Fire Escape Confidence Testing

Fire Escape Confidence Testing

Seattle, WA

The Seattle Fire Department requires confidence testing of existing fire escapes by a licensed structural engineer every five years.  This test includes a structural assessment of the escape, and often involves a full scale load test to verify the capacity of each of the landings.  If any deficiencies are found during the review or load test, they will be marked on the escape and noted in the confidence test report.  Once all deficiencies are resolved, a sign conforming to Fire Department specifications will be installed on the escape indicating the date and result of the confidence test.