 Subcommittee on High-Rise Building External Evacuation Devices Has Proposed Standards on Ballot
ASTM Subcommittee E06.77 on High-Rise Building External Evacuation Devices is seeking interested persons to participate in a standards activity that is focused on egress in emergency situations occurring in multi-story buildings, as well as on the ability of emergency personnel to respond effectively and access fires or other emergencies on higher floors.
Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings established Subcommittee E06.77 in April 2004. Currently the subcommittee has a draft standard on controlled descent devices undergoing a second ballot, while a draft of a platform rescue system standard has recently gone on ballot for the first time.
A series of standards is being developed for equipment to be used in situations in which primary routes to a safe zone are not accessible, with special attention to individuals with physical conditions or mobility impairments. One unique feature that some of these devices possess is the ability to transport emergency responders vertically to the scene.
The technology in one platform device has been validated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (awarded designation as a “Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology”), the leading laboratory in Europe in this area (TUV of Germany), the Standards Institute of Israel (which approved installation of first pilot — in Israel), leading disabilities organizations, fire and engineering professionals, and leading real estate developers. //
Contact:
Technical Information: Jonathan (Yoni) Shimshoni, Escape Rescue Systems Ltd., New York, N.Y.
Phone: 212/292-5669
Wayne Christensen, Christensen Consulting for Safety Excellence, Ltd., Crystal Lake, Ill.
Phone: 815/455-7328
ASTM staff: Stephen Mawn
Phone: 610/832-9726
Upcoming Meeting: Oct. 22-25, Atlanta, Ga.
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