National Code

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 of safety. (permit issued if egress is certified or with egress scaffolding) 

Connecticut Code

The Local Codes aren’t available right now, we are working on it and will have them soon!

National Code

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) 

New York Code

Fire Escape Code New York State

Fire Code 2015 of New York State

ADOPTS WITH AMENDMENTS:

International Fire Code 2015 (IFC 2015)

Web link:

https://up.codes/viewer/new_york/ifc-2015

Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

1104.16.5 Materials and Strength

Components of fire escape stairways shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m2). Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.

1104.16.5.1 Examination

Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety in accordance with Section 1104.16.5 by a registered design professional or others acceptable to the fire code official every 5 years, or as required by the fire code official. An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.

1104.16.6 Termination

The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire escape stairways shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching the ground.

Exception: For fire escape stairways serving 10 or fewer occupants, an approved fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the termination.

1104.16.7 Maintenance

Fire escape stairways shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and shall be maintained in good working order.

Click on link below for NYC Fire Escape Code Requirements:

§15-10 Fire-Escapes, Fire Stairs and Fire Towers. 1_RCNY_15-10

1) Local New York City LAW 11 requires Fire Escapes that are 7 stories and above to be inspected AND certified every 5 years.

2) New York State requires Fire Escapes to be inspected AND certified every 5 years.

  • New York City Fire Code– Regulates fire safety in the operation and maintenance of all buildings, and establishes design requirements for a wide range of building installations. The Fire code is a companion code to the New York Construction Codes and Zoning Resolution, with extensive cross-references to Building, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/about/resources/code-and-rules/nyc-fire-code.page
  • Chapter 10 Means of Egress
    • Section 1027 Maintenance Means of Egress
    • Section 1027.3.7 Fire Escapes Maintained with FC1027.6
    • Section 1027.6. Fire Escapes
    • Section 1027.6.4. Fire Escape Ladders
  • Chapter 14 Fire Safety During Construction, Alteration & Demolition
    • Section 1404.5 Fire Watch
    • Section 1411Means of Egress
    • Section 1411.1 Stairways
    • Section 1411.2 Maintenance. Required means of egress shall be maintained during construction, alteration and demolition in accordance with this code and the Building Code.
  • New York City Building Code – Provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, addition, replacement, repair, equipment use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/apps/pdf_viewer/viewer.html?file=2014CC_BC_Chapte_10_Means_of_Egress.pdf&section=conscode_2014
  • Article 3 Painting
    • Section 27-2014 Window Frames and Fire Escapes.
    • Sub-Section b. The owner of a dwelling shall paint every fire escape with two coats of paint of contrasting colors. The owner shall paint the first coat before and the second after erection of a new fire escape, except that this shall not apply to fire escapes constructed of approved atmospheric corrosion resistant metal. Whenever a fire escape becomes corroded, the owner shall scrape and remove the corrosion products and repaint it with two coats of paint of contrasting colors
  • New York State/City Multiple DwellingLaw– State law governing design and construction standards for multiple dwellings in the state of New York, including, New York City. It covers everything from the placement of fire exists to prohibitions against such arcana as having a commercial fat-boiling facility in your apartment.

Violations

An FDNY violation is an official notice that a property is not in compliance with the New York City Fire Code and/or Fire Department Rules. Some infractions are minor, while others can create dangerous situations resulting in immediate action by the Fire Department or even the issuance of a criminal summons. Violations can be found during an FDNY inspection or based on complaints to the City. The following types of violations are issued/ordered in New York City: Notice of Violation, Violation Order, Criminal Summonses and a Vacate Order.

To remove a violation from record, the unsafe condition must be corrected and proof of the correction must be provided to the FDNY. After correcting the condition, a Certificate of Correction must be completed within 35 days from the day the violation originally was issued. Locations where a Vacate Order was issued must be re-inspected to complete the correction process.

Request a Copy of Violation

The FDNY can provide copies of violations. To ensure quick delivery, be sure to complete the Copy of Violation Request Form and attach all required documents. Please note, Vacate Orders can be obtained only in person. For additional information or questions, contact the Fire Department.

Inspections

The FDNY conducts inspections that examine buildings, structures, facilities, vehicles and other locations in New York City. The purpose of an inspection is to ensure that code, laws, rules or regulations are being enforced to keep the public safe.

The owner shall be responsible, at all times, for the safe maintenance of any building, structure and/or premises and make sure it is kept up to code. Anything that needs to be fixed is the responsibility of the owner. Sometimes, when the tenant of a space in the building causes the hazardous condition in violation of the code or rules, the tenant is responsible to resolve the issues.

Request an Inspection or an On-Site Test

There are a number of ways to request an inspection or an On-Site Test.

Other areas where the New York City fire escape code may apply is the following:

Queens (QN) Communities:
Northeast Queens
Auburndale (CB 11), Bay Terrace (CB 7), Bayside (CB 11), Bellerose (CB 13), College Point (CB 7), Douglaston (CB 11), Floral Park (CB 13), Flushing (CB 7), Fresh Meadows (CB 8), Glen Oaks (CB 13), Jamaica Estates (CB 8), Jamaica Hills (CB 8), Little Neck (CB 11), Malba (CB 7), Oakland Gardens (CB 11), Queensboro Hill (CB 7), Whitestone (CB 7)Northwest Queens
Astoria (CB 1), Astoria Heights (CB 1), Corona (CB 4), East Elmhurst (CB 3), Elmhurst (CB 4), Jackson Heights (CB 3), LeFrak City (CB 4), Long Island City (CB 1 / CB 2), Sunnyside (CB 2), Woodside (CB 1 / CB 2)Central Queens
Briarwood (CB 9), Forest Hills (CB 6), Forest Hills Gardens (CB 6), Kew Gardens (CB 9), Kew Gardens Hills (CB 8), Rego Park (CB 6), Richmond Hill (CB 9)Southeast Queens
Cambria Heights (CB 13), Hollis (CB 12), Jamaica (CB 12), Laurelton (CB 13), Queens Village (CB 13), Rosedale (CB 13), Springfield Gardens (CB 12), St. Albans (CB 12)Southwest Queens
Glendale (CB 5), Maspeth (CB 5), Middle Village (CB 5), Ridgewood (CB 5), Woodhaven (CB 9)South Queens
Belle Harbor (CB 14), Broad Channel (CB 14), Far Rockaway (CB 14), Howard Beach (CB 10), Ozone Park (CB 9 / CB 10), South Ozone Park (CB 10)
 

Added on Twitter: NYC Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit @mayorsCAU

The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit connects NYC neighborhoods & New Yorkers to City Hall.

Key AHJ’s:

  1. New York Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro http://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/about/overview/leadership/fire-commissioner.page

Fire Hazard Complaint

You can report potential fire hazards. Reports of situations that may cause a fire hazard, include:

  • Unmaintained fire escapes
  • Leaking sprinkler or standpipe systems
  • Missing exit signs
  • Lack of secondary exit
  • Storage of paints or other combustible mixture
  • Illegal kerosene or propane grills and heaters

The City will issue summonses and violations when appropriate.

Download the Fire Hazard Complaint form (PDF).

NYC Residential Code:

1 RCNY§103-04 CHAPTER 100 Subchapter C Maintenance of Buildings

NYC Lead Paint Repair Grant for Landlords

The City may provide grants to help eligible landlords fix lead paint hazards in their buildings. These grants cannot be used to fix violations or other work ordered by any city, state or federal agency. You can get information about program eligibility requirements and an application. Call 311 for information about lead paint repair grants.

Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting

Information for Homeowners, Contractors, Landlords, and Tenants

Some renovation and remodeling activities can increase the risk of lead exposure. Homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint, often under newer paint. If you disturb the painted surface with a repair project or are planning to renovate or remodel an older home, it’s important to do the job safely. Lead paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems. Children and pregnant women are at highest risk.

Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and always wet sand or wet scrape the paint. When surfaces are wet, dust levels and fumes are low. Clean up thoroughly. Children and pregnant women should stay away from work areas until the area is clean.

Learn more about how to do repairs and renovations in a lead-safe way with the materials below.

Reducing Lead Hazards During Remodeling

Additional Information

N.Y. Labor Law 273 – excerpt:

7. Every fire-escape if constructed of material subject to rusting shall be painted with two or more coats of good paint in contrasting colors; in the case of a new fire-escape the first coat before erection, and the second coat after erection. Whenever a fire-escape becomes rusty, the owner shall repaint it with two additional coats of good paint. 8. a. Whenever a non-fireproof multiple dwelling is not provided with sufficient means of egress in case of fire, the department may order such additional fire-escapes or balconies as in its judgment may be deemed necessary. b. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall keep and maintain every fire-escape thereon in good order and repair. c. No person shall at any time place any encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire-escape, or place or keep a cover of any kind over the stairway opening in a balcony of such fire-escape. An occupant or tenant of a multiple dwelling who shall violate or assist in the violation of the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in section three hundred four. 9. No fire-escape shall be removed from or constructed on any existing multiple dwelling without permission from the department. No fire-escape shall be removed from any apartment without due precaution against leaving occupants of such apartment without adequate means of egress in case of fire. A wire, chain cable, vertical ladder or rope fire-escape is an unlawful means of egress. Every such fire-escape, if required as a means of egress, shall be removed and replaced by a system of fire-escapes constructed and arranged as provided in this section. 10. The department shall have the power to make supplementary regulations relating to fire-escapes.

For entire code click here…

National Code

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) 


NEW JERSEY FIRE ESCAPE CODE 1028.6

EXTERIOR EGRESS ALL EXIT DISCHARGE, EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS AND FIRE ESCAPES SHALL BE KEPT FREE OF SNOW AND ICE.

ANY NEW JERSEY FIRE ESCAPE OR EXTERIOR STAIRWAY FOUND TO BE IN A STATE OF DETERIORATION OR DETERMINED TO BE UNSAFE BY THE FIRE OFFICIAL SHALL BE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY.

DEPENDING UPON THE STRUCTURAL CONDITION, A LOAD TEST OF ANY FIRE ESCAPE SHALL BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE ESCAPE IS RETURNED TO SERVICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.J.A.C.5.23, THE UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE.

New Jersey: Section 103.4Technical assistance. To determine the acceptability of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building or premises subject to inspection by the fire code official, the fire code official is authorized to require the owner or agent to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the fire code official and shall analyze the fire safety properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon, to recommend necessary changes. The fire code official is authorized to require documentation to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.

N.J.A.C 1031.6 Exterior egress. “All exit discharge, exterior stairways and fire escapes shall be kept free of snow and ice. Any fire escapeor exterior stairway found to be in a state of deterioration or determined to be unsafe by the fire official shall be repaired immediately. Depending upon the structural condition, a load test of any fire escape shall be conducted before the escape is returned to service in accordance with the N.J.A.C. 5:23, the Uniform Construction Code”.

N.J.A.C 1031.1.1 Storage. “Combustible or flammable material shall not be placed, stored or kept in any portion of an exit, elevator car or hoist way, or at the bottom of a stairway, fire escapeor other means of escape, unless such space is enclosed and protected as required by the construction code in effect at the time of first occupancy. Such storage shall be located so the presence or burning of the materials will not obstruct or render hazardous the means of egress.”

N.J.A.C 102.1.1Any dangerous or hazardous conditions that are outlined in 1 through 10 below shall be removed or remedied in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.10:

3.  Obstruction to or on fire escapes, stairs, passageways, doors or windows, liable to interfere with the egress of occupants or the operation of the fire department in case of fire;

NJ Formal Technical Opinion-3 Fire Escapes https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/publications/pdf_fto/fto_3.pdf

Source: New Jersey Uniform Fire Code 2015 CLICK HERE FOR SOURCE DOCUMENT

§ 5:28-2.1 Lead-safe maintenance requirements

(a)  Each tenant-occupied residential building constructed before 1978 shall be subject to the requirements for lead-safe maintenance contained in this section. All such buildings shall undergo a combined inspection and risk assessment, and lead hazard control work in accordance with (b) below or shall comply with the requirements for standard treatments contained in (c) below. Following the performance of lead hazard control work or standard treatments, all buildings shall be subject to the requirements for on-going evaluation and maintenance contained in (d) below.

National Code

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) 

Delaware Code

The Local Codes aren’t available right now, we are working on it and will have them soon!

National Code

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) 

Philadelphia Code

IMPORTANT:

The owner of any building with fire escapes or fire escape balconies shall be responsible for retaining a Professional to conduct periodic inspections of the fire escapes and fire escape balconies, and to prepare and file a report on such inspection with the owner. All fire escapes and fire escape balconies must be inspected and the reports submitted by July 1, 2017.

A summary of that inspection must be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections on a form titled

“Summary Inspection Report of Fire Escapes and Fire Escape Balconies”.

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.

See Section F-1011.1 of the Philadelphia Fire Code BELOW for more details.

Philadelphia Fire Escape Inspection

Fire Escapes Philadelphia

Philadelphia residential building owners, including private homeowners, are also responsible for complying with statewide fire codes that regulate fire escapes. All Philadelphia residential buildings that have living space on the second floor or above require at least two means of escape for residents. This usually means a normal entrance stairway and an escape window. These windows must be less than 3 feet above the interior floor. If they are more than 6 feet above the exterior ground, they require ladders or exterior stairs made from fire-retardant wood or metal.

Maintenance and Egress

The Philadelphia fire code borrows from the International Residential Code and similar standards to provide requirements for residential fire escape maintenance. Building owners are responsible for inspecting and repairing fire escape stairs and escape windows, as well as alarms and sprinkler systems. Homeowners with living space in basements must install egress windows to provide secondary escape routes. Philadelphia and Pennsylvania state authorities can impose fines or require alterations to residential buildings that fail to meet applicable fire escape code requirements.

F-1011.1.2 Materials and strength.

Components of fire escapes shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire escapes and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m2). Fire escapes and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.

F-1011.1.10 Inspection procedures.

5. To be considered Safe or Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program, the fire escape and fire escape balconies shall be capable of meeting or exceeding the load requirements of Section F-1011.1.2. This load requirement can be met by either an engineering analysis by the Professional or by conducting a load test. Any load test shall be witnessed by the Professional.


National Code

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) 

Washington DC Code

2014 District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District Title 6. Housing and Building Restrictions and Regulations Chapter 7. Fire Safety Subchapter I. General Part A. Fire Escapes, Elevators, Stairways, Etc § 6–701.03. Duty of owner to provide fire safety measures.

Universal Citation: DC Code § 6–701.03. (2014) 

It shall be the duty of the owner entitled to the beneficial use, rental, or control of any building used or intended to be used as set forth in § 6‑701.01 where fire escapes are required, or any building in which 10 or more persons are employed, as set forth in § 6‑701.02, where fire escapes are required, also to provide, install, and maintain therein proper and sufficient guide signs, guide lights, exit lights, hall and stairway lights, standpipes, fire extinguishers, and alarm gongs and striking stations in such locations and numbers and of such type and character as the Mayor of the District of Columbia may determine; except that in buildings less than 6 stories in height, standpipes will not be required when fire extinguishers are installed in such numbers and of such type and character as the Mayor of the District of Columbia may determine.

National Code

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)

West Virginia Code

The Local Codes aren’t available right now, we are working on it and will have them soon!

National Code

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) 

Virginia Code

The Local Codes aren’t available right now, we are working on it and will have them soon!

National Code

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)

North Carolina Code

The Local Codes aren’t available right now, we are working on it and will have them soon! 

National Code

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) 

South Carolina Code

The Local Codes aren’t available right now, we are working on it and will have them soon!