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 standard is applicable only to PRS's:

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 standard does not cover:

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

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 given in SI units are to be considered as the standard.

1.6 Table of Contents

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.