The bill amends New Jersey laws to enhance safety and compliance standards for fire escapes and exterior stairways. It mandates that inspections of these structures can only be conducted by qualified professionals, specifically structural engineers or employees of certified fire escape inspection companies. As a result, a certificate of occupancy for a building can only be issued if the inspection of fire escapes and exterior stairways is performed by these authorized personnel. Additionally, construction and subcode officials responsible for enforcing fire code regulations related to these structures must also hold certifications as structural engineers or employees of certified inspection companies.

Moreover, the bill introduces a new classification of "Fire Escape Contractor," who will be certified by the Commissioner of Community Affairs to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways. It expands the definition of "fire protection equipment" to include these structures and emphasizes the need for proper certification and training for contractors involved in fire safety. The Commissioner is also tasked with adopting regulations for the certification of fire escape inspection companies, ensuring that fire safety standards are effectively enforced across the state.

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