OCTOBER 2023

The determination whether an elevator requires the Firefighters’ Elevator designation is based upon the Building Code “High Building” classification. This depends on multiple factors such as building Group and Division, building occupancy and building height. If your building does classify as a High Building, it’s subject to additional safety requirements such as positively-pressurized elevator shafts, full generator emergency power, and Central Alarm and Control Facilities (CACF). A red fire hat symbol on the main floor level entrance door jamb identifies an Elevator for Use by Firefighters.

The State of Illinois has made a code modification to ASME A17.1-2019, requiring the witnessing of initiating devices for Fireman’s Emergency Operation. It states that all initiating devices (smoke detectors, etc.) for all elevators shall be tested every 5 years by an elevator inspector. Fire devices are already tested once a year by both the elevator and fire company, but this rule is written to also include an elevator inspector. Coordination may become an issue, as it’s difficult to get all three parties onsite at the same time to perform the inspection, and there will most likely be additional costs to the building. This modification excludes the City of Chicago. 

In 1925 President Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to stay safe in case of a fire and to decrease casualties caused by fires.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage.