How do existing fire escape stairs typically vary in standards from new construction?

Existing fire escape stairs are often less regulated than those required for new construction, which can lead to lower width requirements among other differences. Over time, building codes and safety standards evolve to reflect updated safety practices and regulations. Consequently, fire escapes that were compliant when originally built may not meet the current width or design requirements imposed on new construction. This variance acknowledges that existing structures may not always be retrofitted to meet all modern standards while still providing necessary egress capabilities.

Options indicating that the existing fire escape stairs must meet the same standards as new constructions or have stricter maintenance protocols do not accurately represent the realities of existing versus new requirements. Maintenance protocols being stricter is also a misconception, as older structures can often be subject to less rigorous enforcement of newer codes, allowing them to remain in service with potentially outdated safety measures.