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Elevators and Conveying Systems SECTION 3001
General
3001.1 Scope. This chapter governs the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of elevators and conveying systems and their components.
**3001.2 AS OF JANUARY 1, 2021**
3001.2 Emergency elevator communication systems for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired. An emergency two-way communication system shall be provided. The system shall provide visible text and audible modes that meet all of the following requirements:
- When operating in each mode, include a live interactive system that allows back and forth conversation between the elevator occupants and emergency personnel.
- Is operational when the elevator is operational.
- Allows elevator occupants to select the text-based or audible mode depending on their communication needs to interact with emergency personnel.
3001.3 Referenced standards. Except as otherwise provided for in this code, the design, construction, installation, alteration, repair and maintenance of elevators and conveying systems and their components shall conform to the applicable standard specified in Table 3001.3 and ASCE 24 for construction in flood hazard areas established in 1612.3.
TABLE 3001.3
| TYPE | STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Automotive lifts | ALI ALCTV |
| Belt manlifts | ASME A90.1 |
| Conveyers and related equipment | ASME B20.1 |
| Elevators, escalators, dumbaiters, moving walks, material lifts | ASME A17.1/CSA B44, ASME A17.7/CSA B44.7 |
| Industrial scissor lifts | ANSI MH29.1 |
| Platform lifts, stairway charlifts, wheelchair lifts | ASME A18.1 |
3001.4 Accessibility. Passenger elevators required to be accessible or to serve as part of an accessible means of egress shall comply with sections 1009 and 1110.8.
3001.5 Change in use. A change in use of an elevator from freight to passenger, passenger to freight, or from one freight class to another freight class shall comply with Section 8.7 of ASME A17.1/CSA B44.
Areas of Refuge and Two-Way Communication
1009.6 Areas of refuge. Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the space it serves by an accessible means of egress.
1009.6.1 Travel distance. The maximum travel distance from any accessible space to an area of refuge shall not exceed the exit access travel distance permitted for the occupancy in accordance with Section 1017.1.
1009.6.2 Stairway or elevator access. Every required area of refuge shall have direct access to a stairway complying with Sections 1009.3 and 1023 or an elevator complying with Section 1009.4.
1009.6.3 Size. Each are of refuge shall be sized to accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) for each 200 occupants or portion thereof, based on the occupant load of the area of refuge and areas served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall not reduce the means of egress minimum width or required capacity. Access to any of the required wheelchair spaces in an area of refuge shall not be obstructed by more than one adjoining wheelchair space.
1009.6.4 Separation. Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier complying with Section 709 or a horizontal exit complying with Section 1026. Each area of refuge shall be designed to minimize the intrusion of smoke.
Exceptions:
- Areas of refuge locted within an enclosure for interior exit stairways complying with Section 1023.
- Areas of refuge in outdoor facilities where exit access is essentially open to the outside.
1009.6.5 Two-way communication. Areas of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.
1009.7 Exterior areas for assisted rescue. Exterior areas for assisted rescue shall be accessed by an accessible route from the area served. Where the exit discharge does not include an accessible route from an exit located on the level of exit discharge to a public way, an exterior area of assisted rescue shall be provided on the exterior landing in accordance with Sections 1009.7.1 through 1009.7.4.
1009.7.1 Size. Each exterior area for assisted rescue shall be sized to accommodate wheelchair spaces in accordance with Section 1009.6.3.
1009.7.2 Separation. Exterior walls separating the exterior area of assisted rescue from the interior of the building shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour, rated for exposure to fire from the inside. The fire-resistance-rated exterior wall construction shall extend horizontally not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) beyond the landing on either side of the landing or equivalent fire-resistance-rated construction is permitted to extend out perpendicular to the exterior wall not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on the side of the landing. The fire-resistance-rated construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor level of the area for assisted rescue or to the roof line, whichever is lower. Openings within such fire-resistance-rated exterior walls shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.
Exception: The fire-resistance rating and opening protectives are not required in the exterior wall where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
1009.7.3 Openness. The exterior area for assisted rescue shall be open to the outside air. The sides other than the separation walls shall be not less than 50 percent open, and the open area shall be distributed so as to minimize accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.
1009.7.4 Stairways. Stairways that are part of the means of egress for the exterior area for assisted rescue shall provide a mimimum clear width of 48 inches (1220 mm) between handrails.
Exception: The minimum clear width of 48 inches (1220 mm) between handrails is not required at stairways serving buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
1009.8 Two-way communication. A two-way communication system complying with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2 shall be provided at the landing serving each elevator or bank of elevators on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge.
Exceptions:
- Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each elevator or bank of elevators where the two-way communication system is provided within areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.5.
- Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1012.
- Two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress or serve as part of the required accessible route into a facility.
- Two-way communication systems are not required at the landings serving only freight elevators.
- Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving a private residence elevator.
- Two-way communication systems are not required in Group I-2 or I-3 facilities.
1009.8.1 System requirements. Two-way communication systems shall provide communication between each required location and the fire command center or a central control point location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not a constantly attended location, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to a monitoring location or 9-1-1. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.
1009.8.2 Directions. Directions for use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system. Signage shall comply with the ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters.
1009.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. Signage shall comply with ICC A117.1 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following:
- Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.
- Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.
- Directions for use of the two-way communication system where provided.
ANSI A117.1 – 1998
407.2.13 Emergency Communications. Emergency two-way communication systems between the elevator car and a point outside the hoistway shall comply with ASME/ANSI A17.1. The highest operable part of a two-way communication system shall comply with Section 308.3. If the device is in a closed compartment, the compartment door hardware shall comply with Section 309. Tactile symbols and characters complying with Section 703.2 shall be provided adjacent to the device. If the system uses a handset, the cord from the panel to the handset shall be 29 inches (735 mm) long minimum. The car emergency signaling device shall not be limited to voice communication. If instructions for use are provided, essential information shall be presented in both tactile and visual form complying with Section 703.
