The bill amends New Jersey laws to enhance safety standards for fire escapes and exterior stairways by requiring that inspections be conducted exclusively by structural engineers or employees of certified fire escape inspection companies. This change aims to ensure that only qualified professionals are responsible for the inspection and maintenance of these critical safety features. Additionally, the bill introduces a new classification for contractors, termed "Fire Escape Contractor," who will be authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways. It also expands the definition of "fire protection equipment" to include these structures, thereby reinforcing the importance of compliance with fire safety regulations.

Moreover, the bill establishes new requirements for the issuance of certificates of occupancy, mandating that compliance inspections for fire escapes and exterior stairways must be performed by the aforementioned qualified professionals. It specifies that construction and subcode officials responsible for enforcing fire code regulations must also be structural engineers or certified inspection company employees. The Commissioner of Community Affairs is tasked with adopting regulations for the certification of fire escape inspection companies, ensuring that the enforcement of fire safety standards is effective and comprehensive. Overall, the amendments aim to improve public safety and accountability within the fire protection industry.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-25, 52:27D-121, 52:27D-126, 52:27D-133, 52:27D-203