How To Identify and Fix Common Fire Escape Problems
Fire escapes are an invaluable aspect of building safety. For property managers, they’re the amenities you hope your tenants and visitors never have to use, but you know you must keep them in working order if an emergency arises. How do you know if your fire escape is working well? How do you identify and fix common fire escape problems if it’s not? Learn how to spot fire escape issues and call on safety professionals for repairs, installations, and inspections before problems worsen.
Common Fire Escape Problems and How To Spot Them
A well-maintained fire escape can save lives during emergencies. However, wear and tear, weather conditions, and improper maintenance can create issues. Here are some of the most common problems.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion are among the most frequent issues in metal fire escapes. They make fire escapes unsafe by weakening their structural integrity. These harmful imperfections indicate that moisture compromised the metal and may show up as:
Red, brown, or orange discoloration on the metal surface
Pitted or uneven metal surfaces
Weak areas that flake when touched
Although surface rust might seem like a minor problem, it often hides deeper issues. Rust weakens the joints and support beams, turning the entire structure into a hazard. Because corrosion can worsen quickly, professional intervention is necessary to assess and fix the issue.
Pro Tip
Call professional safety services for repairs. They use specialized equipment to remove corrosion, treat the metal, and apply protective coatings to prevent future damage.
Loose or Missing Bolts
Loose or missing bolts might not be immediately noticeable, but they can significantly impact a fire escape’s stability, too. Bolts often loosen over time because of the following:
Age
Frequent use
Vibrations
Inspect the joints, support brackets, and railings for missing or wiggling bolts. Ignoring them creates a dangerous situation where the fire escape is at risk of collapsing under the weight of people during an emergency.
You’ll need a professional to make sure each bolt receives proper tightening or replacement. Professionals follow precise torque requirements and use proper materials to meet safety standards and provide lasting stability.
Blocked Pathways
Blocked pathways are another hazard to watch. They can arise from poor maintenance, overgrown vegetation, or stored items obstructing the escape route. This problem is dangerous because it limits accessibility and delays evacuation. Check the full length of the fire escape for debris, branches, furniture, or other obstacles.
Clearing blocked pathways might seem like an easy task, but fire safety professionals receive thorough training to identify less obvious obstructions that could impede usage. They also make certain that clearances comply with legal regulations, guaranteeing your fire escape is always fully functional.
Damaged Steps or Railings
Steps and railings bear the brunt of daily wear and weather exposure, leading to cracks, warping, or weakening. What signs of damage should you check for in this case? Look out for:
Loose railings
Visible cracks
Uneven steps
Signs of bending
Such damage jeopardizes the safety of anyone using the fire escape and can lead to significant injuries if it remains unrepaired.
Hiring a professional guarantees the damage receives the proper assessments and corrections. Experts know how to replace broken parts with durable materials that enable the fire escape to meet safety and regulatory requirements. Their repairs upgrade the overall structural integrity to withstand prolonged use.
The Risks of DIY Repairs
Though DIY repairs might seem like a cost-effective solution, they seldom meet the long-term needs of property safety. Attempting to repair fire escape issues without professional expertise can lead to several risks.
Fixing fire escape problems requires a high level of technical knowledge that most untrained individuals lack. For example, addressing issues such as structural weakening or choosing the proper materials often demands specialized tools and skills. Without this expertise, repairs might fail prematurely and leave your fire escape vulnerable. Plus, temporary DIY fixes may make future repairs more complicated and expensive.
DIY Fixes May Not Meet Safety Standards
Legal regulations regarding fire escape safety are strict and contain many details. By attempting unlicensed repairs, you risk being non-compliant with local safety laws. Non-compliance can result in fines and liability if the fire escape fails during an emergency. Professionals understand these regulations thoroughly and ensure every repair aligns with them.
DIY Fixes Increase the Personal Risks To You
Personal risk is another significant factor when considering DIY repairs. Repairing fire escapes often involves working at dangerous heights, requiring specialized equipment such as harnesses and scaffolding. Improper safety measures can lead to severe accidents for you if you attempt the repairs yourself.
The Benefits of Professional Services
Avoid the legal and personal dangers of DIY fixes by consulting fire safety professionals for fire escape repairs, replacements, and inspections. When enlisting professional services, call on certified experts who know the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Maximum Fire Escapes is one such fire protection service.
At Maximum Fire Escapes, we employ fire safety experts who know the national standards and local fire escape codes with which your building must comply. Our professionals stay updated on regulations and adhere to them when providing fire escape maintenance.
We can spot fire escape problems that untrained eyes can’t identify and fix, such as:
Internal corrosion
Steps that sag
Support beams with cracks in them
Minor structural shifts
These hazards compromise the fire escape’s safety over time. We use advanced tools and techniques to identify and address them effectively. By thoroughly addressing the root cause of each problem, we can prevent recurring issues, too.
Since professionals stay up-to-date with the latest laws and guidelines, expertly cared-for fire escapes will always pass any required inspections. This ensures that your building is in regulatory compliance. Plus, it minimizes legal risks and guarantees your building occupants’ and visitors’ safety and your own.
Pro Tip
Schedule safety checks to take place at least annually to identify and resolve minor issues before they escalate.
Enlist the Professional Protective Services of Maximum Fire Escapes
Fire escapes are a necessity for protecting lives during emergencies. Knowing how to identify and fix common fire escape problems with the help of certified professionals is a surefire way to guarantee and extend their longevity and safety. We at Maximum Fire Escapes can help you make sure your fire escape and building always meet regulations.
Consult with us to schedule routine inspections, repairs, and replacements. With our comprehensive reports, you can address and prevent violations, avoid risky and costly repairs, and protect anyone who steps foot on your property.