Tag: fire escape maintenance

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) 

Indiana Code

What building codes are used in the City of Indianapolis/Marion County?

The Consolidated City of Indianapolis/Marion County uses the following building and craft codes and the Indiana Administrative Code amendments:

2003 International Residential Code (675 IAC 14 Rule 4.3 – 2005 Indiana Residential Code)

2000 International Building Code – 2014 IBC (675 IAC 13 Rule 2.4 – 2003 Indiana Building Code)

2000 International Fire Code – 2014 IFC (675 IAC 22 Rule 2.3 – 2003 Indiana Fire Code)

Indianapolis Fire Code:

Indianapolis has adopted the 2012 edition of the International Fire Code with Indiana amendments to create the 2014 Indiana Fire Code to be effective December 1, 2014.

https://library.municode.com/in/indianapolis_-_marion_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIPUHEWE_CH591FIPRPR_ARTIVGEREFISABU_DIV3MEEG_S591-433OBMEEG

Sec. 591-434. – Inspection of fire escapes.
Exterior fire escapes shall comply with the requirements as set forth in 675 IAC 22. Certification by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Indiana to show compliance with this section shall be filed with the fire prevention bureau upon order of the fire prevention chief having jurisdiction over the premises.

(c) Any member of a police or fire department who shall discover any fire escape or means of egress encumbered or obstructed in any manner shall report such condition to the appropriate fire prevention bureau and the bureau shall immediately notify the owner or occupant to remove such encumbrance or obstacle.

675 IAC 22-2-62 Section 12.115; fire escapes (repealed)?

Sec. 744-204. – Height exceptions and yard encroachments.
The following exceptions to height limits and encroachments into required setbacks and yard areas are allowed as indicated in Table 744-204-1: Encroachments and Exceptions.

Secondary means of escape, unenclosed or lattice-enclosed stairs, fire escapes, and balconies opening upon fire towers = May not encroach more than 5 ft. into any side or rear yard setback, except as required to comply with fire code or Americans with Disabilities Act.

  1. Current State Codes: These rules went into effect December 1, 2014.

2014 Indiana Building Code 675 IAC 13-2.6 Indiana Building Code, 2014 Edition (IBC, 2012 Edition, 1st printing) ANSI A117.1-2009
http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/20140827-IR-675130339FRA.xml.pdf

2014 Indiana Fire Code 675 IAC 22-2.5 Indiana Fire Code, 2014 Edition (IFC 2012 Edition, 1st printing)Effective 12/1/14
http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/20140827-IR-675130341FRA.xml.pdf

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.
INTL BUILDING CODE IBC 1001.3.3

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

(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.

INDIANA Building Code 2014:

(aa) Add a new Section 1029.6, after Section 1029.5.2 to read as follows: Section 1029.6 Exterior rescue access. Exterior access for fire department use in performing rescue operations when emergency escape and rescue openings are required shall comply with Sections 1029.6.1 and 1029.6.2.
(bb) Add a new Section 1029.6.1, after 1029.6 to read as follows: Section 1029.6.1 Exterior grade slope. The exterior grade adjacent to emergency escape and rescue openings shall not have a slope of more than two (2) inches in twelve (12) inches. The grade requirement shall extend from the structure to a point that will allow the placement of a fire department ground ladder to the sill of the emergency escape and rescue opening when such ladder is placed at a seventy-five (75) degree angle maximum from the horizontal plane. In no circumstances shall the required grade extend less than forty-four (44) inches from the structure.
(cc) Add a new Section 1029.6.2, after 1029.6.1 to read as follows: Section 1029.6.2 Exterior grade obstructions. No obstruction such as wire, trees, shrubs, signs, cornices, overhangs, awnings, canopies, parking, or other features shall be permitted.
Exception: Canopies and similar types of building features may be used as a portion of the rescue access system if the slope of the canopy or similar types of building features does not exceed two (2) inches in twelve (12) inches and access as required in Section 1029.1 is provided from the ground to the top edge of the canopy.

  1. Network Associations:

Indiana Association of Building Officials http://www.iabo.com/
Indiana Builders Association https://buildindiana.org/

  1. IN FIRE & BUILDING CODE ENFORCEMENT:
    https://www.in.gov/dhs/2376.htm

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

Kristin Settle, Code Enforcement Section Chief – (317) 232 – 2222

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.

  1. Indiana State Fire Marshal
    DIVISION OF FIRE & BUILDING SAFETY
    James L. Greeson
    jgreeson@dhs.in.gov
    317.232.2222

*see attached IN fire marshal profile

  1. Indiana State Fire Departments
    https://www.in.gov/dhs/files/firedepts.pdf complete list with addresses/phone numbers/etc.
    *see attached Excel list
  2. Indianapolis Fire Department
    http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/dps/ifd/Pages/home.aspx

Administration Headquarters:
955 Ft. Wayne Ave Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Headquarters: (317) 327-6041

Text Tips To: 274627 INDYCS

Fire And Life Safety Division:

Battalion Chief Courtney Gordon Fire Marshal
Captain Aleatha Henderson Director Survive Alive/Public Education
For Information about Fire Inspections or to obtain Fire Reports
Call (317) 327-6006. Office Hours 8:00 – 4:30
Indianapolis Fire Prevention Bureau
300 E Fall Creek Parkway N Dr. # 500
Indianapolis, IN 46205
The Fire and Life Safety Division is headed by the Fire Marshal and is responsible for enforcement of fire codes, building inspections and public education.
The Code Enforcement arm of the Fire and Life Safety Division is responsible for inspecting the hundreds of buildings in Indianapolis to ensure that each structure complies with the fire codes that have been established on the federal, state, and local level. The City of Indianapolis is divided into seven battalions (quadrants) and there are two inspectors from the Fire and Life Safety Division assigned to each of the battalions. Those inspectors systematically inspect – and if necessary, re-inspect – each of the buildings in Indianapolis to ensure that the buildings meet fire codes and that the public is safe when visiting the building. The inspectors are routinely called to fire scenes to issue citations for violations of fire code that on-scene firefighters might discover after responding to a fire.
Indianapolis is divided into 7 Battalions (quadrants) and there are two inspectors from the Fire and Life Safety Division assigned to each of the battalions. Those inspectors systematically inspect – and if necessary – re-inspect each of the buildings in Indianapolis to ensure that the buildings meet fire codes and that the public is safe when visiting the building. The inspectors are routinely called to fire scenes to issue citations of violations of fire code that on scene firefighters might discover after responding to a fire.

Social Media Accounts:

  1. Indianapolis Fire Department Verified account @IFD_NEWS

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) 

Vermont 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) 

Massachusetts Code

Boston Code

1001.3.3 Testing and Certification. All exterior bridges, steel or wooden stairways, fire escapes and egress balconies shall be examined and/or tested, and certified for structural adequacy and safety every five years, by a Massachusetts registered professional engineer, or others qualified and acceptable to the building official

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) 

Rhode Island 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 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

Click to access 1_RCNY_103-04.pdf

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.