Use of Lifts as an Emergency Exit in Apartment Buildings

The research was undertaken to investigate the use of lifts as an emergency exit in apartment buildings. Lift evacuation is a controversial issue because the safe operation of lift is not ensured under the existing design and operating conditions. The factors of human psychological and physiological responses such as decision uncertainty, panic, nonfatal and fatal injuries were considered. An integrated approach of risk assessment for the issues of human behavioural response, fire hazards and lift operational mechanism was developed. The research showed that the partial evacuation, up to a quarter of the building population including the aged and disabled persons, using lifts with a door protected lobby is possible. The entire building population can be evacuated using lifts protected with double door protection. A framework for resolving the issues of lift system in apartment buildings was developed. The research findings were submitted to the Australian Building Codes Board for consideration in the Building Code of Australia.

Autorentext

Dr. Than Singh Sharma currently serves as the Divisional Officer in the Delhi Fire Service, India and awarded with the "President's Fire Service Medal". He presented his research papers at the International Symposiums, Australia (ASEC,2005), China (ISEE,2007) and Germany (IAFSS,2008) and findings were published in Australian newspapers.