How are fire escapes checked?

The work of the State Emergency Service is very dangerous. The equipment used by workers must be reliable. Equipment is tested periodically, and conclusions are made about the advisability of further use of the equipment.

Testing of fire escape ladders (stick, assault, three-section) is performed annually, as well as after repairs.

What is checked on fire escape ladders?

During the inspection, the condition of the following is assessed:

• steps,
• sides,
• hook (for assault).

Testing of an aluminum fire escape ladder-stick

The stick ladder is installed at an angle of 75º to the floor. A load of 2±0.05 kN is applied to the middle step for 130 seconds. When the load is removed, the ladder is inspected for deformation, cracks or dents.

Testing of the assault ladder

The assault ladder is tested more. First, the cable and hook are visually checked to see if they are intact. For mechanical tests, the assault ladder is suspended by the second or third tooth of the hook, counting from the steps of the ladder. A load of 2±0.05 kN is applied to the middle step for 130±10 s. The presence or absence of deformation or damage is checked.

The assault hook is checked as follows.

The ladder is suspended by the large hook tooth. A load of 1.6±0.05 kN is applied to the lowest step for 130 s (±10 s). After removing the load, the ladder hook is inspected for cracks or damage.

Testing a 3-section ladder

First, a visual inspection of the steps and sidewalls is performed for corrosion, cracks, potholes, and dents. The cable and extension mechanism are inspected. The unfolding of a serviceable ladder is uniform and smooth, without jerks or jams. A three-section ladder should fold under its own weight. When checking the ladder for strength, it must be unfolded along its entire length and placed on a hard surface, leaning it against the wall. The angle of inclination relative to the horizontal surface is 75º.

Loading is performed sequentially on the steps and sides of the ladder.

A load of 1±0.05 kN is applied to each section in turn (on the step in the middle of the section, in the center of the step). Then the second section is loaded with 2±0.05 kN on the middle step.

The cable is tested with a load of 200 kg. The time of each test is 130±10 s. When the load is removed, the ladder is checked for deformation.

The test results are recorded in the log.

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