Fire Escape Violation? Here’s What You Need to Know

Fire Escape Violation? 

Here’s How Inspection-Certification-Load Testing Can Help

🏗 Step 1: Pre-Inspection Coordination with the AHJ

Before an inspection takes place, we contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to discuss and obtain preapproval for our:
📌 Inspection procedure
📌 Load testing process (if required)

The AHJ is also:
👀 Invited to witness the preload test evaluation
👀 Invited to witness the full load test if necessary

✅ This ensures that the AHJ is fully aware of the methodology used before certification or load testing begins.

📸 Step 2: Initial Fire Escape Inspection & Documentation

Once the AHJ is informed, we conduct a visual inspection of your fire escape, including:
📍 A site visit where we examine the structure’s condition.
📷 Photographs taken as we walk the fire escape, identifying components in good condition and areas that require further evaluation, restoration, or repair.

💰 Cost of Inspection & Who Can Perform It

🔹 By law, fire escape stairways and balconies must be examined every five years by:

👷 A registered design professional (Engineer/Architect)
💵 $200–$300 per hour
💰 $2,000–$3,000 per inspection

OR

👨‍🔧 A certified fire escape inspector (approved by the fire code official)
💵 $100–$200 per hour
💰 $500–$1,500 per inspection

⏳ Most inspections take 5 to 10 hours per system, depending on size and complexity.

📃 Phase One – Immediate Documentation for the AHJ

Within 1 to 3 days, a 1- to 2-page initial findings document is produced.
📌 This document confirms that we visited the site and serves as proof of compliance to the AHJ.

👀 The report states that Phase One has begun, meaning:
Someone has officially inspected the fire escape.
✅ The property owner is actively addressing the violation.
Further reporting, certification, or load testing will follow in subsequent phases.

📨 This document is submitted only to the AHJ and the property owner to satisfy the immediate requirement that action is being taken on the violation.

📑 Phase Two – Full Inspection Report & Findings

📅 Within 7 to 10 business days, a detailed report with photographs and video evidence is produced.

📌 This report is not required to be sent to the AHJ unless specifically requested.
📌 The document outlines:
🔍 The types of problems present
📝 General explanations of the issues (without specifying exact locations or quantities)

⚖ Step 3: Recertification & Disclaimer for Fire Escapes 75-125 Years Old

📜 NFPA 101 Requirement for Load Testing or Other Evidence of Strength
According to NFPA 101, the AHJ shall accept certification by either load test or other evidence of strength.

✅ If a fire escape is fully refurbished, it qualifies as other evidence of strength (no load test required).
⚠️ If a fire escape is not load tested or fully refurbished, but is being certified under an opinion affidavit, a disclaimer of liability must be signed.

👨‍🔬 Who Determines if a Load Test is Required?

🚫 The building owner does not have the authority to determine whether a load test is required.

🔹 The decision is made by:
🛠 The Engineer – carries full liability for the certification process.
🔥 The AHJ – enforces compliance with NFPA and local building codes.

👨‍🏭 The engineer has the highest authority in this decision. If an AHJ waives a load test, but the engineer deems it necessary, the engineer has the right to refuse certification.

🕰 If a full restoration is performed, satisfying the 1927 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, the load test can be deferred for 15 to 25 years.

📋 Step 4: Construction Control Document (If Repairs Are Needed)

🚧 If the fire escape fails inspection, we generate a detailed report with photographs and video evidence—provided only to the client.

⚠️ This Report is NOT a Construction Control Document
It is not intended for use by a repair mechanic.
It does not provide exact locations or quantities of problems.
It should NOT be given to a contractor for repairs.

🛠 Construction Control Document for Repairs (Additional Cost)
📌 Includes 3 to 5 site visits to monitor work.
📷 Remote verification for minor repairs through photo/video documentation.
📅 Takes 2 to 4 weeks to produce, depending on repair severity.

✅ Step 5: Certification or Load Testing

After repairs, the fire escape must undergo:
📜 Certification Inspection – If all repairs meet code, the fire escape is certified.
⚖️ Load Testing – If required, the AHJ is invited to witness the test.

📍 Contact Us

📞 Phone: (800) 649-3333
📩 Email: info@FireEscapeEngineers.com
📍 Address: 616 Washington St, Lynn MA 01901

Fire Escape Inspection Examples

Recent Seminars

🏛 A Nationwide Standard for Fire Escape Inspections

Fire Escape Engineers is an approved member of the FireEscapeServices network and follows the nationally recognized inspection and certification process established by the National Fire Escape Association (NFEA).

👨‍🏫 As the founder of the National Fire Escape Association (NationalFireEscapeAssociation.org), I have personally developed and confirmed the inspection, certification, and load testing process that AHJs nationwide are taught through our six-hour Fire Escape Seminar training classes.

🎓 These training sessions provide continuing education for AHJs nationwide, teaching fire officials the proper process for handling fire escape violations, inspections, certifications, and load testing.

🏫 Fire Escape Academy – A Recognized Training Center

Fire Escape Engineers ensures that every professional in our organization is nationally certified through our Fire Escape Academy, recognized by the National Fire Escape Association as an approved training center for all certifications required to:

Inspect Fire Escape Systems
Repair Fire Escape Systems
Load Test Fire Escape Systems
Build New Fire Escape Systems

🚨 By working with Fire Escape Engineers, you are following the exact process that has been approved, confirmed, and taught nationwide by the National Fire Escape Association—the recognized authority on fire escape safety, restoration, and compliance.

❤️ Testimonials

"It has been a pleasure working with Fire Escape Engineers and Certified Restorations on the fire escape restoration at our downtown SF resort. Warren and Armand were great at communicating the status of the project and working through some challenging times. The workmanship was outstanding and their attention to detail was greatly appreciated. I look forward to working on the next project with them!”
Greg Burda (Project Manager & Strategic Development)
Wyndham Destinations, Las Vegas NV
"I recently needed to get a fire escape certification and came across Fire Escape Engineers through a Google search. I must say, I couldn't have found a better company to handle the task. They made the entire process incredibly easy and stress-free.

I initially feared that I'd have to contact 30+ companies to find the right one, but Fire Escape Engineers proved to be the perfect fit on my very first call. As someone who deals with fire escape certifications once every five years, I wasn't entirely familiar with the process. However, they made it so simple that I couldn't have asked for a smoother experience.

Moreover, the informative Zoom video they provided is a fantastic resource, allowing me to get my team up to speed in just 10 minutes. They also assured me that if I have any questions in the future, I can simply send them a photo for review and they'll promptly help resolve any issues.

I highly recommend Fire Escape Engineers to all property managers in need of fire escape certifications. Their professionalism, expertise, and customer support are truly unmatched."
Keith Cohen
On Shore Properties
We have been pleased and often surprised by the level of professionalism and quality of service delivered by both Fire Escape Engineers and Certified Restorations.

Fire Escapes Engineers managed an exceedingly difficult situation during a national pandemic by delivering a solid game plan and restoration alternatives for the fire escape restoration at our 214 Chilean condominium. The staff was polite and punctual with scheduling and reports throughout the process. We were pleased with the ultimate decision to restore the extremely dangerous system instead of replacing it.

Certified Restorations’ workmanship far exceeded our expectations, and the end result gave our client, the condo association, a system that will be in service for many years to come. I highly recommend both companies for similar work and will certainly be using them on our next project.
Richard Hallett
RPH Property Management, Palm Beach
Navigating the world of Fire Code and older buildings with aging fire escapes can be a daunting one. When I was introduced to Scott Waniak and his team at Fire Escape Engineers I was immediately put at ease. Scott and his team took great care to have video conferences with me to explain the landscape and discuss options for getting our building’s Fire Escape Systems into tip top shape. The service levels they provided were clearly communicated and each option was reviewed and we came to the best solution for our situation.

I slept well at night knowing that Fire Escape Engineers were on the job. They worked well with our lender and property management team to ensure a clear understanding of what needed to be done, how it was going to be done and kept us up to date with daily reports on the status of the repairs.

Most impressive were the daily status reports and video recordings which are shared with the building owner to keep me informed on the job’s progression. Thanks to their good work, I have ample documentation and video recordings showing the work that was done, feel safe and secure in the systems we now have at our buildings and know that we are in compliance with the local fire ordinance.

I cannot recommend Scott and his team highly enough. If you have a project related to fire escape systems, do not hesitate to contact Scott and his amazing team.
Roxbury Highlands
Building Owner in Boston, MA

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