a. Studies have shown that most fire deaths are not caused by burns but instead by smoke inhalation. In addition to being toxic, smoke obstructs light and limits visibility, which in turn increases the time it takes a building’s occupants to get to safety.

b. In the event of a fire, smoke control systems can help a building’s occupants avoid smoke when evacuating a building.

c. Faulty and inoperable fire dampers, smoke dampers, and smoke control systems are likely to exist without periodic inspection and testing as required by law and applicable industry codes and standards. A 2021 University of Maryland study entitled the “Reliability of Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers and Smoke Control Systems” found a majority of fire life safety dampers inspected, in over 1,100 buildings, needed repair or replacement.

d. Without periodic testing as required by applicable industry codes and standards, faulty and inoperable smoke control systems and fire life safety dampers are likely to exist in New Jersey buildings.

e. The failure of building owners to properly perform periodic inspection and testing of fire dampers, smoke dampers, and smoke control systems is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of New Jersey and the dwellings and businesses thereof, and visitors thereto.

f. New Jersey does not currently have minimum standards for contractors performing maintenance and physical periodic testing of smoke control systems and fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire and smoke dampers.

L.2023, c.186, s.2.