OMS 023 - Use of Lifts During Fire Flashcards
OMS 023 - Use of Lifts During Fire
Secure Firefighting lifts for use
Ensure lifts are only used when enclosed in a fire isolated shaft and have a fire service lift override facility.
Liaise with Building Representative for access to lift keys if required. Fire service lift keys may be kept with the building keys held by FRV. Additional sets of lift keys are kept on some rescue appliances and at FRV stations.
Utilise fire service lift override to recall all lifts to ground where lifts are not being used for evacuation of occupants.
Avoid overriding lifts where lifts are being used as part of the emergency evacuation plan for the building until an evacuation strategy is determined.
- Leave lifts in fire service mode once all lifts are grounded with doors open to eliminate the possibility of their use be anyone other than FRV personnel.
Conduct a SPADRA to determine if firefighting lifts are safe to be used.
- Do not use lifts when responding to a reported fire in a basement level.
- Avoid using lifts where occupants report, or FIP activations indicate a fire in the lift motor room, lift shafts or lift foyer unless an alternate lift bank in a separate shaft is available.
Check the lift shaft prior to utilising a firefighting lift to ensure that it is clear of smoke and water
- Direct a flashlight or TIC up in between the lift car and the shaft
- Access lift roof hatch if possible, and conduct a visual inspection of the shaft. No access is to be made into lift shaft.
Delegate oversight of lift operations to the Lobby Sector Commander.
- Assign a firefighter to operate each lift being used during fire operations.
Cease operation of lifts immediately upon any report of smoke or water entering lift shafts or car.
- Return lifts to ground floor when smoke is reported in lift shafts or car.
- Consider sending lifts above the water affected floor when water is flooding into lift shaft to protect lift car infrastructure.
- Request the attendance of a Lift Technician to ensure lift safety before any further use.
OMS 023 - Use of Lifts During Fire
When not to use lifts?
- Do not use lifts when responding to a reported fire in a basement level.
- Avoid using lifts where occupants report, or FIP activations indicate a fire in the lift motor room, lift shafts or lift foyer unless an alternate lift bank in a separate shaft is available.
OMS 023 - Use of Lifts During Fire
What to do if water or smoke enters lift shafts or cars?
Cease operation of lifts immediately upon any report of smoke or water entering lift shafts or car.
- Return lifts to ground floor when smoke is reported in lift shafts or car.
- Consider sending lifts above the water affected floor when water is flooding into lift shaft to protect lift car infrastructure.
- Request the attendance of a Lift Technician to ensure lift safety before any further use.
OMS 023 - Use of Lifts During Fire
Lift Operation During Incident
Ensure lift operator is equipped with the following:
- Lift access keys
- Full structure fire PPC
- BA (not required to be ‘on air’)
- Personal Radio
- Dry Powder Extinguisher
- Forcible Entry Equipment
Ensure that lift car is not overloaded. Adhere to weight restrictions inside lift car.
- Consider sending crews separately to prevent multiple crews being trapped in lift if the lift was to jam between floors.
Ensure the correct lift bank is used for the floor required where multiple lift banks are present.
Ensure lift usage terminates at least one floor below the reported fire floor, or at the level of an established Operations Point.
Monitor lift shaft for presence of smoke or water continually.
Ensure the lift operator notifies the Lobby Sector Commander upon any sign of smoke or water egress into car.
OMS 023 - Use of Lifts During Fire
Ensure lift operator is equipped with the following:
Ensure lift operator is equipped with the following:
- Lift access keys
- Full structure fire PPC
- BA (not required to be ‘on air’)
- Personal Radio
- Dry Powder Extinguisher
- Forcible Entry Equipment
