Information Sheet

Research on Evacuating Persons with Mobility Impairments

Engineering Laboratory

National Institute of Standards and Technology

FOCUS GROUP INFORMATION SHEET

You are being asked to participate in a study titled “Research on Evacuating Persons with Mobility Impairments” conducted by the Fire Research Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the Department of Commerce. NIST is performing a study on elevator usage in tall federal buildings. The aim of this research effort is two-fold: 1) to understanding how building occupants with mobility impairments currently evacuate multi-story buildings in the United States during fire emergencies, and 2) to learn about concerns, if any, surrounding the use of elevators during fire evacuations. Your comments during this focus group will provide guidance to designers and building managers on how to improve elevator design and usage during fire emergencies.

This study poses minimal risk to you. You may choose not to respond to any particular discussion question. Although there are no direct benefits to you personally, your participation will provide invaluable information that will assist this study and related efforts to provide benefits to the nation in the form of improved life safety in the face of future building fire emergencies.

The focus group will be tape-recorded so that we can represent your experiences as accurately as possible. Please check the following if you agree to participate:

I agree ___ to be audio taped.

Your participation in this study is voluntary and without compensation. The audio and resulting transcript of the focus group discussion will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). Any information provided during the focus group that will be used in reports resulting from this study, including personal quotations, will not release any personally identifiable information, for example, your name, phone number, and professional position.

I have read this focus group information sheet or it was read to me. I know that being in this study is voluntary. I choose to participate in this study. I have received, on the date signed, a copy of this document comprised of 1 page.

Name of Participant (printed): _______________________________________________

Signature ______________________________________ Date _________________

Please contact Kathryn Butler if you have any further questions about this study:

Kathryn Butler, Ph.D.
Fire Research Division/Engineering Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8662
Phone: 301-975-6673

E-mail: [email protected]

NIST IRB Approved: _________________ 2