In the event of an emergency, every second counts. For commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential buildings, a secondary means of egress is not just a “backup plan”—it is a critical life-safety system. A properly designed and maintained emergency exit staircase can be the difference between a safe evacuation and a catastrophe.
At Weld Rich & Steel, we specialize in the fabrication and installation of fire escapes and emergency stairs that meet the highest safety standards in Ontario.
1. Compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC)
The primary reason to install or upgrade an emergency exit is legal compliance. The Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code mandate that most buildings must have at least two remote exits to ensure occupants aren’t trapped if one path is blocked by fire or smoke.
Capacity Requirements: The width and configuration of the stairs must be able to handle the building’s maximum occupancy.
Structural Integrity: Emergency stairs must be engineered to hold specific “live loads,” ensuring they won’t collapse under the weight of a crowd during an evacuation.
Annual Inspections: Property owners are legally required to ensure these structures are free from rust and structural defects.
2. Durability in the Ontario Climate
In Ontario, exterior emergency stairs are exposed to extreme conditions: freezing rain, heavy snow, and corrosive road salt.
Corrosion Protection: Unlike interior stairs, exterior exits must be protected. We strongly recommend Hot-Dip Galvanizing. This process creates a metallurgical bond that prevents rust for decades, ensuring the stairs remain structurally sound even after 20 years of exposure.
Self-Cleaning Treads: For emergency exits, we use “Grip Strut” or serrated bar grating. These surfaces allow snow and ice to fall through the holes, providing a non-slip surface that is vital during a winter emergency.
3. Fire Resistance and Material Choice
While wood or concrete may be used in some applications, structural steel is the gold standard for emergency exits for several reasons:
Non-Combustibility: Steel does not burn or contribute fuel to a fire.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: It allows for long spans and complex configurations without requiring massive support columns that might block ground-level access.
Fast Installation: Most components can be shop-fabricated and quickly assembled on-site, minimizing disruption to your business operations.
4. Reducing Liability for Property Owners
As a property owner or manager, you are liable for the safety of everyone in your building. An outdated, rusted, or non-compliant fire escape is a massive liability risk.
Insurance Benefits: Many insurance providers offer better rates for buildings that exceed minimum safety standards.
Passing Inspections: Avoid costly fines and “Work Orders” from fire marshals by ensuring your exits are built by CWB-certified professionals.
5. Maintenance: Don’t Wait for an Emergency
A staircase that looks “okay” from a distance might have hidden structural issues. Look for these warning signs:
Scaling Rust: Especially at the joints and where the stairs connect to the building wall.
Loose Anchors: Any movement or “wobble” when walking on the stairs is a sign of failure.
Water Pooling: If water collects on the treads, it will eventually lead to rot.
Need a safety audit? If you are unsure if your current exit meets the Ontario Building Code, contact Weld Rich & Steel for a professional assessment and high-quality fabrication services.