Disaster-Resilient Elevators and Accessibility
Serdar Tavaslıoğlu - Electrical Engineer
In Serdar Tavaslıoğlu's presentation, the focus was on the use of elevators as safe evacuation vehicles during disasters and accessibility principles.
The standard development process in Turkey was outlined, from TS 863 to EN 81-77. With changes in building regulations, even three-story buildings now require at least one accessible elevator with a capacity of 800 kg.
The presentation outlined the accessibility criteria, audible alarms, handrails, corridor widths, and other details required by the Planned Areas Zoning Regulations. The role of elevators in emergencies such as fires and earthquakes was emphasized. Attention was drawn to the fact that emergency elevators, which are mandatory in buildings over 51.5 meters, are not sufficient in practice.
The presentation showed that the evacuation time was reduced by 40% with the ADT (Elevator-Assisted Evacuation) system.
Components such as cabins, rails, and electrical systems must meet seismic resistance standards under the EN 81-77 standard for earthquakes. It was noted that these systems must be inspected at least once a year in high-rise buildings.
It was emphasized that seismic and evacuation elevators are 10-25% more expensive, but that this difference determines the line between life and death. Tavaslıoğlu concluded his presentation with the following words: If we can't lower them, let's not raise them.”
Key Points:
- The EN 81-77 standard should make seismic safety mandatory
- The ADT (Elevator-Assisted Evacuation) system accelerates evacuation by 40%
- A call was made for separate inspections and risk management for high-rise buildings
- Compliance with accessibility regulations is mandatory for all elevators
- Fire-resistant elevator systems should be widely adopted
