Types of Fire Escapes Table of Contents Exterior Staircase Fire Escapes Interior Staircase Fire Escapes Drop Ladders Extending fire escape ladders Chutes Balcony or Catwalk Fire Escape Upside Fire Escape Staircases Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Nick Bishop My name is Nick Bishop - your aluminum Access Solutions Advisor on the Commercial team. I have 9 years of experience at Upside Innovations. I specialize in access to warehouses, distribution centers and commercial buildings. With my expertise—where aluminum meets access, brilliance follows. Jun 28, 2024 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Fire escapes are critical for providing a quick and reliable exit from buildings. This post lists the various types of fire escapes, ranging from standard exterior staircases to some less common types, such as chutes. The Evolution of Fire Escapes in Building Codes Fire escapes became a part of building codes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to several devastating urban fires, such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911. These tragic events highlighted the need for safe and efficient egress routes in multi-story buildings. As cities grew and buildings became taller, the risk of fire-related casualties increased, prompting municipalities to incorporate fire escapes into their building codes and regulations. Exterior Staircase Fire Escapes These are the most traditional type, typically found on older buildings. They are constructed on the exterior of the building and provide a direct route to the ground. Learn more about Upside’s Fire Escape Stair Configurations Interior Staircase Fire Escapes These are enclosed within the building and provide a protected path to the outside. They are often designed to be fire-resistant and may include features like smoke-proof enclosures. Image is for illustration only and not an Upside product Drop Ladders These are retractable ladders that can be extended from a window or balcony to the ground. They are often used in residential buildings where space is limited. Image is for illustration only and not an Upside product Extending fire escape ladders Extending fire escape ladders are retractable ladders that can be lowered for emergency egress. They remain retracted when not in use to prevent unauthorized access to the building. Commonly found in urban residential buildings, these ladders are designed to provide a safe descent from windows or balconies to the ground in case of emergencies. Image is for illustration only and not an Upside product Chutes Fire escape chutes are slide-like devices that can be used to quickly evacuate from upper floors. They are less common but provide a rapid means of descent. Image is for illustration only and not an Upside product Balcony or Catwalk Fire Escape Some buildings use a system of interconnected balconies and catwalks to provide an escape route. These are more common in buildings with multiple adjacent units, such as apartments. Image is for illustration only and not an Upside product Upside Fire Escape Staircases Our APEX Fire Escape Staircase System is designed to meet ADA, OSHA, and IBC codes and is ready to install from the word go. The non-combustible aluminum components have a modular design that allows our engineers to create infinite configurations. Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Non-Combustible Aluminum is non-combustible, and the metal would have to be upwards of 1220° Fahrenheit to melt, which is far past a usable temperature anyway. Durable, Long Lifecycle Our fire exit stairs are 100% mill-finish aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, so they will never rust and will remain structurally sound even in coastal locations. Infinite Configurations Our modular design and experienced engineers can configure solutions for the most challenging projects. Reach Any Height Our team can design modular stairs to reach any height that you need. Code-Compliant We design all of our exterior fire stairs to meet whichever code is required for the project whether it needs to meet ADA, OSHA, IBC, or local building codes. Fast Installation Prefabricated and bolts together on-site with no welding required. We Install Our professional installation crew will ensure that your project goes smoothly and can install anything under 50′ tall. News Navigating the Complexities of Code Compliance for Multi-Use Facilities Read More » February 27, 2024 Tools & Resources Stair and Walk Surface Glossary of Terms Read More » December 1, 2022
