Use" can mean many things. Here we are relying on "the typical use for the elevator" and not "the typical thing you do when there is a fire" (namely, put it out). human factors, such as exit choice behaviour, particularly where phased evacuation strategies are adopted. Fire damage to the lifts electrical supply can cause it to stop abruptly between floors – and if fire has breached the elevator shaft, anyone trapped in the lift is in danger of massive heat and smoke exposure. Rescue may not be possible at this point. Depending on the type of exits you have, you may also need to provide instructions on how to operate the door, or indicate that a door opens automatically. Fire door signs – mandatory examples The only exception to stairs being the fastest way out for most people is in extremely tall buildings, where high speed, high tech lifts could ferry people out rapidly, avoiding floors affected by fire and ensuring trips are timed for maximum efficiency. But if fire and smoke have encroached into the elevator shafts, then taking the lift may no longer be an option. Spreading Smoke

Evacuation scenarios for analysis taking account of factors such as occupancy levels, training, mobility of occupants, etc. fire detection and fire alarm systems including any detectors linked to ancillary equipment such as smoke control systems (in the common parts) BD 2466 Guidance on the Emergency Use of Lifts or Escalators for Evacuation and Fire and Rescue Services Operations (2006) from the Government, states that the use of lifts in an evacuation strategy can have a number of benefits. Which elevator. The left one? The right one? Any elevator? In all buildings? Only on this floor? Can I go one floor down in the floor that is not (yet) on fire, and use that elevator?Fire Action Notices state clear and easy-to-read instructions, and often include the following phrases:

E.g. you are a mathematician / engineer, and you are tasked with coming up with rules that a robot could follow. You are given this sentence and are asked to design a rule for the robot. Even within the limits of the intended meaning, we still have a lot of ambiguity: Therefore, a key element of the strategy is the appointment and training of relevant staff to act as “evacuation wardens”. For example, an operator should be allocated to take control of the lift and: This is also reflected in the recently published BS 8899:2016 Improvement of Fire-fighting and Evacuation Provisions in Existing Lifts. Code of Practice. This document, like others states that the use of lifts should be risk assessed and “put into context as part of a wider building fire strategy”. The assessment and strategy development should include the following. You may also need to provide fire safety signs for equipment such as hose reels and dry risers if you have them on your premises. Hose reel location sign – example

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In some cases you may need a series of directional signs leading occupants along the shortest route to escape. These are familiar to us as green exit signs with arrows indicating which way to go. Fire exit signs – examples Fire Exit Doors When you’ve been in any public building, you’ll have seen signs that state ‘In the event of a fire, do not use the elevators’. Have you ever wondered why this is the case? Here’s why you should never use the elevator when a fire occurs, and more tips to keep yourself safe during a fire. In reality, signs such as Fire Action Notices are often only read in the case of an emergency - hence the simple multi-step instructions with clear colour and icons. Other factors to consider will be in relation to the measures built into the property including the provision of a refuge area, communication equipment, protected lobbies, etc. Close doors: When you’re making your way out of the building, ensure that you’re only opening door that you need to. If you come across any doors that are closed that you don’t need to go through, keep them closed. These doors will help stop fires spreading, so don’t open any door if you don’t need to.