Standardization News

ASTM International Subcommittee E06.77 on High-Rise Building External Evacuation Devices is seeking interested parties to join in the upcoming review of ASTM E2513, Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Platform Rescue Systems. E06.77 is under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings.

ASTM E2513 covers specifications, safety requirements, performance, design, practices, marking instructions and test methods for multi-story building external evacuation platform rescue systems (PRS). Such systems are used for the emergency rescue of people who cannot use normal means of exiting a building to safety, as well as for vertical transport of emergency responders.

"The standard is used by manufacturers in the design and fabrication of PRS devices and by certifying bodies to test and approve the installations," says Jonathan Shimshoni, CEO, Escape Rescue Systems and chairman of E06.77. "Discipline is achieved by building owners demanding certification to the standard."

Platform rescue systems as described in ASTM E2513 are currently being installed in hospital settings and plans are in the works for installations in high-rise residences and hotels in Asia.

Shimshoni notes that the subcommittee intends to reapprove ASTM E2513 this year and begin working on refining the standard in 2013. Mechanical, electrical and fire safety engineers, as well as emergency responder personnel, are encouraged to join E06.77 in its upcoming work on E2513 and other standards developing activities. In addition to ASTM E2513, E06.77 has developed ASTM E2484, Specification for Multi-Story Building External Evacuation Controlled Descent Devices, and hopes to develop a standard for escape chutes.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Jonathan (Yoni) Shimshoni, Escape Rescue Systems • Tel-Aviv, Israel • Phone: +972-54-4579424 | ASTM Staff: Stephen Mawn • Phone: 610-832-9726 | Upcoming Meeting: • Oct. 21-24 • October Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.