Fire Code Commission Decision Summary
DECISION NO.:95A005-107
DATE:December 5, 1995
SUBJECT MATTER:
The subject property consists of two separate high-rise residential buildings
connected by a single, two storey atrium, which serves as the main entrance and
lobby for both buildings. Each building has its own central alarm and control
facility (CACF). The atrium contains the main security desk, which is designated
as the CACF for both buildings. The CACF does not have key switches for the
manual recall of elevators. The life safety study suggested that as the security
desk is manned 24 hours daily, a manual recall switch is not required because
security personnel can ensure that the elevators automatically return to ground
in the event of a fire emergency. This study was refused by the fire department.
The fire department operations established the need for the recall switch at the
CACF in each building to enable the fire commander to recall the elevators at
any time during a fire emergency as the distance from the existing recall switch
in each elevator lobby to the security desk was excessive. An informal review
was conducted by the OFM which upheld the decision of the fire department. The
informal review was appealed to the Fire Code Commission.
REASON FOR APPEAL:
The owner is of the opinion that the cost to install a manual recall switch at
each CACF would not necessarily afford a higher degree of life safety.
COMMISSION'S DECISION:
The Commission upheld the informal review requiring a minimum of one elevator in
each building be provided with a recall switch located at each CACF.
