Firemans lift

[JPAH]

Hello

I have come across 'Firemans lifts' in old residential (Council) tower blocks.  These are not fire-fighting lifts - and I understand completely what that is.   Can anyone explain:

i. exactly what a firemans lift is? (from a technical aspect ie back-up power supply etc and a 'how would it be used' aspect) 
ii. would the fire service ever use a firemans lift in such a building? (previous discussions with Fire Service have suggested 'not on your nelly')

Having been in some of these lifts, they travel about 1m/min and you often wonder if you will ever see daylight again.  I wouldn't like the idea of getting in them in a building which is on fire.

comments appreciated.

[kurnal]

Does it actually say "firemens Lift" or is it just a standard passenger lift with a "Firemens Switch" behind a break glass cover?

If so the switch simply disables the landing call points, brings the lift to the access point and then enables the lift to be controlled only from the car.

Would you use it- Yes depending on the circumstances. Depends how much equipment you wuld otherwise  have to carry up however many flights of stairs, where the fire is in relation to the lift, where the motor room is in relation to the fire, the fire in relation to the lift electrical supplies.
If its a flat going like the clappers in a tower block then you can be certain at least that they will be on seperate electrical supplies (landlords and tenants having seperate meters) and whatever the age of the building there should be plenty of  compartmentation in place

[JPAH]

I've seen both to be honest - signs which says firemans lift and also a fire switch in buildings.  These are original installations in the building so say 50ish years old.

[graz]

I would agree with Kurnals assessment and my old brigade certainly use them to tackle fires.
My very simplified understanding of lifts is that they come in three generic standards. the first is your standard lift, the second is an evacuation lift that has secondary supply etc and can be safely used until the brigade turn up and start splashing water about. A firemans lift can be used even after there is water swilling around.
So the fire service can use lifts in old high rise stock cos as Kurnal says they are on a separate supply to flat on fire and as yet there is no water to enter the lift shaft and the affect the electrics.