Joint solution by Scanvest and tetronik helps companies to retrofit their elevators with an emergency call control system on schedule by the end of 2020
Scanvest and tetronik present a joint solution with which elevator operators can meet the legally required retrofitting of all elevators with an emergency call control system by 31.12.2020. This requirement, which has been in force since June 1, 2015, is still not met by around 30% of all elevator systems in Germany, the magazine 'Der Facility Manager' notes in its May 2020 issue, citing research by TÜV-Süd. Since June 2015 there is a transitional period for the implementation of the requirements until the end of 2020, but in case of damage the operator is liable even before that date.
The current "Betriebssicherheitsverordnung - BetrSichV" (German Industrial Safety Ordinance) stipulates that by 31.12.2020 at the latest, all elevators used to transport passengers must be equipped with an emergency call control system (also referred to as "remote emergency call system"). In concrete terms, this also means that all existing systems must be retrofitted by the end of 2020 in such a way that an emergency call from the elevator can be answered directly via a voice connection at any time (a so-called "two-way communication system").
A simple acoustic emergency call horn, as still found in many elevators, is no longer sufficient to ensure the safety of passenger transportation. This is understandable: It cannot be guaranteed that a responsible contact person will hear the emergency call tone and react promptly. A person trapped in the elevator does not receive any feedback and feels helpless.
Comforting to know that the elevator emergency call will work!
Helpers are reached safely
On the other hand, an emergency call guidance system, such as the 'Self-checking Elevator Emergency Call' by Scanvest and tetronik, ensures that in any given case a person can be reached via the elevator emergency call button, who can answer the emergency call and initiate the rescue process. This is ensured by means of forwarding and escalation rules, which can be preset within this solution during elevator commissioning. This part of the common elevator emergency call solution is handled by the 'DAKSeco' component from tetronik. The alarm server calls the responsible persons or their deputies according to the preset rules and contact data until a contact person is reached and connected to the trapped person. Whether the emergency calls are to be answered in the usual way, e.g. at the reception, centrally in the control room, or by mobile staff, can be individually configured.
The mandatory elevator emergency plan can be automated
But this is not the only innovation that must be implemented by the end of 2020. In addition to the installation of a two-way communication system, an emergency plan must be drawn up for each elevator system. TÜV-Süd provides a template for this (German). Among other things, it specifies rescue times and contact persons in the event of an emergency, as well as first-responder contact details.
Here, too, the 'Self-checking Elevator Emergency Call' by Scanvest and tetronik offers an important added value: The emergency button in the elevator not only reaches the person in charge of freeing the trapped passengers, but also the company's first-responders can be called simultaneously and be automatically included in the voice communication – in more serious cases even the emergency dispatch center. This saves valuable time, and the necessary help reaches the victims faster. (By the way, you can read more about the integration of first responders in our application example "Emergency call 911 – Intuitive and efficient help in industrial accidents")
The regular self-check relieves staff!
The independent function control relieves the operator
Furthermore, the European standard EN-81 provides for regular functional checks and simulation of the elevator emergency call. As its name suggests, the joint solution 'Self-checking Elevator Emergency Call' by Scanvest and tetronik carries out a correspondingly simulated function test completely autonomously – at regular intervals and permanently monitored by itself.
This automatic function test helps elevator operators to fulfill their obligation of regular inspection and function control – without the need of personnel-intensive inspection tours and manual tests. If an independent function test result should come back negative, the integrated DAKSeco component ensures that an appropriate service technician is contacted immediately to take care of the procedure and repair. The corresponding contact data from the DAKSeco database is used for this purpose.
DAKS logging takes care of the control documentation
The detailed log automatically generated by DAKS can be used to track test results and reaction times. And in the event that a real emergency call is made from the elevator, the log provides precise information about the actual procedures: When did the emergency occur? How long did it take to reach a responsible person? When was the voice connection terminated? With the help of this evaluable data process details and weak points can be identified, processes can be practiced and process optimizations can be performed for future emergencies.
Act now
Find out on the TÜV-Süd website which elevator systems are affected and what requirements the Operational Safety Ordinance stipulates!
Go to TÜV-Süd (German)
Check which elevators in your property still need to be retrofitted!
Print checklist (PDF)
Find out more about the functionality and the advantages of the 'Self-checking Elevator Emergency Call' by Scanvest and tetronik!
More about the Self-checking Elevator Emergency Call
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