The safety of your building goes beyond emergency plans and fire drills. It extends to your fire escape maintenance, which is essentially your lifeboat during a crisis! The upkeep of your fire escape is essential to ensure secure egress from the building when there are unfortunate incidents like a fire breakout or earthquakes.
Fire escape contractors NYC perform inspections and repairs of fire escape systems to aid optimal safety of the building occupants. According to the New York City Fire Department, every multi-storey building must have a functional and accessible fire escape. Violation of the code leads to penalties and legal actions.
Therefore, as a property owner, you are responsible for keeping your fire escape in working condition and free of clutter so that it is easily accessible during emergencies. As a part of fire escape services, you must conduct repairs whenever necessary. We have listed the common fire escape problem that demands immediate repair jobs. Check them out and stay fire-safe!
You Need Fire Escape Repair: Know When
In the long run, your fire exit system will require repair services. Since fire escapes are generally made of iron or steel and experience persistent exposure to weather elements, they corrode over time. And the fact is, most of us ignore the maintenance of fire escapes because of their rare usage. Also, we often stock up on things on the fire escape platforms- a good storage place indeed, ironically!
Well, fire escape repairs become a prerequisite if you notice the following signs:
- Rust- The reddish-brown flaky substance that deposits on the metal surfaces is called rust. It happens due to oxidation of metals when they come in contact with moisture. Rusting is a form of corrosion that decays metals, leading to the gradual disintegration of the structure. It is the most prevalent form of damage occurring in fire escapes. You may notice flaking, peeling, or discoloration of the surface, indicating the presence of rust. The problem gets severe when you do not address it promptly. The fragile metal compromises the overall functionality of the fire escape.
- Flawed Platforms and Steps- Visible damages like cracks and holes on platforms and steps call for the immediate attention of fire escape contractors NYC. The steps and the platforms have to bear heavy weight during emergency evacuation. However, damages to these components pose threats to accidents and injuries. It can even lead to the loss of lives! To escape such scenarios, ensure the platforms and steps are sound and stable.
- Missing Bolts or Loose Joints- Your fire escape is attached to the building with nuts and bolts. Sometimes, they may come off due to numerous reasons, making your fire escape unstable and unsafe. It can become wobbly and unsuitable for use. Also, the metal joints may become loose due to welding failure. Check these elements thoroughly to stay out of trouble.
Conclusion
Prompt repairs can save you from expensive new fire escape installation. So, perform regular inspections and conduct repairs whenever needed. You will save many lives and your property as well.
