Fire Escape Inspections
Ladder Inspections
Fire Escape Load Tests
Balcony Inspections
Deck Inspections
The City of Philadelphia’s Property Maintenance Code requires all building owners to maintain their buildings in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as to not impose a threat to the public. Additionally, the Fire Code establishes specific requirements for periodic inspections of fire escapes and fire escape balconies and the filing of reports of such inspections. This document serves to inform the public of the method of reporting those inspections to the Department. Philadephia Fire Escapes
Fire Escape Inspection Videos Pennsylvania
Fire Escape Code Pittsburgh
Fire Safe Buildings Ordinance
In 2016, City Council passed the Fire Safe Buildings Ordinance, requiring periodic testing and inspections of fire safety systems for some building owners.
The Ordinance requires that all tests and inspections of fire and smoke dampers are completed by individuals “who are certified to inspect and test fire and Smoke Dampers and hold certification from the International Certification Board as a HVAC Fire Life Safety Technician through a program accredited by ANSI under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard.”
The Ordinance also requires that all tests and inspections of Smoke Control Systems are completed by individuals who “have obtained air balancer certifications from the International Certification Board as a HVAC Fire Life Safety Technician through a program accredited by ANSI under the ISO/IEC 17024 standard.”
You can read the Ordinance here.
Please find information about contractors certified to complete the inspections in accordance with this ordinance.
NATIONAL CODES:
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:
- Schedule a pre load test evaluation by a design professional or others acceptable by City Official – AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
- 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
- Submit evaluation report to owner/agent and a copy to the City Official as per code
- 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)
- Please contact your local City Official (AHJ) with any questions about the above steps
IFC 2015 1104.16 Fire Escape PDF copy actual code
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