What Does a Fire Escape Structural Survey Include?

​

Our engineer will inspect the accessible structural elements of the staircase, walkway and associated supports.

​

1. Structural Integrity & Load-Bearing Condition​

We look for evidence of excessive movement, distortion, deflection, structural damage or deterioration.

Where structural adequacy needs to be demonstrated rather than simply the present condition recorded, we can undertake further measurements and structural calculations.

​

2. Connections, Anchors, Bolts & Welds

We look for loose or missing bolts, corrosion, cracking, distortion, movement and other visible evidence of deterioration.

Where specialist weld or material testing is required, this will be identified within our recommendations.

​

3. Corrosion & Steel Deterioration

External steel staircases are particularly vulnerable to corrosion because of their continuous exposure to rain and atmospheric conditions.

Where significant steel section loss is suspected, we may recommend ultrasonic thickness testing or other specialist investigation.

​

4. Protective Coatings

The condition of protective coatings can significantly influence the durability of an external steel staircase.

We visually assess accessible:​

Recommendations can then be made for cleaning, preparation, corrosion treatment and recoating where appropriate.

​

5. Stair Treads, Platforms & Landings

We inspect accessible walking surfaces and their supporting elements for:

Any significant defect affecting the structural condition of the staircase will be recorded in our report.

​

6. Handrails, Balustrades & Guarding

Our structural inspection includes the visible condition and stability of accessible:​

Loose, corroded, damaged or unstable elements will be identified.

​

7. Base Plates, Foundations & Supporting Structure

Problems frequently develop where steel columns meet the ground or connect to the existing building.

We therefore inspect accessible:

• Column bases

• Base plates

• Holding-down bolts

• Supporting masonry

• Wall connections

• Visible foundation arrangements

• Evidence of movement or settlement

• Corrosion around ground-level steelwork

Where foundations are concealed, their dimensions and condition cannot normally be confirmed through visual inspection alone.

Where necessary, we may recommend a trial pit or further investigation.

 

What Will You Receive?

Following our inspection, Britain’s Leading Engineers will prepare a professional structural survey report.

The report can include:

Structural Description

A description of the existing staircase, walkways, landings and principal structural arrangement.

Structural Condition Assessment

Our assessment of the condition of the accessible steelwork, supports and connections.

Photographic Schedule

Photographic evidence of significant structural elements and identified defects.

Defect Schedule

A clear schedule identifying structural defects and recommended actions.

Structural Recommendations

Recommendations for maintenance, further investigation, repair or structural strengthening. If further design work is required, we will assess and charge it separately, so you don't have to pay from the start. 

 

Dated Inspection Record

The inspection date will be clearly recorded so that the report can form part of the property's ongoing maintenance documentation.

Red / Amber / Green Structural Condition Rating

Where appropriate, our reports can use a simple RAG rating system to help property owners and managing agents prioritise works.

🔴 RED – Urgent Structural Attention

A significant defect has been identified requiring prompt investigation, repair or other appropriate action.

Where we consider continued unrestricted use inappropriate pending further investigation, this will be clearly stated.

🟠 AMBER – Repair / Maintenance Required

A defect has been identified that requires planned repair, maintenance or further investigation.

🟢 GREEN – Satisfactory at Time of Inspection

No significant structural defect has been identified in the particular element inspected, subject to the limitations of the survey and continued appropriate maintenance.

Structural Adequacy & Load-Bearing Assessments

There is an important difference between a visual structural condition survey and a structural adequacy assessment.

A condition survey identifies visible deterioration and defects.

Where confirmation of load-bearing capacity is required, additional engineering work may be necessary.

​

We can provide both services.

This means that if your Fire Risk Assessment specifically requests confirmation of the structural adequacy or load-bearing capacity of a fire escape, we can tailor our appointment accordingly.

​

Does Your Fire Escape Need Structural Strengthening?

A defective staircase does not automatically require complete replacement.

Where practical, we can design remedial strengthening that allows suitable parts of the existing structure to remain.

​​

We can therefore take a project from initial inspection through to structural calculations, drawings and remedial design.