The following information specifies the methods to be used in correcting deficiencies that have been
noted on your fire escape(s). These repairs must be completed as soon as practical to ensure the
continued safe use of these exiting systems. Cleaning and painting may be delayed upon written request.
The following is provided by this office to assist you in expediting the repairs, cleaning and painting:
REPAIRS
• A permit from the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) shall be required for replacing structural
components (knee bracing and connections to the building), replacing major sections of the fire
escape (a flight of stairs, a length of the firefighter’s ladder, a section of railing, a section of a
platform) or when a significant amount of welding occurs. All repair work shall be done under the
supervision of a registered design professional.
• A permit is not required for minor repairs, such as removing paint and rust, replacing bolts, nuts,
rivets, incidental welding, like for like replacement of a minimal number of steel components that
are not major load bearing elements (floor slats, stair treads, railing pieces). Minor repairs shall be
addressed in the following ways:
a) BOLTS/NUTS: If used in the replacement of existing or missing nuts/bolts/rivets, they shall be
stainless steel, minimum 3/8″ diameter and of appropriate length. These specifications ensure
the strength and resistance to rust for years to come.
b) WELDING: Rigid joining of fire escape components is not recommended. When used, welding on
fire escapes shall be completed by a person holding a current American Welding Society (AWS)
certification for the type of welding that is being done.
CLEANING the fire escape(s) prior to painting is an extremely important step. Studies show that paint
applied to a surface prepared using hand tools (scrapers, grinders, wire wheels, etc.) will survive for
approximately 2 years, while the same paint applied following preparation by sandblasting will last about
10 years. This office may require sandblasting prior to painting. NOTE: Precautions shall be taken when
working with lead based paint and may require separate permits through other agencies (DEQ, EPA,
etc.).
PAINTING your fire escape(s) preserves the integrity of the joining systems. Paint may be applied using
brush, roller, or spray and shall be applied to all surfaces. Caulking all metal to metal contacts prior to
painting should be considered and is preferred.
Paint coatings shall be one of the following:
• One (1) coat of iron oxide primer, followed by one (1) coat of alkyd enamel finish (or)
• One (1) coat of a single coat paint such as “Hammerite” brand paint, Amershield Polyester-
Acrylic Aliphatic Polyurethane or Val-Chem Epoxy Mastic 75-W-9W (or)
• Alternative coatings of paints equivalent to “B” upon approval by this office.