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New York Fire Escape Inspections

Fire Escape Code New York State

Fire Code 2015 of New York State

ADOPTS WITH AMENDMENTS:

International Fire Code 2015 (IFC 2015)

Web link:

https://up.codes/viewer/new_york/ifc-2015

Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

1104.16.5 Materials and Strength

Components of fire escape stairways shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m²). Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.

1104.16.5.1 Examination

Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety in accordance with Section 1104.16.5 by a registered design professional or others acceptable to the fire code official every 5 years, or as required by the fire code official. An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.

1104.16.6 Termination

The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire escape stairways shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching the ground.

Exception: For fire escape stairways serving 10 or fewer occupants, an approved fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the termination.

1104.16.7 Maintenance

Fire escape stairways shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and shall be maintained in good working order.

N.Y. Labor Law 273 – excerpt:

7. Every fire-escape if constructed of material subject to rusting shall be painted with two or more coats of good paint in contrasting colors; in the case of a new fire-escape the first coat before erection, and the second coat after erection. Whenever a fire-escape becomes rusty, the owner shall repaint it with two additional coats of good paint. 8. a. Whenever a non-fireproof multiple dwelling is not provided with sufficient means of egress in case of fire, the department may order such additional fire-escapes or balconies as in its judgment may be deemed necessary. b. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall keep and maintain every fire-escape thereon in good order and repair. c. No person shall at any time place any encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire-escape, or place or keep a cover of any kind over the stairway opening in a balcony of such fire-escape. An occupant or tenant of a multiple dwelling who shall violate or assist in the violation of the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in section three hundred four. 9. No fire-escape shall be removed from or constructed on any existing multiple dwelling without permission from the department. No fire-escape shall be removed from any apartment without due precaution against leaving occupants of such apartment without adequate means of egress in case of fire. A wire, chain cable, vertical ladder or rope fire-escape is an unlawful means of egress. Every such fire-escape, if required as a means of egress, shall be removed and replaced by a system of fire-escapes constructed and arranged as provided in this section. 10. The department shall have the power to make supplementary regulations relating to fire-escapes.

For entire code click here…

Click on link below for NYC Fire Escape Code Requirements:

§15-10 Fire-Escapes, Fire Stairs and Fire Towers. 1_RCNY_15-10

1) Local New York City LAW 11 requires Fire Escapes that are 7 stories and above to be inspected AND certified every 5 years.

2) New York State requires Fire Escapes to be inspected AND certified every 5 years.

• New York City Fire Code– Regulates fire safety in the operation and maintenance of all buildings, and establishes design requirements for a wide range of building installations. The Fire code is a companion code to the New York Construction Codes and Zoning Resolution, with extensive cross-references to Building, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes. https://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/about/resources/code-and-rules/nyc-fire-code.page

• Chapter 10 Means of Egress
  • Section 1027 Maintenance Means of Egress
  • Section 1027.3.7 Fire Escapes Maintained with FC1027.6
  • Section 1027.6. Fire Escapes
  • Section 1027.6.4. Fire Escape Ladders

• Chapter 14 Fire Safety During Construction, Alteration & Demolition
  • Section 1404.5 Fire Watch
  • Section 1411Means of Egress
  • Section 1411.1 Stairways
  • Section 1411.2 Maintenance. Required means of egress shall be maintained during construction, alteration and demolition in accordance with this code and the Building Code.

• New York City Building Code – Provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, addition, replacement, repair, equipment use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/apps/pdf_viewer/viewer.html?file=2014CC_BC_Chapte_10_Means_of_Egress.pdf&section=conscode_2014

• Article 3 Painting
  • Section 27-2014 Window Frames and Fire Escapes.
  • Sub-Section b. The owner of a dwelling shall paint every fire escape with two coats of paint of contrasting colors. The owner shall paint the first coat before and the second after erection of a new fire escape, except that this shall not apply to fire escapes constructed of approved atmospheric corrosion resistant metal. Whenever a fire escape becomes corroded, the owner shall scrape and remove the corrosion products and repaint it with two coats of paint of contrasting colors

• New York State/City Multiple DwellingLaw– State law governing design and construction standards for multiple dwellings in the state of New York, including, New York City. It covers everything from the placement of fire exists to prohibitions against such arcana as having a commercial fat-boiling facility in your apartment.

Violations

An FDNY violation is an official notice that a property is not in compliance with the New York City Fire Code and/or Fire Department Rules. Some infractions are minor, while others can create dangerous situations resulting in immediate action by the Fire Department or even the issuance of a criminal summons. Violations can be found during an FDNY inspection or based on complaints to the City. The following types of violations are issued/ordered in New York City: Notice of Violation, Violation Order, Criminal Summonses and a Vacate Order.

To remove a violation from record, the unsafe condition must be corrected and proof of the correction must be provided to the FDNY. After correcting the condition, a Certificate of Correction must be completed within 35 days from the day the violation originally was issued. Locations where a Vacate Order was issued must be re-inspected to complete the correction process.

Request a Copy of Violation

The FDNY can provide copies of violations. To ensure quick delivery, be sure to complete the Copy of Violation Request Form and attach all required documents. Please note, Vacate Orders can be obtained only in person. For additional information or questions, contact the Fire Department.

• Request Copy of Violation

Inspections

The FDNY conducts inspections that examine buildings, structures, facilities, vehicles and other locations in New York City. The purpose of an inspection is to ensure that code, laws, rules or regulations are being enforced to keep the public safe.

The owner shall be responsible, at all times, for the safe maintenance of any building, structure and/or premises and make sure it is kept up to code. Anything that needs to be fixed is the responsibility of the owner. Sometimes, when the tenant of a space in the building causes the hazardous condition in violation of the code or rules, the tenant is responsible to resolve the issues.

• Get Inspection Types

Request an Inspection or an On-Site Test

There are a number of ways to request an inspection or an On-Site Test.

• Request an Inspection

Other areas where the New York City fire escape code may apply is the following:

Queens (QN) Communities:

Northeast Queens Auburndale (CB 11), Bay Terrace (CB 7), Bayside (CB 11), Bellerose (CB 13), College Point (CB 7), Douglaston (CB 11), Floral Park (CB 13), Flushing (CB 7), Fresh Meadows (CB 8), Glen Oaks (CB 13), Jamaica Estates (CB 8), Jamaica Hills (CB 8), Little Neck (CB 11), Malba (CB 7), Oakland Gardens (CB 11), Queensboro Hill (CB 7), Whitestone (CB 7)Northwest Queens Astoria (CB 1), Astoria Heights (CB 1), Corona (CB 4), East Elmhurst (CB 3), Elmhurst (CB 4), Jackson Heights (CB 3), LeFrak City (CB 4), Long Island City (CB 1 / CB 2), Sunnyside (CB 2), Woodside (CB 1 / CB 2)Central Queens Briarwood (CB 9), Forest Hills (CB 6), Forest Hills Gardens (CB 6), Kew Gardens (CB 9), Kew Gardens Hills (CB 8), Rego Park (CB 6), Richmond Hill (CB 9)Southeast Queens Cambria Heights (CB 13), Hollis (CB 12), Jamaica (CB 12), Laurelton (CB 13), Queens Village (CB 13), Rosedale (CB 13), Springfield Gardens (CB 12), St. Albans (CB 12)Southwest Queens Glendale (CB 5), Maspeth (CB 5), Middle Village (CB 5), Ridgewood (CB 5), Woodhaven (CB 9)South Queens Belle Harbor (CB 14), Broad Channel (CB 14), Far Rockaway (CB 14), Howard Beach (CB 10), Ozone Park (CB 9 / CB 10), South Ozone Park (CB 10)

Added on Twitter: NYC Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit @mayorsCAU

The Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit connects NYC neighborhoods & New Yorkers to City Hall.

Key AHJ’s:

1. New York Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro http://www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/about/overview/leadership/fire-commissioner.page

Fire Hazard Complaint

You can report potential fire hazards. Reports of situations that may cause a fire hazard, include:

• Unmaintained fire escapes
• Leaking sprinkler or standpipe systems
• Missing exit signs
• Lack of secondary exit
• Storage of paints or other combustible mixture
• Illegal kerosene or propane grills and heaters

The City will issue summonses and violations when appropriate.

Download the Fire Hazard Complaint form (PDF).

NYC Residential Code:

1 RCNY§103-04 CHAPTER 100 Subchapter C Maintenance of Buildings

http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/rules/1_RCNY_103-04.pdf 

NYC Lead Paint Repair Grant for Landlords

The City may provide grants to help eligible landlords fix lead paint hazards in their buildings. These grants cannot be used to fix violations or other work ordered by any city, state or federal agency. You can get information about program eligibility requirements and an application. Call 311 for information about lead paint repair grants.

Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting

Information for Homeowners, Contractors, Landlords, and Tenants

Some renovation and remodeling activities can increase the risk of lead exposure. Homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint, often under newer paint. If you disturb the painted surface with a repair project or are planning to renovate or remodel an older home, it’s important to do the job safely. Lead paint dust or chips can cause serious health problems. Children and pregnant women are at highest risk.

Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and always wet sand or wet scrape the paint. When surfaces are wet, dust levels and fumes are low. Clean up thoroughly. Children and pregnant women should stay away from work areas until the area is clean.

Learn more about how to do repairs and renovations in a lead-safe way with the materials below.

Reducing Lead Hazards During Remodeling

• Tips for Contractors
• What You Need to Know About Working with Lead-Based Paint
• Encapsulants: A Technique to Control Lead Paint Hazards
• Contractors: Lead Safety During Renovation (EPA)
• Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (EPA)
  • Spanish
• Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (EPA)
• RRP: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (EPA)

Additional Information

• For additional questions email ceheduc@health.ny.gov
• Lead Hotline – The National Lead Information Center
• Maintenance requirements: Lead-based Paint http://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/owners/Lead-Based-Paint.page https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/lead/lead-paint-fix-bro.pdf

N.Y. Labor Law 273 – excerpt:

7. Every fire-escape if constructed of material subject to rusting shall be painted with two or more coats of good paint in contrasting colors; in the case of a new fire-escape the first coat before erection, and the second coat after erection. Whenever a fire-escape becomes rusty, the owner shall repaint it with two additional coats of good paint. 8. a. Whenever a non-fireproof multiple dwelling is not provided with sufficient means of egress in case of fire, the department may order such additional fire-escapes or balconies as in its judgment may be deemed necessary. b. The owner of a multiple dwelling shall keep and maintain every fire-escape thereon in good order and repair. c. No person shall at any time place any encumbrance of any kind before or upon any fire-escape, or place or keep a cover of any kind over the stairway opening in a balcony of such fire-escape. An occupant or tenant of a multiple dwelling who shall violate or assist in the violation of the provisions of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in section three hundred four. 9. No fire-escape shall be removed from or constructed on any existing multiple dwelling without permission from the department. No fire-escape shall be removed from any apartment without due precaution against leaving occupants of such apartment without adequate means of egress in case of fire. A wire, chain cable, vertical ladder or rope fire-escape is an unlawful means of egress. Every such fire-escape, if required as a means of egress, shall be removed and replaced by a system of fire-escapes constructed and arranged as provided in this section. 10. The department shall have the power to make supplementary regulations relating to fire-escapes.

For entire code click here…

Send us photos of your fire escape by email: info@FireEscapesNYC.com

New York City is a vibrant metropolis because it’s made up of so many individual, vibrant neighborhoods. Updated in 2014, the New York City Fire Code is a City law that establishes fire safety requirements for buildings and businesses in New York City.  It applies to all persons and places in New York City.  

The Fire Code regulates such matters as emergency preparedness; the prevention and reporting of fires; the manufacture, storage, handling, use and transportation of hazardous materials and combustible materials; the conduct of various businesses and activities that pose fire hazards; and the design, installation, operation and maintenance of the buildings and premises that house such materials, businesses and activities. 

The Fire Department implements the New York City Fire Code by adopting rules. A rule is an agency regulation that has the force of law. All of the Fire Department rules are compiled in Title 3 of the Rules of the City of New York. Before any Fire Department Rule is adopted, it is posted on the NYC Rules website, and the public is given an opportunity to review it and submit comments. The Fire Department also conducts a public hearing at Fire Department Headquarters. Final Department rules are published by NYC Rules, and generally take effect 30 days after publication 

• Get Fire Department Rules (PDF) (Published 10/01/2017)

http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/nyc-fire-code-guide.pdf  

Section FC 102 – Applicability 

102.3 Lawfully existing conditions as of June 30, 2008. Except as otherwise provided in FC102.5, the following conditions, which were lawfully existing on June 30, 2008, but which would not be allowed or approved under the fire code enacted effective as of July 1, 2008, may be continued in compliance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Prevention Code and other laws, rules, regulations and permit conditions that existed when such conditions were lawfully allowed or approved and as such requirements may be amended from time to time: 

1. The facilities that may be maintained on a premises, and the design and installation of such facilities; 

1. The materials that may be manufactured, stored, handled or used in or on a premises, and the conditions of such manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use; and 

1. The operations that may be conducted and/or the conditions under which such operation may be conducted. 

102.5 Fire code compliance of lawfully existing conditions. A lawfully existing condition, as set forth in FC 102.3 and 102.4, shall, notwithstanding the provisions of such sections, comply with the requirements of this code under the following circumstances: 

1. When specifically required by this code. 

1. When the commissioner determines such facility or condition constitutes a life safety hazard. 

1. When the part of the building, structure, facility or premises in which the lawfully existing condition exists undergoes a change in use or occupancy. 

1. When the part of the building, structure, facility or premises in which the lawfully existing condition exists undergoes alteration, whether made voluntarily, or as a result of damage, deterioration or other cause. 

Section FC 107 – Maintenance 

107.1 Maintenance required. Whenever any device, equipment, system, operation, installation or facility regulated by this code or the rules is installed or established, including any condition or ancillary equipment necessary for its proper operation, whether or not required for compliance with the requirements of this code or the rules, such device, equipment, system, operation, installation or facility shall thereafter be continuously maintained in good working order, in accordance with this code, the rules, the construction.

107.2 Testing and operation. Devices, equipment and systems requiring periodic inspection, testing or operation to ensure maintenance shall be inspected, tested or operated as set forth in this code and the rules. 

107.2.1 Test and inspection records. Required test and inspection records shall be available at all times for inspection by any representative of the department or such records as the commissioner designates shall be filed with the department. 

107.2.2 Re–inspection and testing. Where any work, installation or test required to be witnessed by a representative of the department does not pass an initial inspection or test, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with the requirements of this code or other law, rule or regulation enforced by the commissioner. The non-complying condition shall then be corrected and arrangements made for re-inspection and/or retesting. 

107.3 Supervision. Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a competent person who shall ensure that such maintenance and testing are conducted at specified intervals in accordance with this code and the rules. When required by specific provisions of this code or the rules, such person shall be certified by the department or the Department of Buildings. 

107.5 Owner/occupant responsibility. The owner shall be responsible at all times for the safe maintenance of a building, structure and premises in accordance with this code. Correction and abatement of violations of this code and the rules shall be the responsibility of the owner. If an occupant creates, or allows to be created, hazardous conditions in violation of this code or the rules, the occupant shall also be responsible for the abatement of such hazardous conditions. 

Section FC 109 – Violations 

109.2.3 Criminal liability. In the event that any person is burned by the explosion of any material the sale of which is prohibited by this code, or which has not been approved as herein provided, and death ensues therefrom, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, rule or regulation, the person found guilty of selling the material shall be deemed guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars, nor more than five thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for a term not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years; and in case of a bodily injury the person injured may maintain an action for damages against the person violation the provisions of this code.

IFC 2015 1104.16 Fire Escape PDF copy actual code

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