ASME elevator task group actions to contribute to WTC investigation

ASME is forming two task groups that will, next month, begin examining methods for better protecting firefighters and building occupants should fire or other emergencies occur.

ASME needs participants who have expertise in elevator operations and fire and rescue procedures. Those who work or have worked as fire protection engineers, code enforcement personnel and as members of the ASME A17 code committee would also be of service to the task groups.

For nearly two years, ASME has been assisting the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in its Congressionally mandated investigation into the collapse of World Trade Center Towers 1, 2, and 7.

The role of ASME has been limited to an examination of the A17.1 elevator code to determine what revisions, if any, should be made as a result of the lessons learned from the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Making those determinations has revived interest in the use of elevators for both occupant egress and firefighter access.

The task groups will consider the recommendations made at the workshop, "The Use of Elevators in Fires and Other Emergencies," held in March 2004 in Atlanta.

At that time, workshop participants gathered information from key constituencies regarding firefighter access to, and occupant egress from, tall buildings in fires and other emergencies.

Participants also developed several recommendations for possible revisions to the ASME A17.1 code, the bulk of which will form the two new task groups: one which will focus on the use of elevators by firefighters; the second, which will examine the use of elevators for occupant egress.

The project is a collaborative effort of ASME, NIST, the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Access Board, and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Meetings for the Elevator Task Groups will be held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Boston. The first group, on the topic of firefighter access, will meet Oct. 12–13. The second group, focusing on occupant egress, will convene Oct. 13–14.

There is no registration fee for this event. However, attendees must register in advance to participate. To register, or for more information, contact Geraldine Burdeshaw at (212) 591-8523 or via e-mail at burdeshawg@asme.org.

 

back to news & features