Help Is on Its Way

From code enhancement to technology development, the building transportation industry has made important strides in its elevator emergency communications.

by Kevin Brinkman

From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to the modern smartphone, how humans communicate has greatly evolved over the years, and the evolution of elevator communications is no exception. As far back as 1955, when elevators were changing from a designated operator to operation by passengers, the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators required elevators to have an emergency signaling device audible outside the car or a phone connected to a building switchboard or central telephone exchange. Over the next few decades, communications systems continued to progress with improvements such as battery backup power, expanded alarm requirements and the requirement to be able to connect to someone 24/7.   

In the early 2000s, elevator emergency communications advanced from a handset to a single pushbutton identified by the word “HELP,” which included braille markings for passengers with vision impairment. In addition, the system was required to transfer automatically if the call was not answered within 30 s, and it had to provide the building and elevator location on demand to the person answering the call. A visual signal was added to alert the user when the call was answered. The “HELP” designation was later changed to “PHONE,” and the 30-s requirement was increased to 45 s. In 2009, a requirement was added for the system to conduct a self-check at least daily and actuate a visual and audible signal at the designated level if the communication line was not operable.  

Ten years later, the elevator industry introduced a critical code change that would address a concern with elevator emergency communications — better communication for passengers with hearing or speech loss.   

In Case of Emergency

Requirements for an enhanced elevator emergency communications system for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired were originally included in the 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC). While a step in the right direction, those requirements were very general and did not include any detailed technical requirements for the design or function of the system. The ASME A17 Emergency Operations Committee undertook a project to align the emergency communications requirements in the ASME elevator safety code with the building code to provide guidance for designers and building owners. Safety and building code harmonization is important because conflicts between the codes can result in delays and added costs for building owners. The ASME project team included the proponent of the building code change, as well as other individuals representing people with hearing and speech loss.   

In developing the requirements for A17.1/B44, the ASME project team knew it was important to consider how the elevator emergency communication system is used to maximize its effectiveness. There are misconceptions that the elevator system connects directly to the 911 system and a lack of understanding about the amount of communication needed. The communications system is only intended for use in the unlikely event that the elevator stops between floors and someone is trapped inside the car. The communications system must connect to an authorized person who can take action. That person could be located within the building or at an off-site call center. The system should not connect to the 911 system, because the volume of calls could flood that system. The authorized persons are trained to assess the situation and take the appropriate action. In most cases, this is simply to deploy an elevator mechanic to move the car to a landing and allow the passengers to exit. In rare cases where emergency personnel are needed, the authorized person can contact the emergency personnel.   

However, concerns expressed by users who have speech or hearing loss were that the authorized person would hang up if they were not able to communicate verbally or did not realize there was a visual signal to indicate the call had been connected. Information from call centers showed that over 90% of calls received were not for actual entrapments. Passengers in crowded elevators would accidentally hit the phone button, or kids would push the button as a prank. When the call center did not get a response, they would sometimes hang up and allow the passenger to call back if they were experiencing a true entrapment.   

The project team considered what information the authorized person really needed to know to effectively rescue someone from a stalled elevator car. The most important thing was to verify that someone was actually trapped in the car. The communication system is already required to provide the building and elevator location to the authorized person, so at that point, a mechanic can be dispatched to the site. In addition, the system should be able to let the person in the car know that the call was received, that help is on the way and identify if additional assistance is required. 

The requirements in the 2024 edition of the IBC, which will be published soon, have been updated to reflect the changes in A17.1/B44 and recognize what information is truly needed to effect a rescue. 

The new requirements in the 2019 edition of A17.1/B44 added a video means to view the interior of the elevator car to determine if anyone is present. This allows the authorized person to quickly identify whether someone is entrapped without any communication from the person in the car. They can also assess the situation and determine if any additional assistance is needed. The system must also include visual messaging to allow the authorized person to ask simple questions, get responses and notify the passenger that help is on the way.   

Looking Ahead

The requirements in the 2024 edition of the IBC, which will be published soon, have been updated to reflect the changes in A17.1/B44 and recognize what information is truly needed to effect a rescue. The required two-way communication system introduces new technologies in elevator cars installed conforming to the 2019 edition of A17.1/B44. While there may be challenges with the implementation of this requirement due to additional infrastructure needs, the changes represent a much-needed advancement in accessibility for all passengers.     

Elevator companies have started rolling out digital two-way emergency communications that provide voice, video and text messaging between passengers and emergency personnel in compliance with ASME A17.1/B44. Companies have also developed elevator systems that allow passengers to use elevators in case of an emergency — better known in the industry as occupant evacuation operation — yet another example of the critical role code and technology play in protecting all passengers, regardless of challenges. 

To learn more about how NEII is working to drive further change in the elevator industry, visit NEII website.