The ASME Guide for Emergency Personnel providing standardised procedures for the safe evacuation of passengers trapped in stalled elevators.
Full Definition
ASME A17.4 is the Guide for Emergency Personnel (formally: Guide for Emergency Evacuation of Passengers from Elevators). It provides step-by-step procedures for firefighters, building emergency response teams, and elevator service personnel to safely rescue passengers from stalled elevator cars without waiting for a qualified elevator mechanic. The guide covers manual lowering via the machine room, car-top rescue operations, hoistway access procedures, and communication with trapped passengers. It includes guidance on elevator firefighters service (Phase I and Phase II operation) and procedures specific to hydraulic, traction, and machine-room-less (MRL) elevator types. ASME A17.4 is not a mandatory code but is widely adopted as a reference standard by fire departments and building managers across North America. It is closely coordinated with ASME A17.1 Section 2.27 (firefighters service) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). Building owners and facilities managers are encouraged to maintain a copy on-site and to provide training to building security and facilities staff.
