Fire Escape Repairs start with an evaluation and end in certification.

🏗 Step 1: Pre-Load Test Evaluation

👷 Hire a licensed professional (engineer, architect, or certified fire escape inspector) to evaluate the fire escape.
The professional will:

1. Inspect the fire escape and document all issues (major or minor).
2. Take photographs and videos of every problem area.
3. Create an action plan with detailed solutions.
   The action plan includes:
   - A report with photographs and repair recommendations.
   - A Zoom meeting to discuss problems and solutions with the vendor.

🚨Welding is not allowed for fire escape repairs in any state. Repairs must use bolts.

📃Step 2: Site Visit and Repair Plan

👨‍🔧The repair mechanic (vendor) visits the site to verify the issues identified in the pre-load test evaluation.

- The vendor may find additional problems not initially documented.

- The repair plan is updated to include all necessary fixes.

💰The vendor, engineer, and client agree on the final repair scope and cost.

👨‍🔧The vendor ensures logistics (power, water, parking, etc.) are in place for the repair work.

📸Step 3: Monitoring Work in Progress

The repair work is monitored to ensure compliance with standards especially proper rust removal*, bolting, priming, sealing and painting of connections.  *see below about EPA Lead Paint rules

Monitoring can be done through:

- Site visits by the engineer, architect, or inspector.
- Photos and videos sent by the vendor for review.

📝 A 15-year warranty is provided for structural repairs, extendable to 25 years with a corrosion protection plan.

🧑‍🎨Step 4: Painting the Fire Escape

⚠️Lead Paint Warning: Fire escapes built before 1978 likely have lead-based primer.

EPA guidelines must be followed for scraping and painting.

Painting can only begin after structural repairs are approved by the engineer or inspector.

Painting Process:

1. Use paintable silicone to seal joints and prevent water infiltration.
2. Apply primer and paint to all connections.
3. Paint lifespan: 5–10 years, depending on sun exposure and weather conditions.

📋Step 5: Certification of the Fire Escape

Certification Options

1. Load Testing:

- Required for older fire escapes (75–125 years) or those with partial repairs.

- Sandbags or water bags are used to simulate weight (e.g., 2,500 lbs for a 5x5 platform).

2. Other Evidence of Strength:

- If all bolts and connections are replaced, RESTORATION, load testing may not be required for 15–35 years.

3. Opinion Affidavit:

- An engineer can provide a certification without load testing, but the owner must sign a disclaimer of liability.

- This option is less common and carries higher risk.

Key Requirement: Fire escapes must be certified through load testing or other evidence of strength, as per National Code 1104.3