It really depends on what needs to get done. sometimes all you need is a set of elevator keys. I would say: keys, haligan, pry bar, small ladder (we use a little giant), wedges, and wood cribbing should get you through most elevator rescues.
Permalink Reply by FETC on November 25, 2008 at 2:52pm
Depends on the problem with the car. Usually though just the manufacturers elevator key. More importantly the answer is "Training" on the type of unit, hazards and how to operate safely with that specific type of elevator. In your district you should be doing tours and training with building representatives/maintenance.
I have seen more unnecessary damage caused by inexperience.
Good day, I agree with FETC, irrespective of your breaching techniques you must have the training. With reference to one of our sister cities. They responded to the said incident, forced the door due to a 'medical emergency' within the car and started to remove the occupants. Unfortunately no form of stabilization, isolation etc. was used. The car moved and to put it very bluntly, one adult male was severed in half.
In my city we are fortunate to have only two major commercial lift companies, thus one vehicle, two sets of keys - one will fit. However the old haligan, short extension or even step ladder, wooden cribbing or other mechanical stabilization is a must. Part of our SOP is no work if no emergency inside and no work if power have not been isolated. But even the latter has been a contencious issue at times.
TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING. And when you get tired of that train some more. All elevators are not the same. You should be able to recite the lock out procedures for each brand in your sleep. Know where the master keys and the machine room are. My department is fortunate enough to have an elevator technician as a member. So we are fairly adept at opening elevators without haligans or any other tool. We use the right key and no damage.
Permalink Reply by 1426 on November 26, 2008 at 1:08pm
I'm the current training officer at my Vol. FD. Could your member who is a elevator tech send some literature or websites my direction so that I can pass all of that along to my members?