ICC-ES AC539
Full Name
ICC-ES AC539 – Acceptance Criteria for Emergency Escape Fixed Ladders for Installation on the Exterior of New and Existing Buildings and Dwellings
Scope
ICC-ES AC539 establishes the requirements for evaluating emergency escape fixed ladders installed on the exterior of new and existing buildings and dwellings. These ladders are essential for providing a means of escape in emergency situations, especially when traditional exit routes are blocked or inaccessible.
The scope of AC539 covers various aspects of emergency escape fixed ladders, including:
- Design and construction: evaluating the design, materials, and construction of the ladder to ensure it meets structural strength, durability, and safety requirements.
- Performance testing: conducting tests to evaluate the ladder’s resistance to corrosion, weathering, and other environmental factors, as well as its ability to support the weight of occupants during an emergency.
- Installation requirements: providing guidelines for the proper installation of the ladder, including attachment to the building, clearance from obstructions, and access points.
- Maintenance and inspection: outlining the requirements for ongoing maintenance and inspection of the ladder to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
The primary goal of AC539 is to ensure that emergency escape fixed ladders are safe, reliable, and compliant with relevant building codes and standards. By meeting these criteria, manufacturers can obtain an evaluation report from ICC-ES, which can be used to demonstrate code compliance and gain approval for use in building projects.
Resources
Keywords
emergency escape; fixed ladder; exterior installation; building; dwelling; design; construction; performance testing; corrosion resistance; weathering; load capacity; installation; maintenance; inspection