19.6. Fire and Emergency Considerations

Lifts should not be used in case of fire unless specifically designed as firefighting lifts.

During a fire emergency, the use of standard elevators or lifts can be dangerous. This is because lifts may malfunction, trapping individuals inside, or direct users towards floors that are unsafe. However, there are special lifts, known as firefighting lifts, which are built to operate safely during fires. These lifts are designed with features that allow them to function even under emergency conditions.

Imagine if you tried to take an elevator during a fire in a building. Regular elevators could become unsafe, just like how you wouldn't want to take your car on a flooded road — it’s risky, and you might get stuck. Firefighting lifts, on the other hand, are like emergency vehicles that are built to handle dangerous situations.

Evacuation lifts must be fire-resistant, with separate power supply and pressurised lobbies.

Evacuation lifts are specialized systems designed to facilitate the safe movement of people during an emergency, like a fire. These lifts are constructed to resist heat and smoke, ensuring that they remain safe for use when every second counts. They are equipped with their own power supply so that they can still function even if the building's main power is lost. Additionally, pressurized lobbies prevent smoke from entering the lift area, making it safer for individuals to use the lift in an emergency.

Think of evacuation lifts as fireproof structures that are built to protect you during a fire, just like how a fireman wears protective gear to enter a building on fire. Without that protection, both the fireman and a regular elevator could be harmed by the flames and smoke.

IS 14665 mandates fire rating for lift shaft doors and enclosures.

The Indian Standard IS 14665 sets specific regulations that ensure lift systems are safe in the event of a fire. This includes having fire-rated doors and enclosures for lift shafts, which means these components are constructed to withstand high temperatures for a certain period. This is crucial because it helps prevent the spread of fire and smoke through the lift shaft, keeping it safe for those who may need to evacuate through the lift.

Imagine a firewall in a home. Just like a fire-resistant wall protects other rooms from a fire spreading, fire-rated lift shaft doors help to keep emergency exit routes safe during a fire. They're designed like a shield, absorbing heat and protecting what’s behind them.

Refuge areas must be accessible by lifts or ramps as per NBC.

Refuge areas are designated safe spots in a building where people can wait for help during an emergency. According to the National Building Code (NBC), these areas need to be accessible, either via lifts designed for emergencies or ramps, ensuring all individuals, including those with disabilities, can reach safety. This means that planning for emergencies in buildings must consider how everyone can evacuate or find safety effectively.

Think of refuge areas as safe havens in a storm. Just like how you would want a sturdy path leading to a shelter from a storm, it’s important for everyone to have easy access to safety locations during emergencies, ensuring no one is left behind.

--