The Different Types of Building Fire Escapes

Fire safety is a priority for residential and commercial buildings. Among the many fire safety standards, a fire escape is one of the best resources for buildings.

For building owners and property managers, it is vital to understand the different types of building fire escapes to learn which one is best for their structure. Continue reading to understand fire escape variations and what owners should know before selecting one.

What Buildings Need Fire Escapes?

Facilities at higher elevations have an increased risk of fire and must have fire escapes. Generally, multi-story residential buildings, such as apartments and hotels, require them to ensure quick evacuation during emergencies.

Commercial buildings that contain multiple floors, including office complexes and shopping centers, also mandate the installation of fire escapes. Stringent safety codes and regulations govern the implementation of fire escapes in these buildings. Fire escapes ensure that all multi-level buildings provide reliable, accessible routes to safeguard all occupants during a fire.

The Main Kinds of Building Fire Escapes

There are many types of building fire escapes, but most fall under the following categories.

Exterior Stairway

You’re most likely familiar with the metal exterior fire escape stairways that cover many residential buildings. These staircases are exterior attachments to buildings, allowing for accessibility when fire or other obstructions block interior routes. They can withstand various weather conditions and heavy use.

Exterior stairways must also feature proper illumination. This ensures that people can evacuate the facility swiftly and safely. Not to mention, owners must adhere to the established lighting building codes for multi-story structures.

Party Balcony

The fire escape referred to as the party balcony may sound strange, but it’s equally as important for safety as any other escape structure. The party balcony is for residential units. Since multiple units or parties will share the balcony, the structure adopted this unique name.

The party balcony provides access to an alternate exit, so residents can escape from the upper levels. Fire safety regulations dictate that party balconies must have durable materials and railings or barriers to ensure safety during evacuation.

Standard Fire Escape

As one could guess, the standard is the most common type of fire escape in North America. A standard escape route includes staircases made of metal to provide a straightforward and reliable exit route during emergencies.

Standard fire escapes include ladders or platforms that connect the upper floors to the ground, allowing occupants to escape safely. Building owners and property managers must regularly maintain these entry and exit points to ensure they are free from obstructions and function properly when needed.

Counterbalance Stairways

Counterbalance stairways are an innovative type of fire escape that maximizes space while providing an efficient evacuation route. These stairways operate on a system that uses counterweights to lower or raise the stairs as needed. They’re particularly advantageous in urban settings with limited space to conduct a smooth transition between levels. Counterbalance stairways are

a modern solution that establishes functional and unobtrusive emergency exits.

Which Fire Escape Is Best for My Building? Factors To Consider

Now you understand the different types of fire escapes available for buildings, which one is ideal for your structure? Let’s go over the factors owners and property managers must acknowledge before installing a fire escape.

Local Codes and Regulations

Building owners and civil engineers must familiarize themselves with local codes and regulations when selecting fire escape systems. These regulations can vary between jurisdictions, often specifying minimum standards for safety, accessibility, and design.

Compliance with these codes safeguards occupants and avoids legal liabilities. It’s essential to consult the local fire department and building authorities to guarantee the chosen fire escape meets all required guidelines, including materials, dimensions, and maintenance protocols.

Building Height and Structure

The height and structure of a building can determine the appropriate type of fire escape. Taller buildings may require more complex escape systems, such as external staircases or refuge areas, to ensure safe evacuation.

The building’s design—including its layout and number of floors—will affect the placement of fire escapes to confirm their accessibility for all individuals. Civil engineers should conduct thorough assessments to consider the fire escape options for different building types to create efficient routes for all levels of occupancy.

Occupant Load

Understanding the occupant load is a key factor when selecting the ideal fire escape. The number of people that the building can accommodate directly affects the design and capacity of the escape routes.

Buildings with high occupancy will necessitate multiple exits and wider stairways to expedite an emergency evacuation. Owners and civil engineers must calculate the expected occupant load, so they can design fire escape systems that can safely handle the maximum number of occupants.

Access Points and Routes

Lastly, bAccess points and routes to fire escapes are essential to establish the type of fire escape your structure needs.

Ensure all occupants—including individuals with mobility disabilities—can access fire escape routes. Consider the placement of furniture, doors, and other structures that may impede access during an emergency.

How Do I Install a Fire Escape?

Installing a fire escape involves precise planning and execution. Building owners should hire a qualified construction team for their fire escape installation, like Maximum Fire Escapes.

The process begins with a thorough assessment of the building’s layout. We will take into account the building’s occupant load, potential obstructions, access points, and the height and size of the structure to determine the most suitable fire escape.

It’s also important to maintain close communication with the installation team to guarantee that the design and materials are high-quality and adhere to safety standards. We’ll work with you to design a fire escape that complies with safety codes and suits your building’s unique structure.

Maximum Fire Escapes Is Here To Help

The integration of a well-designed fire escape system is an indispensable component of building safety, effectively ensuring the protection of occupants during emergencies. Understanding the diverse types of fire escapes—such as exterior stairways, party balconies, standard fire escapes, and counterbalance stairways—enables building owners to make informed decisions.

For those seeking expertly crafted fire escape solutions, Maximum Fire Escapes is ready to assist. Partner with us to meet your building’s fire safety needs with precision.