As you work through the ShortCodes training modules or need to reference the code requirements regarding projects in progress, there are many available resources to help you.

Some of them are located on iDigHardware:

  • Allegion Code Reference Guide – This 40-page booklet can be downloaded for free, and is also available in hard copy.  It is updated annually if new codes or standards are released, and includes information about the code requirements that apply to door openings, as well as articles on a few key topics.
  • Decoded Articles – The Decoded column has been running in Door Security + Safety magazine since 2010, so there are dozens of articles in this series.  Each one addresses a specific topic in-depth, and many of these articles will be used in the ShortCodes classes.  All of the articles can be found on the Articles page of iDigHardware.
  • Whiteboard Animation Videos – In order to accommodate different learning styles, information from some of the Decoded articles has been used to create whiteboard animation videos about certain topics.  These videos will also be used in the ShortCodes classes, and can be accessed on the Videos page of iDigHardware.
  • Code Adoptions – To find out which codes have been adopted in a particular state or jurisdiction, refer to the Codes page on iDigHardware.
  • Fire Door Inspection Cards – Because the requirements for the annual inspection of fire door assemblies are now being enforced in more jurisdictions, this laminated card is handy for providing a summary of the requirements and the paragraph references from NFPA 80.  The card is shown on the Fire Door page of iDigHardware.

For reference, it’s best to have the applicable codes and standards on-hand:

  • Techstreet – The Techstreet website offers online access and print copies of codes and standards.  If you are an Allegion employee and you do not have access to the Allegion Techstreet account, send an email to Lori Greene (subscription link for Allegion employees).
  • International Code Council (ICC) – The ICC publishes the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), ICC A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, and several other codes and standards.  The IBC Commentary is a very helpful companion publication to the IBC, and includes additional information to help explain the IBC requirements.  Codes and standards are available for download and in print versions from the ICC.
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – NFPA publishes more than 300 codes and standards, and those used most often in the door and hardware industry are NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code and NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.  All of the NFPA publications are available in PDF and print editions on the NFPA website, and most can be read online for free after registering on the site.  There are Handbook versions available for some of NFPA’s codes and standards, which include helpful information about the requirements.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law, and the ADA Standards which act as a guide for accessible buildings are available to download for free on the ADA.gov website.  The US Access Board has also published an online guide to the ADA standards.
  • Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) – BHMA publishes dozens of standards that apply to door hardware, some of which are referenced in the model codes.  The standards may be purchased and downloaded from the BuildersHardware.com website (Allegion employees – use the Techstreet subscription site).

Ask an AHJ:

  • The Building Code Forum – This is a discussion group for AHJs and others interested in codes, and Allegion has a forum specific to doors and hardware.  You can search the questions and answers posted by others, or join the group to post your own questions.

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If you know of other code resources that should be added to this list, send them along!

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Review Questions

1. Which of the following statements describe the Allegion Code Reference Guide?

  1. A 40-page booklet that is available in hard copy
  2. A free digital download from iDigHardware.com
  3. A publication that covers the codes and standards that are applicable to doors and hardware
  4. All of the above

2. Which of the following is a very helpful publication that includes additional information about the IBC requirements?

  1. IBC Handbook
  2. IBC Manual
  3. IBC Commentary
  4. IBC Guidebook

3. Codes and standards affecting door openings are available from which of the following sources?

  1. Techstreet
  2. National Fire Protection Association
  3. International Code Council
  4. Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
  5. All of the above

Answers: 1 – D, 2 – C, 3 – E