Alternatives to Elevator Lobbies & Fire Safety

Did you know that asphyxiation due to smoke inhalation is the lead cause of fire-related deaths? This cause actually exceeds burns by a 3:1 ratio. This statistic has driven certain building codes such as enclosed elevator lobbies in order to protect occupants from both fire and smoke. in the event of an emergency.

Elevator shafts present a large challenge for fire safety compliance as they act like a chimney during a fire-related emergency. Architects and contractors have long relied on enclosed elevator lobbies to separate the elevator shaft from the rest of the building. While they can be a simple solution, they are often quite costly when it comes to design, implementation, square footage required, and patron flow.

With today’s advancements in smoke and fire protection, a traditional enclosed elevator lobby is no longer necessary. Instead of having to create a full-fledged lobby, smoke and fire curtains installed at the elevator jamb can protect the elevator shaft without affecting design at all. When not in use, the curtains disappear into the elevator frame and go mostly unnoticed to an untrained eye.

If you are looking for an alternative to an enclosed elevator lobby, Smoke Guard California has a variety of options to ensure fire and smoke safety without compromising design. Contact us today for more information and specifications.