ASTM Subcommittee E06.77 on High-Rise Building External Evacuation Devices is seeking interested persons to participate in standards activity that is focused on egress in emergency situations occurring in multi-story buildings, as well as on the ability of emergency personnel to respond effectively and access fires or other emergencies on higher floors.

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, N.Y. (phone: 212/292-5669; yoni@escaperescue.com) or Wayne Christensen, Christensen Consulting for Safety Excellence, Ltd., Crystal Lake, Ill. (phone: 815/455-7328; wchrissafe@aol.com). Committee E06 will meet April 23-26, at the April Committee Week in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Oct. 22-25, at the October Committee Week in Atlanta, Ga. For membership or meeting details, contact Stephen Mawn (phone: 610/832-9726; smawn@astm.org).

Release #7382