
Fire escapes are typically prohibited in new construction.Ī new requirement in Section 1104.16.5.1 establishes an inspection frequency for fire escapes and balconies erected on existing buildings.
WINDOW LADDER FIRE ESCAPE CODE
Additionally, new fire escapes, when allowed by the building code official, cannot utilize ladders or windows as a means of egress component. The IBC provisions for existing building in Section 3406.1.2 only permits a fire escape as a means-of-egress component in existing buildings and limits the installation of new fire escapes on existing buildings when the building code official determines they are necessary based on the substantiation by the registered design professional that exterior stairways cannot be used due to the lot line limiting the size of the stair, or conditions where the fire escapes could impact the egress path in sidewalks, alleys, or roads at grade. Neither the IBC nor IFC contains a specific definition as to what actually constitutes a fire escape, and in previous editions of the codes, they did not establish a frequency for their inspection. An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.ĬHANGE SIGNIFICANCE: Building fire escapes are a means-of-egress component in many existing multiple-story buildings.

Fire escape stairs 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 five years, or as required by the fire code official. The fire code official is authorized to require testing or other satisfactory evidence that an existing fire escape stair meets the requirements of this section.ġ104.16.5.1 Examination.
WINDOW LADDER FIRE ESCAPE PLUS
Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.įire escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m2 ).įire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.

An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.Įxisting exterior fire escapes require an inspection by a registered design professional or persons acceptable to the fire code official no more than every 5 years.Ģ012 CODE: 1104.16.5 Materials and Strength. **NEW** 20.16.5.1 Examination: Fire escape stairs 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 five years, or as required by the fire code official. NFEA Standards for Restoration and Replacement of Fire Escapes CLICK HERE
