Emergency Operation and Signaling Devices
 
NOTE (2.27) Additional requirements may be found in the building code.
 
2.27.1 Car Emergency Signaling Devices
 
            2.27.1.1 Emergency Communications
 

            2.27.1.1.1       A two-way communications means between the car and a location in the building, that is readily accessible to authorized and emergency personnel shall be provided.

           2.27.1.1.2       When the two-way communications location in the building is not staffed 24 hours a day, by authorized personnel who can take appropriate action, the means of two-way communications shall automatically be directed within 30 seconds to an additional on- or off-site location, staffed by authorized personnel, where an appropriate response can be taken.

            2.27.1.1.3       The two-way communication means within the car shall comply with the following requirements:

            (a) In jurisdictions enforcing NBCC, Appendix E of CAN/CSA B44, or in jurisdictions not enforcing NBCC, ICC/ANSI A117.1.

            (b) A push button to actuate the two-way communication means shall be provided in or adjacent to a car-operating panel. The push button shall be visible and permanently identified as “HELP.” The identification shall be on or adjacent to the “HELP” button. When the push button is actuated, the emergency two-way communication means shall initiate a call for help and establish two-way communications.

            (c) A visual indication on the same panel as the “HELP” push button shall be provided, which is activated by authorized personnel, to acknowledge that two-way communications link has been established. The visual indication shall be extinguished when the two-way communication link is terminated.

            (d) The two-way communication means shall provide on demand to authorized personnel, information that identifies the building location and elevator number and that assistance is required.

            (e) After the call acknowledgment signals are sent [2.27.1.1.3 (c)], the two-way voice communications shall be available between the car and authorized personnel.

            (f) The two-way communications, once established, shall be disconnected only when authorized personnel outside the car terminate the call.

            (g) The two-way communication means shall not use a handset in the car.

            (h) The two-way communications shall not be transmitted to an automated answering system. The call for help shall be answered by authorized personnel.

            (i) Operating instructions shall be incorporated with or adjacent to the “HELP” button.

            2.27.1.1.4       Where the elevator travel is 18 meters (60 ft.) or more, a two0way voice communication means within the building shall be provided and comply with the following requirements:

            (a) The means shall enable emergency personnel within the building to establish two-way voice communications to each car individually. Two-way voice communication shall be established without any intentional delay and shall not require intervention by a person within the car. The means shall override communications to outside of the building.

            (b) Two-way voice communications, once established, shall be disconnected only when emergency personnel outside the car terminates the call.

            (c) Once the two-way voice communication has been established, the visual indication [see 2.27.1.1.3(c)] within the car shall illuminate. The visual indication shall be extinguished when the two-way communication is terminated.

            (d) Operating instructions shall be incorporated with or adjacent to the two-way voice communication outside the car. Instructions shall conform to 2.27.7.3.

            2.27.1.1.5       If the emergency communication means is normally connected to the building power supply, it shall automatically transfer to a source of standby or emergency power as required by the applicable building code or, where applicable, Standard for Health Care Facilities (ANSI/NFPA-99), after the normal power supply fails, The power source shall be capable of providing for illumination for the visual indication [see 2.27.1.1.3 (c)] within the car, and the means of emergency communications for at least 4 hours; and the audible signaling device (see 2.27.1.2) for at least 1 hour.

            Elevators shall be provided with the following signaling devices:

(a)    In all buildings, the elevator shall be provided with the following:

(1)   An audible signaling device, operable from the emergency stop switch, when provided, and from a switch marked “ALARM” that is located in adjacent to each car operating panel. The signaling device shall be located inside the building and audible inside the car and outside the hoist way. One signaling device may be used for a group of elevators.

(2)   Means of two-way conversation between the car and a readily accessible point outside the hoistway that is available to emergency personnel (telephone, intercom, etc.). The means to activate the two-way conversation system does not have to be provided in the car.

(3)   If the audible signaling device, or the means of two-way conversation, or both, are normally connected to the building power supply, they shall automatically transfer to a source of emergency power within 10 seconds after the normal power supply fails. The power source shall be capable of providing for the operation of the audible signaling device for at least 1 hour, and the means of two-way conversation for at least 4 hours.

(b) In buildings in which a building attendant (building employee, watchman, etc.) is not continuously available to take action when the required emergency signal is operated, the elevators shall be provided with a means within the car for communicating with or signaling to a service which is capable of taking the appropriate action when a building attendant is not available.

An emergency power system shall be provided conforming to the requirements of 3.11.1(a)(3).