Common Causes of Fire Escape Failure and How To Prevent Them
Fire escapes are a critical component of building safety, providing a safe route for occupants in the event of an emergency. Building owners and property managers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure fire escapes are well-maintained and fully operational for tenants.
Below, we’ll explain the most common causes of fire escape failure in practice and during inspection and how building managers can prevent them from happening to their fire escapes.
Common Causes of Fire Escape Failure
Structural Rot and Degradation
Structural issues often top the list when discussing fire escape failures. Over time, certain materials can degrade due to exposure to the elements.
Corrosion is a significant concern for metal structures, weakening their integrity and making them unsafe for use.
How To Fix It
Regular inspection and maintenance by a certified professional can help identify and address structural issues early on. Applying protective coatings or treatments to metal components can prevent and slow down corrosion. Structural rot and degradation start small but will spread and become a severe issue that causes massive damage to fire escapes if left unchecked. Building owners and managers must be proactive with maintenance and fire escape repairs to avoid significant structural degradation.
Obstructed Exits
Blocked or inaccessible exits are also prevalent causes of fire escape failure. Obstructions like storage items, furniture, or debris can impede access to fire escapes, rendering them useless in an emergency. These obstructions are dangerous for tenants in emergencies and are classed as violations if found in fire escape inspections.
How To Fix It
Property owners and managers must ensure exits, including fire escapes, are always clear of any obstructions. Managers must conduct regular inspections to remove any clutter or debris and ensure doors and windows leading to the fire escape are easily accessible. Additionally, landlords should educate occupants on the importance of keeping exits unobstructed.
Maintenance Neglect
Lack of maintenance is a common yet preventable cause of fire escape failure. Neglecting regular repairs and inspections can lead to minor issues escalating into significant problems. Rust, loose bolts, and weakened steps are just a few examples of maintenance issues that can result in catastrophic failure during an emergency if left unaddressed.
How To Fix It
Property owners and managers are responsible for ensuring fire escapes are regularly inspected and maintained. Regularly scheduled maintenance should identify and address seemingly minor issues before they degrade into bigger problems. Additionally, developing and implementing a maintenance plan can help prevent neglect of critical safety features such as fire escapes.
Ensure Your Fire Escape Is Up to Code With Maximum Fire Escapes
At Maximum Fire Escapes, we understand the importance of fire escape safety and compliance with building codes and regulations. Our team of certified professionals offers fire escape inspection, maintenance, and repair services to ensure that your fire escapes are always up to code.
Whatever you need to ensure your fire escape is up to code, we can help. Contact our expert team to schedule a consultation today.