Fire Escape inspection, load testing and certification.

Nationally, Fire Escape law is established by each State either in the Fire code, Building code or Housing code depending on the State.

Even though this is true, basically each State has the same requirements:

1. ALL FIRE ESCAPES MUST BE INSPECTED AND CERTIFIED AS PER STATE'S LAW (FIRE, BUILDING or HOUSING CODE)
2. MUST BE PERIODICALLY PAINTED TO CONTROL ALL SURFACE RUST
3. MUST BE STRUCTURALLY SOUND AT ALL TIMES AND OR PROVEN SOUND EVERY 1-5 YRS
4. MAINTENANCE OF EXITS FROM ANY OBSTRUCTIONS

All fire escapes must be inspected then load tested as per code in each state.  If you spot repair, a load test must be done under engineer oversight upon completion of the repairs done by a licensed repair vendor with permit.  A signed and sealed fire escape confidence test must then be submitted to the local authority.

Certification of a fire escape in lieu of a load test can be achieved when the fire escape is totally refurbished under engineer oversight by a licensed repair vendor with permit.  A signed and sealed fire escape confidence test must then be submitted to the local authority.

Fire Escape Industry Standard Procedures

Fire Escape Confidence Test Sample

Fire Escape Code - the law (click here)