Balcony Inspections
Deck Inspections
Fire Escape Inspections
Ladder Inspections
Fire Escape Load Tests
2022 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9 CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS
Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency where the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with a means of egress.
(BE] 1028.2 Exit discharge.
Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade.
1032.2.1.3 Examination.
Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety by a registered design
The examination shall determine
whether the fire escape stairways and balconies can support
pounds per square foot ( 4. 78 kN/m) An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.
(BE] 1028.5 Access to a public way.
The exit discharge shall provide a direct and unobstructed access to a public way
3312.2 Maintenance.
Required means of egress and required accessible means of egress shall be maintained during construction and demolition, remodeling or alterations and additions to any building.
Exception: Approved temporary means of egress and accessible means of egress systems and facilities.
Reg 4 Fire Escapes Los Angeles – Regulation 4 LA
Chief’s Regulation 4 Los Angeles Procedures
What is REG 4 Testing?
It is Fire Protection Equipment Testing in accordance with Chief’s Regulation 4 or Reg 4 as it is commonly known.
IFC 2015 1104.16 Fire Escape PDF copy actual code
2012 IFC 1104.16.5.1Fire escape stairs must be examined every 5 years ,by design professional or others acceptable and inspection report must be submitted to the fire code official.
IBC 1001.3.3All fire escapes shall be examined and/or tested and certified every five years by a design professional or others acceptable who will then submit an affidavit city official.
NFPA LIFE SAFETY CODE 101 7.2.8.6.2The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) shall approve any fire escape by Load Test or other evidence of strength (Certification).
OSHA 1910.37Exit routes must be maintained during construction, repairs, alterations or provide alternative egress with equivalent level of safety. (permit issued if egress is certified or with egress scaffolding)
FIVE STEPS to Certify a Fire Escape:
- Schedule a pre load test evaluation by a design professional or others acceptable by City Official – AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
- Said professional will confirm with City Official if there are any other requirements other than load testing or other evidence of strength and if City Official wants to witness initial evaluation
- Submit evaluation report to owner/agent and a copy to the City Official as per code
- Issue certification, if passed, done by load test or other evidence of strength to City Official or, if failed, owner/agent and city official to confirm next steps (ex. engineer oversight, permits or other conditions)
- Please contact your local City Official (AHJ) with any questions about the above steps
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