Hotels; fire escape equipment, ways of egress and notices in buildings over two stories in height.

Every hotel that is more than 2 stories high shall be equipped with an iron fire escape on the outside of the building connecting on each floor, above the first with at least 2 openings, which shall be well fastened and secured with landings not less than 6 feet in length and 3 feet in width, guarded by an iron railing not less than 3 feet in height. Such landings shall be connected by iron stairs not less than 2 feet wide and with steps of not less than 6 inch tread and not more than 8 inch rise, placed at an angle of not more than 45 degrees and protected by a well secured hand rail on both sides and reaching to within 12 feet of the ground, with a drop ladder 18 inches wide reaching from the lower platform to the ground. Such fire escapes shall be sufficient if a perpendicular ladder shall be used instead of the stairs provided such iron ladder is placed at the extreme outside of the platform and at least 3 feet away from the wall of the building, and provided said ladder is equipped with round iron rounds not more than 15 inches apart, except that fireproof buildings may have inside fire escapes placed in a well, shaft, or opening which shall be built of fire-proof material and shut off from the remainder of the building by fire-proof, tight doors. The way of egress to such fire escape shall at all times be kept free and clear of all obstruction of any and every nature. Storm windows and storm doors shall be considered an obstruction for the purpose of this act, and such way of egress shall at all times be kept unlocked. There shall be posted and maintained in a conspicuous place in each hall and each guest room, except the halls and rooms on the ground floor, of such hotel, a printed notice in characters not less than 2 inches high calling attention to and directing the way to such fire escape.