Occupant Evacuation Elevators for the disabled

[Big Mac]

Section 1007.2.1. In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4.

I realize there are a couple of exceptions. However assuming one chooses not to use the exceptions, and chooses instead to provide the elevator to satisfy the accessible means of egress issues, would you or wouldn’t you consider this elevator to be an “Occupant Evacuation Elevator” and subject to the provision of Section 3008.

I realize that these provisions have previously only applied to buildings 75’ and taller, but with the requirement to provide one means of egress elevator as stated above, it seems to me that these provisions would apply in that scenario as well. The disabled would constitute occupants needing evacuation.

Thoughts on the subject?

 

[mtlogcabin]

Short answer No

There is a big difference between an "Accessible Elevator" and an "Occupant Evacuation Elevator"

 

[RLGA]

I agree with mtlogcabin. If it was required they would have stated so. The "Occupant Evacuation Elevator" is for self-evacuation; whereas, the elevator for accessible means of egress is intended to be assisted evacuation, since the elevators are controlled by the fire department.

 

[Big Mac]

Are you guys sure???

did you happen to read the commentary for Section 1007.2.1? The commentary specifically references Code Section from 403 and 3008.

 

[RLGA]

I'm sure. From the Commentary:

"Typically it is not the intent that people use the elevator for self evacuation due to the hazards associated with smoke in the elevator shaft or the elevator taking people to the floor with a direct fire hazard. There are some new technological advances for 'fire service access elevators' and 'occupant evacuation elevators' that are discussed in Sections 403, 3007 and 3008."

Nowhere does it imply that it must be designed as an occupant evacuation elevator--it just gives you the locations where you can find requirements on those types of elevators.

 

[Big Mac]

I would agree that it isn't the intent of the code for able bodied persons to use the elevators. However it is pretty obvious that the codes feel that this service be provided for the disabled when accessible floors are more than four floors above or below the grade level. The use of terms like accessible means of egress instead of avenue of assisted escape by first responders should be enough to show that it is intended to be used by the disabled without assistance. That typically is a big key in establishing equivalent access.

What is accessible means of egress for if it isn't evacuation for the disabled occupants? When items are provided for the diabled, it is with the intent to grant them equivalent access to amenties, in this case equal access to exit facilites. Just the fact that these elevators are required for means of egress (escape) of occupants ought to be enough to invoke Section 3008.

Why would they bother to reference those other sections if it wasn't to direct you to elements of desing that need to be taken into consideration?

The only other justification for not providing what is required for "occupancy evacuation" would be if you didn't consider the disabled to be occupants.

 

[mtlogcabin]

This is the charging lanquage that requires an elevator to also serve as a means of egress

1007.2.1 Elevators required.

In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge , at least one required accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4.

Occupant evacuation elevators are permitted in lieu of the required extra stairs. I do not see where they are even required in a high it states

Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems. Chapter 30 provides standards for the installation of elevators into buildings. Referenced standards provide the requirements for the elevator system and mechanisms. Detailed standards are provided in the chapter for hoistway enclosures, hoistway venting and machine rooms. New provisions are added in the 2009 IBC for Fire Service Access Elevators required in high-rise buildings and for the optional choice of Occupant Evacuation Elevators (see Section 403)

 

[RLGA]

The quote I provided is directly associated with the accessible means of egress elevator section. Their use of "people" means both able-bodied and disabled people.

Occupant evacuation elevators are an option, not a requirement, so they could be provided for accessible means of egress, but are not required to be. The use of this elevator option can substitute for the third stairway for high-rise buildings over 420 feet high.

 

[Big Mac]

Gene or Papio, care to chime in?

 

[Big Mac]

These are the questions I submitted to ICC for an interpretation and the corresponding reponses I recieved from an ICC staff member on this subject. Thought you might be interested. I'm not saying I necessarily agree or disagree, but here it is.

Question #1: Is the accessible means of egress elevator intended to be for unassisted use by disabled occupants in the case of emergency or is it intended to be used exclusively by rescue personnel for the rescue of disabled occupants? It was always my impression that accessible carries the connotation that the element (in this case the elevator) should be for the unassisted use of disabled persons.

Answer: There are two separate requirements. Chapter 11 in Section 1109.6 requires elevators that are on an accessible route to be accessible (meaning they meet ICC A117) and meet Section 3001.3. At least one elevator shall be accessible (meaning it meet all the features and dimensions in ICC A117). Chapter 10 has the means of egress requirements. In a five story building, at least one elevator shall comply with the special means of egress requirements in Section 1007.4. I hope this answers your question. To answer your question, both.

Question #2: So my assumption then is that the elevator is intended to be an occupancy evacuation elevator, and as such needs to comply with the provisions of 3008. Is that correct?

Answer: No, Section 1007.2.1 has nothing to do with Occupant Self-evacuation elevators. Those elevators are only required in high rise buildings, and then only when the third stair is not provided on buildings over 420 feet in height. See Section 403.5.2 and 403.6.2.

 

[AegisFPE]

It would be unreasonable for every elevator provided per 1007.2.1 be provided in accordance with 3008.

Section 1007.2.1 states "shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4."

Section 1007.4 states "in order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress..." and gives the provisions, which do not require compliance with Section 3008.

Therefore, even while Section 3008.1 says "Where other elevators are used for occupant self-evacuation, they shall also comply with this section," it seems that the elevator you are referring to is used as an accessible means of egress, not for occupant self-evacuation.