April 18, 2018

Fire Escapes Indiana

Fire Escape Inspection Videos Indiana

 

Fire Escape Code Indiana

Current Indiana State Codes: 

These rules went into effect December 1, 2014.

2014 Indiana Building Code (IBC) comprised from the 2012 IBC & 675 IAC 13-2.6

http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/20140827-IR-675130339FRA.xml.pdf

2014 Indiana Fire Code (IFC) comprised from the 2012 IFC & 675 IAC 22-2.5.

http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/20140827-IR-675130341FRA.xml.pdf

Indiana State Fire Escape-Related Codes found in the 2014 Indiana Fire Code:

(in Page 32 of 66 – * See attached 2014 IN Fire Code…)

The Indiana State Register added (r) Add Section 1009.18 to read as follows:

1009.18 Fire escapes.

A fire escape that is used as an exit shall comply with the provisions of this section as follows:

(1) The fire escape shall not be the primary or the only exit.

(2) The fire escape shall not take the place of stairways required by the applicable rules of the commission or its predecessors in effect at the time the building was built.

(3) Access to a fire escape from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room. Exception: Access through an intervening room may be permitted if the intervening door is not lockable and an exit sign is installed above the door directing occupants to the fire escape.

(4) No encumbrances or obstacles of any kind shall be placed on or in front of any fire escape.

(5) Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed and shall be maintained in a fully operational working condition at all times.

(6) Exit signs shall be maintained in accordance with the Indiana Fire Code (675 IAC 22) or the code in effect at the time of construction. All doors and windows providing access to a fire escape shall be provided with signs stating “FIRE ESCAPE” in letters at least as large as those required for exit signs under the current rules of the Commission.

(7) Fire escape stairways and their balconies shall support their dead load plus a live load of not less than one hundred (100) pounds per square foot (four hundred thirty-six (136 kilograms) placed anywhere on the balcony or stairway so as to produce the maximum stress condition.

(8) Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support a horizontal force of not less than fifty (50) pounds per linear foot (seventy-four and four-tenths (74.4) kilograms per meter) applied to the top handrail.

(9) Documentation evidencing compliance with subsections (7) through (9) shall be maintained on site for review by the code official.

(10) Tubular fire escapes shall comply with subsections (1) through (9) and shall be kept rust free.

Who enforces the Indiana Fire Code?

The Indiana Fire Code is enforced by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security – Fire & Building Code Enforcement and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office https://www.in.gov/dhs/2376.htm

The Fire and Building Code Enforcement Branch encourages the development of building code law enforcement programs within state agencies and political subdivisions and exercises any program of supervision that is approved by the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission. The branch enforces building laws and related variances as well as other orders that apply to Class I structures, industrialized buildings.

To carry out these objectives, the branch encourages and assists local elected officials to adopt proper ordinances and set in motion code enforcement programs within approved building departments. The branch also provides local building officials with continuing education regarding the application of code and building laws.

In jurisdictions without approved building departments, the branch periodically inspects Class I buildings. Agricultural buildings and one- and two-family dwellings fall under the jurisdiction of local government. The branch also regularly inspects industrialized buildings and audits approved third-party inspection agencies.

The branch encourages the professional development of the building commissioner’s staff, local building officials and related professional organizations such as the Indiana Association of Building Officials and the Indiana Association of Electrical Inspectors.

The branch responds to building code complaints from the public, contractors, local building officials and other state agencies, and provides assistance during times of public disasters.

The IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety Fire Marshal’s Office investigates suspicious fires, promotes fire prevention, administers building plan review, enforces fire and building safety codes in all public buildings, regulates and coordinates emergency services, emergency medical services and hazardous material response and oversees and conducts inspections of child care facilities, boilers and pressure vessels, elevators and amusement rides.

How to contact the state of Indiana Fire & Building Officials:

IDHS Main Office – 317-232-3980 or 800-669-7362

IDHS Fire and Building Safety Office – 317-232-2222

IDHS Code Enforcementcodequestions@dhs.in.gov(317) 232 – 2393

Indiana State Fire Marshal – James L. Greesonjgreeson@dhs.in.gov317.232.2222

 

2012 IFC 1104.16.5.1 Fire escape stairs must be examined every 5 years ,by design professional or others acceptable and inspection report must be submitted to the fire code official.

IBC 1001.3.3 All fire escapes shall be examined and/or tested and certified every five years by a design professional or others acceptable who will then submit an affidavit city official.

NFPA LIFE SAFETY CODE 101  7.2.8.6.2 The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) shall approve any fire escape by Load Test or other evidence of strength (Certification).

OSHA 1910.37 Exit routes must be maintained during construction, repairs, alterations or provide alternative egress with equivalent level of safety. (permit issued if egress is certified or with egress scaffolding) 

FIVE STEPS to Certify a Fire Escape:

  1. Schedule a pre load test evaluation by a design professional or others acceptable by City Official – AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
  2. Said professional will confirm with City Official if there are any other requirements other than load testing or other evidence of strength and if City Official wants to witness initial evaluation
  3. Submit evaluation report to owner/agent and a copy to the City Official as per code
  4. Issue certification, if passed, done by load test or other evidence of strength to City Official or, if failed, owner/agent and city official to confirm next steps (ex. engineer oversight, permits or other conditions)
  5. Please contact your local City Official (AHJ) with any questions about the above steps

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