Fire Escape Load Test
The reason for Load Testing is that the fasteners and connectors, (rivets, bolts, welds etc) which are 25-75 years old, need to be stress tested in a way that will satisfy the AHJ to the extent that the tenants or firemen can use it during an emergency or other use.
- If your fire escape system passes an initial Pre Load Test Evaluation by a Design Professional or others acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) then proceed and schedule a Load Test.
- If the Pre Load Test Evaluation determines that spot repairs are needed then do spot repairs and then do a Re Evaluation. If the fire escape system passes the Re-Evaluation then Load Test. Spot repairs do NOT test or correct all weaknesses and therefor a load test is still necessary to verify all fire escape connections.
- If a full refurbishment of the fire escape system is done then this negates some or all of the need for a load test as acceptable to the AHJ as other evidence of strength.
To achieve 100 pounds per square foot Fire Escape Load Test: No Liability Disclaimer will be part of this process.
A typical example is a 5′ x 5′ foot square platform which would need 2500 lbs of sand or water bags for 1 or more hours with measurements for deflection done before, during and after. This process is repeated every 5 years for the life of the Fire Escape System.
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