Testing outdoor fire escapes: types of ladders, frequency and method of inspection

Recently, modern construction has been focused on the creation of high-rise buildings, where a large number of apartments are provided to accommodate the maximum number of residents. This is due to the fact that most countries and large cities are experiencing the problem of overpopulation, which makes it necessary to save living space.

At the same time, the instructions for the installation of such structures pays special attention to the safety of residents in such premises, since in emergency situations a large crowd of people can create additional difficulties during evacuation.

Amateur photo of a fire escape consisting of marches and platforms
Amateur photo of a fire escape consisting of marches and platforms

That is why such a product as a fire escape is a necessary attribute in houses, and the roof fencing acts as its addition, which forms a whole security system of the building.

However, it is worth noting that in everyday life, little attention is paid to such elements, and the destructive time factor requires periodic maintenance and preventive repair, so that at the necessary moment the fire-fighting systems do not fail and help save the lives of all the inhabitants of the house.

Straight staircase without fall protection
Straight staircase without fall protection

General Provisions and Principle of Organization of Inspection

First of all, it should be noted that outdoor fire escape test first produced at the time of putting the building into operation. At the same time, appropriate acts are drawn up and entries are made in the journal.

Fire escapes located on balconies, resulting in platforms
Fire escapes located on balconies, resulting in platforms

Types of fire escapes

  • One of the most popular designs is a straight outdoor staircase.... This security system is considered one of the simplest, since it is attached to the facade of the building, and a minimum amount of materials is required for its manufacture. It looks like two metal guides fixed to the building with special hooks, between which there are steps.
  • The second type of fire escapes presupposes the presence of special spans.... At the same time, a significant amount of metal is used to create such structures, but its use is safer and allows people to be evacuated on their own. These staircases are often replaced with internal structures, which can partially or completely use the space of the house.

Advice! Straight structures are usually installed on buildings no more than five floors in height, but it is better to mount a special device that prevents falls from a height. It looks like a grid or a cage that is located along the entire path.

Drop-proof design
Drop-proof design

Malfunctions

Usually, the test of outdoor stationary fire ladders is carried out as a preventive purpose, to identify defects and malfunctions and eliminate them (see also the article Repair of a wooden ladder: problems and their elimination).

Moreover, the degree and types of such phenomena can be so different that different equipment may be needed to localize them.

Repair of wooden stairs: problems and their elimination
Repair of wooden stairs: problems and their elimination
  • One of the most common defects in outdoor fire escapes is metal corrosion.... The fact is that the entire structure is located practically in the open air and is not protected from environmental influences. Therefore, it needs periodic maintenance in the form of staining.
Such destruction in the building cannot provide a reliable connection of the stairs to the surface.
Such destruction in the building cannot provide a reliable connection of the stairs to the surface.
  • The second most frequent but not most important defect is a defect associated with loosening of fasteners.... It is often seen when examining old buildings that have undergone additional shrinkage or have been affected by groundwater. In this case, it is necessary to carry out reinforcement work by installing new fasteners.
When evacuating with the help of a fire escape, there is a high probability that a loose element may break off from the dilapidated roof.
When evacuating with the help of a fire escape, there is a high probability that a loose element may break off from the dilapidated roof.
  • Also, tests of outdoor fire escapes and roof fences often reveal defects associated with damage to the roof and stormwater system. They do not have a direct effect on the structure itself, but during its operation they can cause difficulties or even the danger of injury. In this case, it is necessary to repair all systems that have become unusable.

Advice! Testing fire escapes should not be neglected, even if they are practically not used in everyday life. The life of people living or working in the building directly depends on their performance.

Verification by the relevant services includes various types of tests on dynamic equipment
Verification by the relevant services includes various types of tests on dynamic equipment

Frequency and method of verification

According to fire safety rules, the period for carrying out such tests after commissioning is five years. However, it is worth noting that this action is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and therefore one should not expect government services to take care of it.

At the same time, the fire protection authorities can carry out independent checks of these systems, but not to troubleshoot problems, but in order to issue a fine for non-compliance with certain standards.

Therefore, for your own safety and in order to avoid penalties, you should use the services of special companies that specialize in this. They carry out an independent inspection and even repair, and based on its results, I write out a test report for external fire escapes, which can be presented to the inspectors.

Advice! When contacting a testing company, you need to know the exact height of the stairs, their type and method of fastening. You may also need an act of putting the building into operation and the results of previous inspections. This will greatly simplify the procedure for drawing up a contract and save the customer from unnecessary expenses.

Companies engaged in the inspection and installation of fire systems must have the appropriate license and certificate.
Companies engaged in the inspection and installation of fire systems must have the appropriate license and certificate.

Self check

It is worth noting that you can independently make a periodic inspection of all fire safety systems and eliminate all arising defects. However, with such an inspection, it is impossible to obtain an appropriate document that will be valid when communicating with an inspector from the regulatory authorities.

It is also worth remembering that for each type of such stairs, there are certain norms and parameters that are measured with special dynamic equipment.

Therefore, you should not do this check with your own hands. She will not be able to give a full answer about the state of the system, and in the presence of serious malfunctions, it can become dangerous for the performer.

Advice! It is not worth saving on this area, since this can lead not only to unplanned expenses in the form of a fine, but also injury.

One of the devices for taking measurements when testing stairs
One of the devices for taking measurements when testing stairs

Replacement

Most fire safety systems require periodic replacement. This is especially true for stairs. The fact is that most of these structures were installed when the building was put into operation, and since that time a certain period has passed (find out here what a staircase on a metal stringer is).

Most of the construction houses have fire escapes installed that do not meet modern safety standards. They do not have the required bandwidth and are not suitable for use by the elderly or children.Therefore, such designs must be completely replaced.

What is a staircase on a metal stringer
What is a staircase on a metal stringer

It is worth noting that the price of such an installation is quite high, since it is associated with high-rise work. At the same time, new designs are made from innovative materials that are quite expensive.

However, this action also has its advantages. Modern fire escapes are practically not exposed to the influence of the environment, which means that their service life increases significantly. This eliminates all running costs for routine inspections and periodic repairs.

Advice! A complete replacement of fire escapes is best done with a roof repair or with facade work. This will help to save money and not harm the appearance of the building.

When replacing, you should think about strengthening the safety measures during the operation of the device by adding fall protection or installing high railings.
When replacing, you should think about strengthening the safety measures during the operation of the device by adding fall protection or installing high railings.

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At the same time, contacting specialists will not only help to eliminate all the defects that have arisen, but also protect against inspections by the controlling services.

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