The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) shall approve any fire escape by Load Test or Certification (other evidence of strength). NFPA LIFE SAFETY CODE 101 7.2.8.6.2

A load test is an on-site test using 100 lbs per square foot weight for an hour on the entire fire escape system and measuring any deflections.

The reason for Load Testing is that the fasteners and connectors, (rivets, bolts, welds etc) which are 25-75 years old, need to be stress tested in a way that will satisfy the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to the extent that the tenants or firefighters can use it during an emergency or other use.  

1. If your fire escape system passes an initial Pre Load Test Evaluation by a Design Professional or others acceptable to the AHJ, then proceed and schedule a Load Test.  
2. If the Pre Load Test Evaluation determines that spot repairs are needed, then do spot repairs and then do a Re Evaluation. If the fire escape system passes the Re-Evaluation then perform Load Test.  Spot repairs do NOT test or correct all weaknesses and therefor a load test is still necessary to verify all fire escape connections.
3. If a full refurbishment of the fire escape system is done then this negates some or all of the need for a load test as acceptable to the AHJ as other evidence of strength.

To achieve 100 pounds per square foot Fire Escape Load Test: No Liability Disclaimer will be part of this process.

A typical example is a 5′ x 5′ foot square platform which would need 2500 lbs of sand or water bags for 1 or more hours with measurements for deflection done before, during and after.  This process is repeated every 5 years for the life of the Fire Escape System.