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) 

Seattle Fire Escape Code

Updated April 2012

Fire escapes may be used during emergencies by both building occupants and fire fighters. Many fire escapes were built in the early 1900’s.To assure the safety of their use from year to year the Seattle Fire Code requires them to be checked every five years.

1. A confidence test must be conducted on fire escapes and must be performed by, or conducted under the direct supervision of, a currently licensed Washington State Structural Engineer.The confidence test report must be stamped, dated and signed with the Professional Engineer’s stamp and submitted to the Seattle Fire Department’s Confidence Testing Unit.

There are professional testing agencies listed in various directories. Check for companies listed under fire escapes and fire protection.

Click here for complete Seattle fire escape code: 5973CAM FireEscapeTesting

Portland Fire Escape Code

FIR-2.08 – Fire Escape Issues

III.  PROCEDURES

A.  Implementation of Testing and Repair:

1.  At the first available fire inspection (Regular/Special Owner Request/Special) following the effective date of this policy, fire inspectors shall perform a visual inspection of the fire escape(s).

2.  The fire inspector shall determine whether or not the fire escape is an “imminent hazard” based upon key visual indicators (refer to Attachment #6). Key visual indicators include missing pieces, deformation of joints due to rust development, loose or absent connections between pieces, or degraded connections to the structure.

3.  If the inspector determines a fire escape is an imminent hazard, he/she shall order an evaluation and certification of the fire escape by a registered design professional and comply with Section A, items (5), (6) and (7). NOTE: the definition of a Registered Design Professional can be found in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code.