safety physical_safety ai_generated true

AI tells someone in a burning building to use the elevator for evacuation if they have mobility issues, or to take the elevator to reach a rooftop helipad

ID: safety/elevator-fire-evacuation-wrong

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
88%Fix Rate
85%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-06-20First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2024 active — — —
OSHA 1910.36 active — — —
IBC 2021 Section 3008 active — — —

Root Cause

Elevator shafts act as chimneys, drawing smoke and fire upward; power failure can trap occupants; fire-rated elevator lobbies are rare; most fire codes prohibit elevator use during fire.

generic

中文

电梯井道形成烟囱效应，将烟雾和火势向上吸引；电力故障可能困住人员；防火电梯前厅很少见；大多数消防法规禁止火灾期间使用电梯。

Official Documentation

https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/guides/evacuating

Workarounds

  1. 90% success Use designated fire escape stairs. If mobility-impaired, proceed to an area of refuge (e.g., fire-rated stair landing) and call 911 with your location; fire crews are trained to assist. 
    Use designated fire escape stairs. If mobility-impaired, proceed to an area of refuge (e.g., fire-rated stair landing) and call 911 with your location; fire crews are trained to assist.
  2. 85% success If trapped in a room, seal door gaps with wet towels or clothing, call 911, and signal from a window. Do not break windows unless necessary (may let in smoke). 
    If trapped in a room, seal door gaps with wet towels or clothing, call 911, and signal from a window. Do not break windows unless necessary (may let in smoke).
  3. 88% success If smoke is heavy, crawl low (under 2 feet) where air is clearer. Cover mouth with a damp cloth if available. Follow exit signs; never go back inside. 
    If smoke is heavy, crawl low (under 2 feet) where air is clearer. Cover mouth with a damp cloth if available. Follow exit signs; never go back inside.

中文步骤

  1. Use designated fire escape stairs. If mobility-impaired, proceed to an area of refuge (e.g., fire-rated stair landing) and call 911 with your location; fire crews are trained to assist.
  2. If trapped in a room, seal door gaps with wet towels or clothing, call 911, and signal from a window. Do not break windows unless necessary (may let in smoke).
  3. If smoke is heavy, crawl low (under 2 feet) where air is clearer. Cover mouth with a damp cloth if available. Follow exit signs; never go back inside.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 92% fail

    Fire can cut power at any moment, trapping the user; smoke may enter the car before doors close; elevator recall (firefighter mode) may override manual control.

  2. 98% fail

    Rooftop helipads are rare and require fire department approval; most building roofs are not designed for landing; smoke and heat rise, making roof dangerous.

  3. 85% fail

    Doors will eventually close due to door-hold timer; smoke can still enter through gaps; this violates elevator safety interlocks.