Stretcher Elevator - does it matter which one?

[nealderidder]

CBC 3002.4a requires a stretcher-sized elevator in CA buildings over two stories (three with permission of AHJ). I've got a building with two stories above grade level and three below (parking). We're going to provide a stretcher elevator but the question is, which elevator? Off the main lobby I've got two passenger elevators. Near the "rear" of the building there is a service elevator. Is there any reason I can't use the service elevator as the stretcher elevator?

All elevators land at all floors.

Thanks for any input!

 

[classicT]

I do not see a requirement. For those looking, here is the full text.

3002.4 Elevator Car to Accommodate Ambulance Stretcher
Where elevators are provided in buildings four or more stories above, or four or more stories below, grade plane, not fewer than one elevator shall be provided for fire department emergency access to all floors. The elevator car shall be of such a size and arrangement to accommodate an ambulance stretcher 24 inches by 84 inches (610 mm by 2134 mm) with not less than 5-inch (127 mm) radius corners, in the horizontal, open position and shall be identified by the international symbol for emergency medical services (star of life). The symbol shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height and shall be placed inside on both sides of the hoistway door frame.

The following California sections replace the corresponding model code section for applications specified in section 1.11 for the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

3002.4a General Stretcher Requirements
All buildings and structures with one or more passenger service elevators shall be provided with not less than one medical emergency service elevator to all landings meeting the provisions of Section 3002.4a. The medical emergency service elevator(s) shall be identified in the construction documents specified in Section 107 or the California Administrative Code.
Exceptions:

1. Elevators in structures used only by maintenance and operating personnel.
2. Elevators in jails and penal institutions.
3. Elevators in buildings or structures where each landing is at ground level or is accessible at grade level or by a ramp.
4. Elevator(s) in two-story buildings or structures equipped with stairs of a configuration that will accommodate the carrying of the gurney or stretcher as permitted by the local jurisdictional authority.
5. Elevators in buildings or structures less than four stories in height for which the local jurisdictional authority has granted an exception in the form of a written document.

3002.4.1a Gurney Size
The medical emergency service elevator shall accommodate the loading and transport of two emergency personnel, each requiring a minimum clear 21-inch (533 mm) diameter circular area and an ambulance gurney or stretcher [minimum size 24 inches by 84 inches (610 mm by 2134 mm) with not less than 5- inch (127 mm) radius corners] in the horizontal, open position.

3002.4.2a Hoistway Doors
The hoistway landing openings shall be provided with power-operated doors.

3002.4.3a Elevator Recall
The elevator(s) designated the medical emergency elevator shall be equipped with a key switch to recall the elevator nonstop to the main floor. For the purpose of this section, elevators in compliance with Section 3003.2 shall be acceptable.

3002.4.4a Designation
Medical emergency elevators shall be identified by the international symbol (Star of Life) for emergency medical services.

3002.4.5a Symbol Size
The symbol shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) in size.

3002.4.6a Symbol Location
A symbol shall be permanently attached to each side of the hoistway door frame on the portion of the frame at right angles to the hallway or landing area. Each symbol shall be not less than 78 inches (1981 mm) and not more than 84 inches (2134 mm) above the floor level at the threshold.