BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. 1A

OF ELEVATOR KEY
SWITCH

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S.O.P. # 1A

EMERGENCY OPERATION OF ELEVATOR KEY SWITCH

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure is to guide the members of this department in

has been

specific operational steps of each and every elevator; rather, to provide an understanding of the
code along with its safe, effective application in conjunction with the Boston Fire Department's
high-rise procedure. Companies should familiarize themselves with the FEO capabilities of
elevators in the various buildings in their districts.

DEFINITIONS

"3502" Key - The number assigned by the Massachusetts Board of Elevator Regulations to the key
used to operate the firefighter's keyed switch.

Alternate Level - The level to which the elevator responds while on automatic recall when the fire
alarm originates on the designated level. It is normally located one or two floors above the main
floor.

Capture Station designated level within

sight of the elevators it controls. (See Fig. 1A-1) This is where the "3502" key is used to institute
"RECALL" of the elevators, bringing them down to the designated level. The "FIRE RECALL"
phase is also called PHASE 1.

Car Station The firefighter's keyed switch located within the elevator car on or immediately
adjacent to the operating panel of the car,

Designated Level Also sometimes referred to as the main floor. The level used as the entrance
point by the fire department. The level to which the elevators respond when recalled on automatic
capture station is located.

FAID Fire Alarm Initiating Device.

High-rise Building
point at ground level.

Manual Elevator Standby Power Selection Switch - Located in the fire control room of high-rise
buildings. The device used to transfer emergency power from one elevator to another.

Position Indicator - A device that indicates the position of the elevator car in the hoistway. It is
called a hall position indicator when placed in the hall or a car position indicator when placed in the
car.

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NOTE: All italicized words found in this document are defined in the DEFINITIONS section
above.

REGULATIONS

1A.1 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations dictate that when on FEO, an elevator shall
be operated by and be under the sole control of a member of the local fire department who shall
remain inside the elevator car and maintain control of the elevator car throughout the fire
emergency. For more complete information on FEO regulations refer to 524 CMR and ASME
A17.1 2004.

INTRODUCTION

1A.2 FEO is provided on most automatic passenger elevators. This service provides a two-fold
purpose:

It allows for the capture of elevators, taking control of the elevators away from the
occupants of the building. This provides a secure environment for the passengers riding in
the elevators, by returning the elevators to a designated level of the building, thereby not
allowing the elevators to respond to a call on the fire floor. (Phase I Fire Recall Phase)

It allows for the controlled operation of specific elevator cars by firefighters, to be used in
gaining access to upper floors during a high-rise incident. (Phase II Fire Operations
Phase)

1A.3 Most modern high-rise buildings have several elevator banks. The activation of any single
firefighter's keyed switch capture station will recall only the elevators in that bank. In order to
recall all of the elevators in a building it may be necessary to activate several capture stations.
Most high-rise buildings have remote capture stations located in the Fire Command Center. If so
equipped, all elevators in the building may be recalled from this location.

1A.4 Under no circumstances shall an elevator be used if water, smoke or fire is detected
anywhere in the hoistway. The Incident Commander (IC) shall be advised of this condition.

AUTOMATIC RECALL

1A.5 In some buildings in Boston, the activation of any fire alarm system will automatically
recall all elevators to the designated level. In other buildings, only the activation of specific
strategically located smoke detectors (FAID) in the elevator lobbies will automatically recall
elevators to the designated level. However, the activation of a FAID on the designated level will
automatically send elevators to an alternate level. The designated level is usually the main floor of
the building. The location of the alternate level, which is decided on a case by case basis by the
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), is typically one or two floors above the designated level.

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PHASE I - RECALL
OFF
BY-PASS ON
Fig. 1A-1
Phase I found on wall at the designated level within sight
of the elevator bank it controls. The most counter-
clockwise position is labeled BY-PASS.
1A.6 When the three-position firefighter's
keyed switch (capture station) is placed in the
"ON" position, (Fig. 1A-1) all elevator cars
controlled by that switch shall return to the
designated level (main floor). The key is
only. When elevators arrive at the designated
level, their doors shall open and remain open.
This completes Phase I, the Recall Phase.
NOTE: If the elevators have been automatically
recalled to the alternate level, activation of the
capture station will recall elevators to the
designated level.
OFF
RESET ON
Fig. 1A-2
found on wall at the designated level within
sight of the elevator bank it controls. The most counter-
3
1A.7 When the 3502 key is placed in
- -1)
the automatic recall feature is rendered
-
reset the elevators from FEO to
automatic operation.
1A.8 On newer installations the word
-
-2.) On these
- is
removed. The automatic recall feature
cannot be rendered inoperative. The
the elevators from FEO to automatic
operation.
1A.9 To remove elevators from FEO,
the 3502 key must be rotated first to the
-
no FAID is activated. This action allows
the system to release from FEO and
return to automatic operation.
1A.10 With very few exceptions, all
automatic passenger elevators are
equipped with both Phase I and Phase II.
Some older elevators are equipped with
Phase I ONLY.
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clockwise position is labeled RESET.

1A.11 The three-
keyed switch (car station) is installed in or
immediately adjacent to the car-operating

PHASE II - OPERATIONS position, rotating the switch to the "ON"

position places that car only on Phase II.
The 3502 key

HOLD When placed on Phase II, the car will

respond only to commands entered at that
OF ON
car's operating panel. (Fig. 1A-3.)
F
1A.12 On newer installations, to access

the 3502 Key is used to open a locked

Fig 1A-3.
Operation found on panel in elevator car.
cover on the Car Operating Panel. The
Phase II operating panel along with an
Emergency Stop Switch is located behind
the locked cover. In some installations, the
cover will open automatically when the
car reaches the designated level on Phase
I. When the 3502 key is in the key switch,
the cover is not capable of being closed.
When closed, the cover is self-locking.
WARNING: Activation of the
Emergency Stop Switch while the elevator
car is moving can result in extreme
damage to the elevator.

1A. 13 The Fire Hat symbol (Fig. 1A-4)

can be found on the car operating panel
adjacent

Switch. The Fire Hat illuminates upon

activation of Phase I and remains
Fig. 1A-4 Fire Hat found on the car operating
illuminated until the car is restored to
panel adjacent to the Phase II key switch.
automatic operation. NOTE: A flashing
Fire Hat indicates a potential problem with
that car. Upon receiving a flashing Fire
Hat signal, that car should be landed at the
next available landing and placed out of
service by rotating the 3502 key to the

Members shall follow procedure outlined

in section 1A. 24.

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1A.14 Elevators are provided with a means to hold the elevator door in the open position when on

operation of a switch. When constant pressure is applied to the "DOOR OPEN" button and the
door opens fully, the door will remain open. Another means of holding the door open is by rotating
-3.) NOTE: In order to operate the elevator on
Fire Operation, the

AUXILIARY GENERATORS FOR EMERGENCY POWER

1A.15 An auxiliary generator shall be provided of sufficient capacity and proper rating to supply
elevator circuits in conjunction with the installation of the firefighter's key switch in all elevators in
high-rise buildings installed after 12/31/81. The auxiliary generator shall have sufficient power to
operate at least one elevator at a time on FEO.

1A.16 Most manual elevator standby power selection switches are located on the designated
level in the Fire Command Center or adjacent to or part of the elevator status panel. The more
modern stand-by power systems transfer power automatically from car to car. This eliminates the
need to manually transfer power.

1A.17 The IC shall see that elevators are recalled by means of Phase I - Fire Recall. ALL
ELEVATORS MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR.

1A.18 The Evacuation Chief shall determine that all elevators have been recalled. In the event of a
power failure, if necessary, the Evacuation Chief shall utilize the emergency power generator,
where provided, to effect recall of elevators, through operation of the manual elevator standby
power selection switch. It is important to note that in such cases (especially when an emergency
generator is capable of moving only one elevator at a time) Phase II operation of all elevators must
be delayed until all elevators have been recalled and/or accounted for. All elevator cars
unaccounted for shall be presumed occupied. The IC shall be kept informed of the status of all
elevator cars.

ELEVATOR OPERATOR

1A.19 The member assigned the position of elevator operator shall be equipped with SCBA and a
portable radio and must remain with the elevator at all times. The Incident Command Technician or
a member of the first due Ladder Company shall be assigned this duty. If additional elevators are
put into FEO, the IC shall assign an operator for each elevator car. Under no circumstances shall
the elevator operator leave the elevator unattended while on FEO. Elevators shall not be locked or
shut down on upper floors. This defeats the efficient operation of the system and potentially denies
other incoming units access to upper floors.

1A.20 Prior to leaving the main floor for upper floors, all members shall open the valves on the
cylinders to their SCBA and have the face piece at the ready.

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1A.21 Between calls, the member assigned as elevator operator shall return to and stage the car at
the designated level to await further orders from the IC or his/her designee.

1A.22 The best means of moving an elevator on Phase II is to apply constant pressure to both the

picks up speed, the buttons may be released. In some newer systems, behind the cover, in the car
station, individual floor buttons have been replaced with a keypad. In such cases, once the desired

CLOS

1A.23 Elevator operators shall not take it upon themselves to respond to a request for an elevator
on upper floors. All requests shall be made through the IC or his/her designee.

1A.24 If an elevator starts to operate erratically or if water, smoke or fire enters the hoistway
during operation or if the illuminated Fire Hat begins to flash, the car shall be landed at the next

key switch shall 3502 key shall be removed from the key
switch placing the car out of service. Under no circumstances shall that car be put back in service
for the duration of the incident. All members, including the operator shall proceed to the nearest
stairwell to gain access to the floor desired. The operator shall remain with the crew.

1A.25 The maximum number of members allowed to ride in an elevator car is six. This should be
strictly enforced. Overloading an elevator can cause the elevator safety to activate, potentially
trapping firefighters. In every case where the car safety has activated, the elevator car will be lost
for the duration of the incident.

1A.26 Elevators shall be taken to a floor at least two floors below the lowest floor in alarm.
Elevators shall not be brought directly to the reported fire floor without authorization from the IC.

1A.27 The elevator operator shall test the conditions on the discharge floor by temporarily pushing
the "DOOR OPEN" button while at the same time observing through the door opening for signs of
smoke and/or fire. If smoke conditions exist, the elevator shall be brought down another two
floors. This operation shall be repeated until a smoke free floor is found. Only then shall members
leave the elevator.

1A.28 The floor on which members are discharged shall be called the "UPPER COMMAND
POST". The Company Commander will relay this location to the IC. The location of the UPPER
COMMAND POST shall be broadcast by Fire Alarm for the information of all members working
at the incident.

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FIREFIGHTER'S CALL CANCEL

1A.29 In most installations cars are provided with a button marked "CALL CANCEL", located in
the same car operating panel as the Phase II operation. When pressed, all registered calls are
canceled and a traveling car shall stop at or before the next available landing. The car will remain
stopped in the hoistway until another floor button is pressed on the car-operating panel.
On some newer installations, a floor number must be entered into the keypad.

NOTE:
Emergency Operation Phase II.
the elevator car to be placed back on Phase I and the car will return to the designated level.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

1A.30 Except in the case of using the elevators on Phase II for occupant evacuation, only
members of the department equipped with turnout gear and SCBA shall be authorized to ride in
elevators. The IC must approve all exceptions to this section.

1A.31 A halligan bar shall always be included, as part of the high-rise equipment in the event self-
extrication from a stalled elevator becomes necessary.

1A.32 Elevators are not to be utilized when the alarm is determined to be below floor number 6.
Under such circumstances, members shall use the stairwell after determining that all elevator cars
have been accounted for and are free of passengers.

1A.33 Elevators operating on FEO shall never be taken below the designated level.

EMERGENCY SELF-EXTRICATION FROM STALLED ELEVATORS

1A.34 In the event an elevator stalls while a team of firefighters is riding to or from an upper floor
the following procedures shall be attempted.

Notify the IC that the elevator car has stalled and provide the IC with:
The number of members in the elevator.
The location of the elevator if known.
If smoke is entering the elevator.
If an emergency exists and self-extrication will be attempted.
Before self-extrication is attempted, the Phase II key switch shall be rotated to the
and the 3502 key shall be removed from the key switch.

1A.35 The IC shall assign the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) the duty of locating and assisting
the members from the stalled elevator. If possible, the trapped members shall wait for assistance
from the RIT Team. The RIT Team will bring with them more appropriate tools to effect the
rescue. The IC shall consider ordering an additional RIT Team to the scene.

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1A.36 Elevators shall be returned to automatic service only on the orders of the Incident
Commander. No other member is authorized to remove the elevators from FEO.

1A.37 All problems encountered with the FEO system shall be reported to the State Elevator
Inspector via the Fire Alarm Office. A comment shall be entered in the Narrative section of the
NFIRS Incident Report explaining the problems encountered ant the fact that the State Elevator
Inspector has been notified.

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ADDENDUM
S.O.P. 1A

JOHN HANCOCK TOWER, 200 CLARENDON STREETE

DOUBLE DECK ELEVATOR OPERATIONS

The John Hancock tower has recently completed the upgrade of their elevator system.
According to the State Elevator Inspector, the elevators in the Tower Building are now in
compliance with the code changes, which became effective January 1, 1996. The passenger
elevators in the Hancock Tower are unique in that they are double deck elevators. In fact, there are
less than fifty buildings in the world that utilize this type of elevator system.

Because of the uniqueness of this system, in order to operate these elevators on fire service,
a special procedure must be followed. The possibility of being assigned as Evac Chief dictates that
all District Fire Chiefs must become familiar with the operation of these elevators. The first
responding companies will likely use the passenger/service elevator, a single deck elevator. We
anticipate, under most conditions, that the primary use of the double deck elevators will be for fire
department controlled evacuation.

While operating on normal service, any person desiring to ride the elevator to an odd
numbered floor would enter the lower deck of the elevator car on the main floor. Any person
desiring to ride the elevator to an even numbered floor would first take an escalator to the
mezzanine (upper) level and enter the upper deck of the elevator car.

The Phase I key switches for all of the double deck elevators are located on the mezzanine
level. Phase I may be established automatically by means of a smoke detector or other device, or
by turning on the key switch. When elevator cars arrive at the designated level, on Phase I, all
elevator car doors open and remain open.

Phase II key switches are located in the upper deck of all double deck elevators, in compliance with
the elevator code. In order to operate the double deck elevators on Phase II the following
procedures must be adhered to.

a.
the fire service key switch.
b.

c. The member must quickly remove the key from the key switch and quickly step off
the elevator.
d. The elevator doors of both decks will close and the elevator will ascend one level,
bringing the lower deck up to the mezzanine level.
e. The doors to the lower deck will open.
f. The member will determine that the lower deck is clear of all persons, enter the car,

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g. The me

h. The member must quickly remove the key form the key switch and quickly step off
the elevator.
i. The elevator door will close and the elevator will descend one level.
j. At this time, the doors on the lower deck, which has returned to the main floor, will
remain closed, having been cleared of all passengers.
k. The doors of the upper deck will open at the mezzanine.
l. The 3502 Key may now be inserted in the fire service key switch in the elevator car
and the elevator may now be operated on Phase II.

An alternative procedure may be employed when there are two 3502 keys available.

a. When the key switch on

member may leave the key in the key switch and quickly step off the
elevator.
b. The key that is used to clear the lower car MUST be removed after going

It is the sole responsibility of the fire department to determine that the lower deck of
the elevator is clear of all persons prior to using the upper deck on fire service. If John
Hancock personnel, prior to fire department arrival, have cleared the elevators, they must
be cleared again in the presence of fire department personnel. Building personnel are not
authorized to operate elevators in fire service.

Many John Hancock employees have been trained in the operation of these elevators in fire
service. They are there for technical assistance ONLY. Only fire department personnel are
authorized to operate elevators while on fire service.

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