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.
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.
🔹 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.
⏳ 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.
📅 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)
📜 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.
🚫 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.
🚧 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.
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.
📞 Phone: (800) 649-3333
📩 Email: info@FireEscapeEngineers.com
📍 Address: 616 Washington St, Lynn MA 01901
Mandatory Fire Escape Certification:
A Critical Factor in Risk Mitigation and Liability Exposure
The nation's exterior steel and wooden fire escapes, stairways, balconies, and bridges have long been overlooked, with many structures remaining untouched for decades. While roofs are typically replaced every 25-45 years, these critical life safety features are often neglected, posing significant risks to building occupants and insurance providers alike. This article aims to shed light on the urgent need for mandatory fire escape certification, load testing, and code compliance, and to discuss the liability exposure faced by insurance executives, risk managers, underwriters, and agents.
The Neglected Fire Escape Dilemma
Exterior fire escapes, stairways, balconies, and bridges are often assumed functional and included in life safety plans without verification of their structural integrity. This assumption is alarming, given the age and neglect of many of these structures. According to the National Fire Escape Association (NFEA), founded by Francisco Meneses, a Fire Escape Safety Educator and National Code Consultant, these structures can remain untouched for 75-125 years, far exceeding the lifespan of roofs.
Code Requirements and Certification Paths
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, International Fire Code (IFC) 1104.16.5, and International Building Code (IBC) 100 all require regular inspections and maintenance of exterior fire escapes. However, compliance with these codes has been lacking, leaving insurance providers vulnerable to liability exposure.
Mandatory fire escape certification and load testing are essential steps in ensuring compliance with these codes and mitigating risk. Certification involves a thorough inspection of the structure by a qualified professional, who can then issue a certificate of compliance. Load testing, meanwhile, involves applying a controlled load to the structure to ensure it can safely support the weight of occupants during an emergency evacuation.
Liability Exposure for Insurance Providers
Insurance providers face significant liability exposure when exterior fire escapes fail due to neglect or lack of maintenance. In the event of a catastrophic failure, insurance companies could be held responsible for damages, injuries, or even deaths that result from an inadequate evacuation route.
Moreover, failure to require fire escape certification and load testing could be seen as negligence on the part of the insurance provider, further increasing liability exposure. To mitigate this risk, insurance executives, risk managers, underwriters, and agents should adopt a proactive approach to fire escape safety, mandating certification and load testing for all insured structures.
Mandatory fire escape certification and load testing are critical factors in risk mitigation and liability exposure for insurance providers. By adopting a proactive approach to fire escape safety, insurance executives, risk managers, underwriters, and agents can significantly reduce their liability exposure and protect the lives of building occupants.
For more information on fire escape safety, certification, and load testing, visit nationalfireescapeassociation.org and consider attending the NFEA's annual conference, where industry experts and code consultants gather to discuss best practices in fire escape safety.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney or insurance professional regarding your specific situation.
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 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.
