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    Fire Escape Inspections

    No one has every bragged about their shiny new fire escape, so let us help you get your fire escape repaired and/or certified in the most practical way possible.

    Request Fire Escape Inspection Proposal
    Typical Fire Escape
    Trust Us

    Only What You Need...

    ...NO MORE and NO LESS... Read our unique approach below and learn why you will never want a "Payne Free" fire escape inspection again.

    We know that no one likes one more mandatory inspection or inconvenience, but you can trust that we will get you through this prudently and Payne-fully.

    One of these Doesn't Belong
    Can you see it?

    Three Things that Don't Belong?

    We know you use your fire escape for your container gardens. Make sure the pots are gone, at least when we are there,

    ...and save us some tomatoes...

    BUT LOOK, the third item is a support bracket that's supposed to hold up your neighbor's garden above!

    Back-yard Fire Escape Landscape-1
    Fire Escape Inspections

    Shouldn't Break the Bank

    Unlike other fire escape inspection companies, Payne Engineering has lot's of other things they'd like to help you with, so let's save some money on the fire escape and find more exciting projects to work on together.

    We will provide both sound engineering judgement and client advocacy to help ensure practical solutions are provided for any concern.

    Our Fire Escape Inspections are Different

    Payne Engineering provides Fire Escape Inspections by Professional Engineers, with the latest assessment and reporting software. The difference is that our engineers can more accurately assess the structural components in comparison to non-engineer fire-escape inspection firms. The benefit is that the average cost to repair a fire-escape inspected by Payne Engineering is sometimes half the costs of repairs or replacements by others, without compromising structural stability.

    The Fire Code and/or local ordinances typically require a 5-year inspection or certification of your fire escape.  This is important for the safety of the building's residents....

    ... but let's face it, no one has ever bragged about their beautiful new shiny fire escape.  Payne Engineering is able to structurally repair fire escapes that other fire escape inspection firms would typically make you replace, or completely overhaul.  

    Here is a typical excerpt from the latest proposed code update to the NJ

    1031.7.3 Examination. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety by a registered design professional every 5 years. An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.

    2023-03-07 02.30.42
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    Click the Tabs Below To See Relevant Codes

    There is a lot of misinformation and fear-mongering. The information provided below will help you understand why you are being made to perform these inspections and make the necessary repairs.

    New Jersey Fire Prevention Code

    Proposed Repeal and New Rule: N.J.A.C. 5:70-3.2 – The State Fire Prevention Code - Published in New Jersey Register, Monday June 5, 2023:

    1031.7.3 Examination. Fire escape stairways and balconies shall be examined for structural adequacy and safety by a registered design professional every 5 years. An inspection report shall be submitted to the fire code official after such examination.

    New Jersey City Fire Code

    New Jersey Fire Code   

    New Jersey Uniform Fire Code 2015

    New Jersey Uniform Fire Code 2015

    Formal Technical Opinion-3 -  Access the valuable resource on fire escapes issued in March 1985 and revised in October 2016 by visiting the link:

    Formal Technical Opinion 3 

    NEW JERSEY FIRE ESCAPE CODE 1028.6 (Check, this might be old reference)

    • Exterior egress all exit discharge, exterior stairways and fire escapes shall be kept free of snow and ice. 

    • Any new jersey fire escape or exterior stairway found to be in a state of deterioration or determined to be unsafe by the fire official shall be repaired immediately.

    • Depending upon the structural condition, a load test of any fire escape shall be conducted before the escape is returned to service in accordance with n.j.a.c.5.23, the uniform construction code.

    N.J.A.C 1031.6 Exterior egress. “All exit discharge, exterior stairways and fire escapes shall be kept free of snow and ice. Any fire escape or exterior stairway found to be in a state of deterioration or determined to be unsafe by the fire official shall be repaired immediately. Depending upon the structural condition, a load test of any fire escape shall be conducted before the escape is returned to service in accordance with the N.J.A.C. 5:23, the Uniform Construction Code”.

    N.J.A.C 1031.1.1 Storage. “Combustible or flammable material shall not be placed, stored or kept in any portion of an exit, elevator car or hoist way, or at the bottom of a stairway, fire escape or other means of escape, unless such space is enclosed and protected as required by the construction code in effect at the time of first occupancy. Such storage shall be located so the presence or burning of the materials will not obstruct or render hazardous the means of egress.”

    N.J.A.C 102.1.1 Any dangerous or hazardous conditions that are outlined in 1 through 10 below shall be removed or remedied in accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.10:

    Reference: N.J.A.C. 5:23-6, Rehabilitation Subcode

     5:28-2.1 Lead-safe maintenance requirements

    (a)  Each tenant-occupied residential building constructed before 1978 shall be subject to the requirements for lead-safe maintenance contained in this section. All such buildings shall undergo a combined inspection and risk assessment, and lead hazard control work in accordance with (b) below or shall comply with the requirements for standard treatments contained in (c) below. Following the performance of lead hazard control work or standard treatments, all buildings shall be subject to the requirements for on-going evaluation and maintenance contained in (d) below.

    For more of the NJ lead-safe requirements please visit this code at 

    NJ Lead-safe Code Requirements