ASTM International Subcommittee E06.77 on High Rise Building External Evacuation Devices initiated activity at the October 2004 meeting of Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, by establishing the following three task groups:

Platform Devices - Development of specifications for high-rise external platform devices for evacuation of persons when the primary evacuation routes to a safe zone are unavailable and for transport of emergency responders.

Chute Devices - Development of specifications for high-rise external chute devices for evacuation of persons when primary evacuation routes to a safe zone are unavailable and may transport emergency responders to scene.

Controlled Descent Devices - This standard defines the specifications, requirements, performance, design, practices, markings, construction and test methods for external high-rise building controlled descent devices for evacuation of persons when primary evacuation routes to a safe zone are unavailable and may have the capability of transporting emergency response personnel to the scene.

The subcommittee and task groups are seeking additional knowledgeable participants and device manufacturers to be involved in the development of these standards.

The subcommittee has established the following scope: "Development and maintenance of standards for terminology, specification, performance, practices and test methods for devices for high-rise building external evacuation of persons when the primary evacuation routes to a safe zone are unavailable. Such devices may also have the capability of transporting emergency responders. Devices do not include rope or chain ladders, helicopters with platforms, parachutes, balloons, or evacuation chairs."

Task groups have initiated activity to develop draft standards ready for subcommittee ballot by the next meeting to be held during ASTM Committee Week, April 17-20.

For further technical information, contact Wayne C. Christensen, Christensen Consulting for Safety Excellence, Ltd., Crystal Lake, Ill. (phone: 815/455-7328; wchrissafe@aol.com). Committee E06 meets April 17-20, in Reno, Nev. For membership or meeting details, contact Steve Mawn, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9726; smawn@astm.org).

Release #7081