When a building emergency occurs, it is not always sufficient to simply initiate audible alarm signals. Individuals may not know what the alarm signal means and as a result may respond inappropriately to its sound. Many buildings have installed mass notification or emergency communication systems, based upon requirements provided in international codes and standards, that can be used to disseminate audible or visually-provided information in the event of an emergency. However, there is a lack of guidance on how to use current emergency communication systems in the most effective manner. For example, buildings often use these systems to disseminate pre-recorded, general emergency voice alarm messages that leave occupants wanting and needing further information before effectively responding. Especially as the use of newer technologies such as mobile devices or social networking tools grow, guidance on message content and dissemination becomes even more critical to ensure effective and safe response of building occupants during an emergency.

No abstract

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the use of elevators for occupant evacuation from high-rise buildings with a focus on the safety of mobility impaired occupants. It addresses the specifics of evacuation via elevators, relevant building codes, and its technical challenges. Information was collected on how selected buildings around the world incorporate elevators into their emergency evacuation procedures. Six building complexes around the world were identified and reviewed in this report. A section of this report is devoted to each building, providing general building information (height, number of floors etc.) and the building's evacuation procedures during fire emergencies, with a special focus on mobility impaired occupants. After discussing the limitations of the review process, the report gives an overview of the scientific background of the human factors of evacuation via elevators and identifies research gaps. Furthermore, methodological aspects of empirical evacuation research as well as potential beneficial measures for evacuation via elevators are discussed.