Not trying to go against an ISO standard

, but I still caution against a practice of using elevators.
1. Now.... with people with disabilities, elderly and such, it's a different matter. Taking an elevator (with the risks) may mean the difference of them getting out. They simply cannot traverse 12 floors in a short time frame. However, how does one create a policy during a crisis to state: "ok, only this group can use the elevator if the building is on fire"?
2. There are all kinds of buildings (old and new), with all different kinds of design and safety features. Some buildings may be OK to try the elevators; others are not.
3. The problem is that elevators rely on electricity for their operation. If there is a fire, it may take out the electricity. Or, emergency services arriving to a scene may cut off the electricity to protect themselves entering a burning building.
4. Elevator shafts (and elevators) are not designed to adequately handle smoke and heat. Those shafts are chimneys, for the most part.

One does not want to get caught in them.
I think the best plan is a good, well-thought out plan. Have a good evacuation plan, and assure people know about it. Also, if you have a building with more than one floor, why put elderly and disabled at the top?

I mean, don't force them, but put them down lower to save them time anyway. Then in an emergency, they can get out quicker. Put the youngins' up higher, that can traverse the exits quicker.
Of course the best thing to do, is prevent fires in the first place.
