David W. Frable was a big part of history in the making last year. He had put his name first on proposals to include, for the first time anywhere in the world, occupant evacuation elevators in building codes. Historically, firefighters take over elevators during an emergency and occupants must use stairs to exit.
In late September, the proposal was approved by the International Code Council for the 2009 edition of the International Building Code. The provision is also part of the National Fire Protection Association’s 2009 building and life safety codes.