This specification covers the specifications, safety requirements, performance, design, practices, marking instructions and test methods for multi-story building external evacuation platform rescue systems (PRS) for emergency escape of persons who cannot use the normal means of egress to a safe area and for vertical transport of emergency responders. This specification is applicable only to PRSs that are permanently installed, designed for multi-cycle and repetitive use, and where descent is controlled to limit speed before arrival at a floor or landing zone. Conversely, this specification does not cover platform devices that are used primarily for purposes other than emergency evacuation and/or access, helicopters or other flying platforms, a PRS utilizing platforms that can be transported to or between buildings during operations, and a PRS using driving methods other than positive drive as drum and ropes.

1.1 This specification covers the specifications, safety requirements, performance, design, practices, marking instructions and test methods for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Platform Rescue Systems (PRS) for emergency escape of persons who cannot use the normal means of egress to a safe area and for transport of emergency responders vertically.

1.2 This specification is applicable only to PRSs:

1.2.1 Permanently installed;

1.2.2 Designed for multi-cycle and repetitive use; and

1.2.3 Where descent is controlled to limit speed before arrival at a floor or landing zone.

1.3 This specification does not cover:

1.3.1 Platform devices that are used primarily for purposes other than emergency evacuation or access, or both;

1.3.2 Helicopters or other flying platforms;

1.3.3 Any other devices covered under/within ASME A17.1;

1.3.4 A PRS utilizing platform(s) that can be transported to or between buildings during operations; and

1.3.5 A PRS using driving methods other than positive drive as drum and ropes.

1.4 Operation of a PRS is limited to trained and authorized operators.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5.1 Exception—In 5.2.1 and 5.2.2, inch-pound units are provided in parentheses after the SI units for information only.

1.6 Table of Contents: 

Section

Scope

1

Referenced Documents

2

Terminology

3

Building Interface Requirements and Installation

4

Environmental Conditions

5

Fire and Smoke Protection

6

Material Requirements

7

Structural, Mechanical and Stability Calculations

8

Mechanical and Physical Properties

9

Buffers and Guides

10

Suspension Wire Rope and Wire Rope Connections

11

Hoisting Machines and Pulleys

12

Means to Prevent Falling of the Platform(s)

13

Electrical Power Requirements

14

Operation, Control and Communication

15

Accompanying Documents

16

Markings, Warnings and Operating Instructions

17

Verification of Safety Requirements

18

Quality Assurance

19

Maintenance

20

Keywords

21

Type Tests

Annex A1

Tests and Verifications Before First Use

Annex A2

Periodic Verifications

Annex A3

PRS Utilization Procedures

Annex A4

Rationale Statement

Appendix X1

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.