Provides that only registered design professionals or employees with certified fire escape contractors are authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes.*

This bill A4266 requires that only structural engineers or employees of certified fire escape inspection companies can install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways. It amends existing law to specify that compliance inspections for fire escapes must be conducted by these qualified professionals, and adds fire escapes to the definition of "fire protection equipment." The bill creates a new "Fire Escape Contractor" certification classification for contractors working on fire escapes, with specific requirements for certification. This requirement applies to both contractors performing fire escape work and construction officials responsible for enforcing fire code related to fire escapes.