Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings established Subcommittee E06.77 in April 2004. Currently the subcommittee has a draft standard on controlled descent devices undergoing a second ballot, while a draft of a platform rescue system standard has recently gone on ballot for the first time.
A series of standards is being developed for equipment to be used in situations in which primary routes to a safe zone are not accessible, with special attention to individuals with physical conditions or mobility impairments. One unique feature that some of these devices possess is the ability to transport emergency responders vertically to the scene.
For further technical information, contact Jonathan (Yoni) Shimshoni, Escape Rescue Systems Ltd., New York, NY, phone: 212/292-5669; e-mail yoni@escaperescue.com, or Wayne Christensen, Christensen Consulting for Safety Excellence, Ltd., Crystal Lake, IL, phone: 815/455-7328; e-mail wchrissafe@aol.com.
