock and forth(yo-yoing), then do not shutdown mainline disconnect.
5-Any evacuation of passengers from elevator cars should be performed under the direct supervision of certified personnel or an elevator mechanic.
6-When elevator mechanic arrives at the scene, personnel shall take direction from the elevator mechanic

Question 7

What is involved in Level 3 Operations(Rescue)?

Answer 7

1-Prior to the removal of any trapped passengers, the mainline disconnect must be locked-out and tagged-out, notwithstanding this, if the “Drive Sheave” is rocking back and forth (yo-yoing), then do not shutdown mainline disconnect
2-Open the landing door using any of the prescribed methods
3-Evacuate trapped passengers

Question 8

What is involved in termination of the scene?

Answer 8

1-Personnel shall not place the incident elevator back in service, upon completion of the extraction. The responsibility for placing the elevator back into service belongs to the elevator service rep.
2-Apparatus may clear the scene, when the IC has confirmed the building rep. has assumed responsibility of the elevator security.
3-Have Fire Control advise TSSA of the incident.