Ensuring the fire safety of the building, among other things, implies systematic checks of the condition of the evacuation routes. It is for this reason that the fire escape test report is one of the most important documents, since regular control is a prerequisite for keeping the structure in working order.
In our article, we will try to describe the test procedure in as much detail as possible, as well as characterize the main acts and protocols that are drawn up based on their results.
Inspection process details
Varieties of stairs
Outdoor stairs used for evacuation in the event of a fire can be of two types:
- Vertical - the simplest variety. They are metal structures that are fixed on the outer load-bearing wall of the building. The lower part of the vertical fire ladder is located at some distance from the ground surface, and the upper part is connected to the roof plane by means of a special transition platform. You can build a metal staircase with your own hands.
- Marching - are distinguished by a more complex device, but at the same time, they are more convenient to use. The flight staircase is equipped with platforms opposite the evacuation exit on each floor. The lower part of the marching passage is set on the ground. Marching stairs can be single-march, double-march and multi-march.
Note! Unlike vertical structures, marching structures are not necessarily connected to the roof of the building. This should be taken into account when drawing up a fire escape plan.
Normative base
Naturally, the most stringent requirements are put forward to the design and characteristics of evacuation devices. The documents that regulate the control procedure are:
- GOST R 53254 - 2009 - “Fixed fire ladders and roof fences. Quality control methodology and general technical conditions ”.
- NPB 245 - 2001 - “Firefighters stationary ladder structures. Roof fencing. General technical conditions and control methodology ".
These two documents are fundamental in the work of any fire inspectorate. They contain information on the requirements for evacuation routes, the sequence and frequency of control, etc. Also, in the appendices to these documents, you can find a sample of a fire escape test report, which will be very useful for those who want to understand the procedure thoroughly.
According to the requirements of the aforementioned standards, checks of stationary fire escapes for compliance with the requirements of GOST are carried out:
- With full control and instrumental checks - at least once every five years.
- With visual control - at least once a year.
Note! The standards allow for control both in summer and in winter. This is due to the fact that escape routes must be operational at any time of the year.
It should be remembered that such control is carried out only for stationary staircase fire structures. For example, the act of testing ladders - step-ladders and portable ladders is drawn up according to a different scheme, and has nothing to do with the regulation of the fire safety of the building.
Verification procedure
How is the direct control of the state of structures intended for the evacuation of people in case of fire carried out? In a way, an idea of this will help to draw up the already mentioned sample of a test report for fire escapes, but in this section we will describe the components of the procedure in more detail:
Regardless of whether you installed the ladder with your own hands, or it was mounted by specialists of the appropriate profile, the testing process should be carried out according to a single approved scheme.
The schedule includes the following stages:
- Visual inspection of stairs, load-bearing and fastening structures. At this stage, the general condition of the evacuation route, the quality of the installation and fastening of the elements, the condition of the coating, and the presence or absence of signs of corrosion are assessed. Also, during a visual inspection, welds are examined and their obvious defects are determined.
- Load tests (static and dynamic). During the inspection, each element and the entire structure as a whole are subjected to standard loads. For this, special control equipment is used to assess the level of deformation.
As a result, the following are checked:
- Location of evacuation routes and compliance of the position of individual elements with standards.
- Dimensions of fire escapes and their parts.
- The condition of the parts, their integrity, the presence of and the nature of the damage.
- Reliability of welded joints, strength of steps, bowstrings, stringers, marching platforms.
- Reliability of fixing the structure on the load-bearing elements of the building.
- Compliance of fences and railings with standards for size and load.
After completing the measuring stage of the procedure, the instruction assumes analysis of the data obtained, performing calculations and filling out the reporting documentation. The data and conclusions are entered into the form of the fire escape test report, on the basis of which an expert opinion is made.
If any deficiencies are found, the report contains recommendations for their elimination.
Protocol structure
Output
If you are in charge of one or more evacuation routes, it is imperative to study the sample ladder test report. Then you can, without waiting for a check, quickly eliminate all the shortcomings, and avoid unnecessary spending. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic (read also about the features of the ladder on the bolts and about the main points of its manufacture).
