If you don’t think the Ohio barricade situation applies to you because you don’t live in Ohio, or because you don’t do school-related work, think again. The outcome of the current debate over security vs. safety could affect the codes that protect building occupants nationwide. Those of us who have knowledge of security AND code-compliance should be educating others on this issue. If we don’t take on that responsibility, the only voices heard will be those who are pressuring lawmakers to change the laws without fully understanding the impact.
This morning I read an article that does an amazing job of summing up the situation in Ohio and educating readers about the safety aspect. The article was written by Kenneth Trump, a nationally-known school security consultant from National School Safety and Security Services. I urge you to read this article, and share this information as needed.
“Ohio school safety policy should be barricaded from politics” – Ken Trump
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Lori,
Just wanted to get your take on the following post over at locksmith ledger.
http://www.locksmithledger.com/product/12046128/national-school-control-systems-bearacade-door-control-system
Ironically this is just a few posts from an article about code compliant classroom security.
Hi Joaquim –
I noticed the proximity to an article about BHMA’s code change proposal too. I’m not here to pick on anyone’s idea, but this product is not code-complaint. In addition, it prevents authorized access and allows unauthorized lockdown. And it requires the teacher to open the door slightly in order to install it.
– Lori
Lori,
I guess my point is with high profile websites/blogs posting about barricade devices that are clearly none compliant without so much as a mention of possible code issues its no wonder the media/average joe cannot understand the implications of using such a device. In my opinion the product has no use and does not belong on any website, especially when they have knowledge that it doesn’t meet code which they clearly do because of the article about BHMA’s code change proposal, irresponsible. To your knowledge do you know if there is a listing that a manufacturer of these devices would have to obtain to allow the installation of said devices on a door in a commercial setting?
– Joaquim Monteiro
I agree. It is not surprising that schools are purchasing these devices without considering the code issues. They are often not aware of code considerations (even though they should be!), and I doubt that the barricade device salespeople are talking about the codes.
When someone pays for an ad in an industry journal, the publication may not initially realize that there’s an issue. It is up to the educated readers to help with that, and also to share our expertise in the mainstream media. Most of the news stories are focusing on how the code officials are enforcing the codes without considering security needs. It didn’t help that in Ohio the community’s money was spent on devices that are not legal, so that is adding to the outcry to change the codes. We need to help readers of the news reports understand the reasons for a balanced approached to classroom security.