ASME Announces Symposium on Use of Elevators in Emergencies in High-Rise Buildings

NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2010 - Since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, code provisions for emergency egress from tall buildings continue to be re-examined. The use of elevators for both occupant evacuation and access by fire fighters remains a topic of much discussion.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), a provider of elevator codes, will conduct a symposium on the use of elevators in fires and other emergencies, Dec.1-2, 2010, at the Doubletree Hotel, in Orlando, Fla.

The symposium will focus on the progress of the ASME/A17 Task Groups on Use of Elevators by Firefighters and Use of Elevators for Occupant Egress in order to provide a review of the code changes under development that affect elevator, building, life safety, electrical and related codes. In addition, the symposium will examine proposals and experiences from U.S. and international experts in implementing changes to building and elevator systems. Consideration of human factors, including training of the public and firefighters will also be presented.

ASME is sponsoring this symposium with several other organizations, including VIP sponsors from the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), Elevator World and Koffel Associates.

Topics to be covered include: •Occupant Evacuation Elevators (Model Building Codes and A17.1 proposals) •Fire Service Access Elevators (Model Building Codes and A17.1 proposals) •Experiences and Developments in Select Jurisdictions •Vision of developing evacuation plans around the use of elevators •Fire Service response and training •Human Factors – Paradigm Shift for the Public

Symposium registration includes access to all sessions, lunch and an electronic copy of presentation outlines. Early registration prior to Sept. 30 is $379; after Oct. 1 registration is $479. Registration deadline for the symposium is Nov. 5, 2010.

About ASME

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.