Elevator Car to Accommodate Ambulance Stretcher - Exemptions to the Minimum Dimensions

RALPH M. TERRAZAS FIRE CHIEF

November 30, 2020

TO: Plan Check and Inspection Unit Development Services Section

Fire Prevention and Public Safety Bureau

FROM: Dwayne Laurent, Fire Captain II Fire Development Services

SUBJECT:

ELEVATOR CAR TO ACCOMMODATE AMBULANCE STRETCHEREXEMPTIONS TO THE MINIMUM DIMENSIONS

It has been brought to our attention that new elevator cars intended to be used for emergency medical service are being manufactured to dimensions smaller than the minimum code required size set forth in the California Building Code (CBC) 3002.4.3a.

CBC 3002.4.3a states: 3002.4.3a Elevator entrance openings and car size. The elevator car shall be of such a size and arrangement to accommodate a 24 inch by 84 inch (610 mm by 2134 mm) ambulance gurney or stretcher with not less than 5-inch (127 mm) radius corners, in the horizontal, open position, shall be provided with a minimum clear distance between walls or between walls and door excluding return panels not less than 80 inches by 54 inches (2032 mm by 1372 mm), and a minimum distance from wall to return panel not less than 51 inches (1295 mm) with a 42 inch (1067 mm) side slide door.

Exception: The elevator car dimensions and/or the clear entrance opening dimensions may be altered where it can be demonstrated to the local jurisdictional authority’s satisfaction that the proposed configuration will handle the designated gurney or stretcher with equivalent ease. Documentation from the local authority shall be provided to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.

The exception in CBC 3002.4.3a grants the local jurisdiction, in this case the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the authority to accept elevator car dimensions demonstrated by an elevator manufacturer to accommodate an ambulance gurney with surface extenders.

Dwayne Laurent

2

November 30, 2020

In an effort to assist elevator manufacturers, architects, engineers and developers in proposing alternate elevator car sizes to accommodate ambulance stretchers, the LAFD has established the following procedures for approval of a smaller medical emergency service elevator.

1. The elevator manufacturer shall submit a request in writing to the LAFD Development Services Section (FDS) for approval at 201 N Figueroa St Suite 210 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Approval shall be in writing by the FDS Field Inspection Unit Commander. Said approval can be revoked at any time without prior notice.

2. Plans shall be prepared by the elevator manufacturer that show graphically that an ambulance stretcher with minimum dimensions of 24 inches by 84 inches (610 mm by 2134 mm) with not less than 5-inch (127 mm) radius corners and surface extenders with a dimension of 27 inches by 38 inches (605.6 mm x 965.2 mm) can be accommodated with similar ease as the code prescribed elevator car size See figure 1 for gurney specifications.

3. Plans shall also show that space will be provided for a minimum of two (2) LAFD emergency operations members in addition to the ambulance stretcher. Each LAFD members shall be shown graphically as a 21-inch (533.4 mm) diameter circle

4. The minimum dimensions for the elevator car shall not be less than any other code required minimum, including but not limited to, those dimensions required by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

5. Approval shall be presented to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) for filing of approval to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board.

Elevator cars that have been reviewed and granted approval by FDS will be posted online at https://www.lafd.org/fire-prevention/fire-development-services

Figures below are examples of the diagrams that need to be prepared by the elevator manufacturer for consideration of a reduced size.

1:

Current LAFD gurney manufacturer specifications:

`

Surface extenders

24" Min Dia. for LAFD Personnel

extenders