This is the first time I’ve ever received a Fixed-it Friday STORY…not just one FF photo, but 13 photos and Logan Piburn’s narration of the whole situation. Thanks Logan!
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I receive a lot of questions about the code requirements for fire door assembly inspections, so when the Steel Door Institute asked me to write an article on the subject, I was more than willing!
These photos perfectly illustrate the age-old struggle between security and convenience. The semi-permanent nature of the “fix” leaves me wordless.
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Because our team of national trainers is not on the road these days, they have begun offering multiple webinars every Wednesday! Check today’s post for tomorrow’s line-up!
More opportunities for online training – some offering continuing education credits. Check here for upcoming live webinars and access to on-demand recordings.
It’s Fixed-it Friday, AND…last call for the iDigHardware Yeti mug! Share your insight today on my post about school security design trends, and I’ll pick a winner!
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With the current focus on how to limit the spread of germs, many facility managers are considering the addition of automatic operators so doors can be operated “hands-free.”
At first glance, this might look like an LCN 4040 closer that has suffered an extreme failure, but it is actually a knockoff. Make sure you’re getting the real deal!
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Today’s Quick Question: Can an existing fire door be labeled in the field for a higher rating than what it was originally listed for?
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The recording of Paul Timm’s webinar on access control best practices for schools is now available!
Today’s Fixed-it Friday photo shows someone’s attempt at solving the problem of a non-ADA-compliant thumbturn in a veterans’ home. Fortunately, the locks have since been replaced.
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Please share any trends you have seen on new school projects or existing buildings…the safety of all students will benefit from shared best practices (and there’s an iDigHardware Yeti travel mug up for grabs!).
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Raise your hand if you’ve seen a fire door like this. Now wave a virtual hello! 😀 A fire barrier can’t do its job with a big hole in it!
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Anyone know what “loiding” is? How about a “mute”? To find out, click here to download the DHI Glossary of Architectural Hardware Terms.
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This Friday, May 8th, Allegion will be presenting the second in a series of six 30-minute webinars designed with integrators in mind. If you are an access control integrator, please join us!
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I received today’s Fixed-it Friday photo from Ken Sako of Lazzaro Companies, and I’m wordless. Maybe y’all can think of something to say.
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My next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety magazine addresses the requirements for vestibules mandated by the IECC.
Just a friendly reminder to go one step further and ensure that the egress requirements are met while exits are being modified or other construction projects are in progress.
Are AHJs allowing retail stores to make temporary changes in their egress routes to help slow the spread of COVID-19? If yes, are there some guidelines to help ensure safe egress?
While COVID-19 restrictions are a form of forced access control to school facilities, timeless issues must be addressed. Join DHI and the Door Security & Safety Foundation for this webinar…
I don’t know about y’all, but I needed a laugh today (I know – odd things make me laugh). Happy Fixed-it Friday – I hope you are all staying safe and well.
Thank you to those who attended the live webinar last week! The webinars page has been updated with the recording, a list of resources, a short survey, and information about Webinar 3!
Craig Gaevert sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo…there must be a rule against this, right? There’s even a sign! :\
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Someone asked me last week whether a door pull operated by the user’s foot would be considered accessible. The answer seems obvious, right? Read on…
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This Friday, April 24th, Allegion will be presenting the first in a series of six 30-minute webinars designed with integrators in mind. If you are an access control integrator, please join us!
I know that some architects would rather not see thru-bolts for closers, but I think they should be standard for every school specification. Do you agree?
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I’d like to compile some information about how hardware for an isolation room is currently being specified/supplied. What are the current recommendations or requirements?
Remember last week’s Wordless Wednesday photos of warehouse exits? Well, I received some more from Johnson Controls. #wordless
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In case you can’t read the sign on the door, it says, “Push the red button and the bar on the door at the same time to exit.” THIS IS NOT OK!
Many of you probably know a lot about panic hardware already, but maybe you have colleagues who could benefit from Webinar 2 which I’ll be presenting this Thursday. Please share!
Today’s Fixed-it Friday photos show a situation found at a state college. I’m curious whether any of you can come up with examples of when this “fix” would be acceptable.
I find information and a solid plan helpful to me in uncertain times, and I hope that NFPA’s guidance is useful to you. Stay safe!
One of the side-effects of staying at home is that we’re not out-and-about to run across Wordless Wednesday and Fixed-it Friday applications. Can you help save my streaks?
This is a beautiful residential door with a problem caused by the brick reveal combined with the arched top. Can you help? WWYD?
Today’s Quick Question: Is sealant required around a fire door frame – where it meets the sheetrock?
Facility managers need to carefully consider changes made to prevent virus transmission, which could affect egress, fire protection, and accessibility.
Here’s another training opportunity – this time from TGP University. Learn about fire-rated glazing and how the model codes affect the design options. April 14th!
I’ve been trying to put myself in the shoes of the person who made the modifications to these exits, and I just can’t imagine any conditions that would make this seem like a good idea.
My next webinar is coming up on Thursday, April 16th. The topic will be panic hardware – where it is required and the related code requirements – including the electrified options.
Today’s Quick Question: Can door hardware with an antimicrobial coating prevent the spread of COVID-19 or other viruses?
Covid-19 has inspired new “inventions” to help people avoid touching door hardware with their hands, to limit the spread of the virus. How can the hardware industry help?
If it looks like a door and swings like a door, building occupants (and the code official) will probably think it’s a door, and it should operate like doors are supposed to.
It’s Wordless Wednesday and my 10th day of staying inside the house. I hope you are all safe and healthy – and code-compliant!
Next up in NFPA’s series of short videos…Are 3D-printed buildings safe and code-compliant? What do you think? Would you live in a 3D-printed house?
Today’s Quick Question: Is an astragal required for double-egress cross-corridor pairs in health care smoke barriers? The answer surprised me.
Seriously…how does anyone justify this Fixed-it Friday “fix”? If someone tells you this was approved by the fire marshal, I wouldn’t believe it.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a little trouble staying focused in recent days. I’d love to come up with some ways to use this time wisely. Any ideas?
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Thank you to Chad Jenkins of the National Locksmith Institute for today’s Wordless Wednesday photos. And yes, the restaurant was open for business.
Several people have asked me lately about the standard mounting height for two products – deadbolts and hospital latches. WWYD?
If NFPA 80 requires 1/8-inch or 3/16-inch maximum perimeter clearance for fire door assemblies, is it acceptable to add the manufacturing tolerance to that dimension?
You may have to zoom in and look around to see exactly what’s happening in this Fixed-it Friday photo. All I have to say is…there are better ways to transfer power.
Three recent news stories – two illustrating the benefits of closed residential doors, and one from Kristin Bigda at NFPA regarding fire door operation and the Coronavirus.
This Wordless Wednesday photo is an unbelievable example of the abusive conditions a door might face in a school. What do you think happened here?
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For aesthetic purposes, a change is being considered to the configuration of this swinging pair of doors – each leaf would be increased from 36 inches wide to 62 inches wide. WWYD?
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One side of this device is attached to the door with double-sided tape, and the other side is magnetic. It is used in a memory care facility to indicate whether a resident’s room is vacant or occupied. WWYD?
Matthew Stonebraker of Allegion just sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo of a glass door at the Mexico City National Museum of Art, and it’s so cool! Have you seen a modification like this before?
Thank you to those who attended the live webinar last week! The webinars page has been updated with the recording, a list of resources, a short survey, and information about Webinar 2!
It’s Wordless Wednesday, and I don’t know which contributes more to my wordlessness…the impeded egress, or the compromised security.
People often ask whether occupancy indicators are required by code on single-user restrooms. I finally have an answer – and a question that I would love to hear your thoughts on…
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My recent article in Security Sales & Integration addresses panic hardware from an access control perspective.
The intent of the application in today’s Fixed-it Friday photos is obviously to deter the use of the doors – do you think this is code-compliant? Have you ever seen any documentation on these plastic loops?
Remember when Ohio’s state codes were changed in order to allow classroom barricade devices? Almost 5 years later, questions are being raised about safety.
Reminder: I will be presenting Webinar 1 – Code Changes Affecting Classroom Security tomorrow at 11 AM and 2 PM Eastern! And…today’s Wordless Wednesday! 😀
The new fire door inspection cards have been updated, and they will be printed and laminated soon! Thank you for your patience! (I also have a label question for you.)
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When a child with autism or an adult with dementia is living at home, it’s crucial for their family to be able to deter elopement while still providing safe egress. WWYD?
It’s fire exit hardware, so it has to latch!
I think that a traveling door is a great way to teach people about the fire-protection benefits of a closed bedroom door – what do you think of the idea??
When you complain about U.S. code requirements just remember, this WW door is typical in many countries that don’t have strong life safety codes or people to enforce them.
I created a new page on the Topics menu which addresses the accessibility requirements for operable hardware, and that got me thinking…are there other common issues that should have their own pages?
If a labeled fire door is installed in a location where a fire door is not required, must the assembly be maintained and inspected according to the requirements of NFPA 80?
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We’ve all seen closers installed incorrectly…the question is how will the control of this door be affected by the installation in this Fixed-it Friday photo?
If you’re looking to learn more about school safety and security, there are some upcoming opportunities for training and networking – from Safe and Sound Schools, PASS, Allegion, and me!
Some of the life safety features that we’ve come to expect in the US are not so common in other countries. This makes awareness of your surroundings even more critical.
Some new resources on school safety and security are available, including documents from BHMA and NASFM, a story from NPR, and two federal websites.
Should the mounting location for a round light be at 43 inches above the floor? Or lower to allow more viewing area? WWYD?
I know these doors aren’t actually secured with licorice, and I HOPE this building is under construction and unoccupied. Thank you to Keith Zettler for today’s Fixed-it Friday photo.
Webinars…they’re the next best thing to being there, right? Since I can’t be with each of you in person, I hope you will join me on some of my upcoming (and free) webinars.
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OSHA requires emergency exits to be kept clear, to allow workers to exit quickly in an emergency. Failure to comply can result in seriously large fines. #wordless
Do you use our laminated fire door assembly inspection cards? I could really use your help!
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I have to admit, it was kind of cool to have someone send in a photo of a door they had seen, when it turned out that the door was on a project that I wrote the hardware spec for!
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The extreme weather we’re experiencing may open up new opportunities for hardware design…today’s Fixed-it Friday photos could be a prototype for a future product. 🙂
Today’s Quick Question: Are the vision lights in double-acting traffic doors / impact doors required to comply with the accessibility standards?
Have you watched the Six Locked Doors documentary yet? And yes, this door has an exit sign. And a “no exit” sign. And an “emergency exit” sign. 🙁
Anybody know what this is? It’s probably not door hardware, but I’m curious, and many of you seem to have a knack for identifying old stuff. I don’t remember ever seeing anything like it.
Are the doors on these temporary vestibules required to meet the requirements of the codes and standards? If not, why not? And if yes…why are most of them non-compliant?
Keith Nelsen of Lindquist Security Technologies sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday video. I’m guessing it wasn’t an intentional “fix”, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
My next Decoded article explains why it is important for the ADA and all adopted codes and standards to be considered when choosing security products. Let me know if I missed anything!
I can not for the life of me think of any circumstances that would make me consider locking egress doors in a school using this method. Just no. Never. #wordless
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This news makes me really happy – there’s a new standard thumb turn for the Schlage L9000 mortise lock! Don’t worry – the “old” standard thumb turn and the EZ Turn are still available.
Yesterday, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro spoke with Bill Ritter on the show Up Close about recent fires that occurred in NYC, where open doors had a negative impact on safety.
The story here is that the cross-corridor doors in this hospital were scheduled to be 8-foot doors, but the wrong (7-foot) assembly was installed. WWYD?
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Is the UL 294 listing required by the model codes for panic hardware with the electric latch retraction / electric dogging feature (EL/QEL)?
There are so many code issues with this “exit” in a children’s museum that I’m just going to remain #wordless. Could you quickly operate this door in an emergency?
Fire, panic, and other emergencies can strike anywhere, any time. To offer the highest level of protection, buildings must be code-compliant everywhere, all the time.
This documentary should be required viewing – not just for those of us who are involved in codes, but for anyone who enters buildings (that means everyone).
Restaurants are notorious for creative hardware applications…next time you go out to eat, look around at the doors and send me some photos! 🙂
The new year (and some rest over the holidays) has renewed my resolve to continue educating school districts and others about the dangers of some types of retrofit security devices…
This Chinese restaurant has 30 tables, which means that the occupant load is probably over 100 people – definitely over 50. What’s wrong with this (WW) picture?
Last week I posted some Fixed-it Friday photos showing auto-operator actuators, and I just received some interesting follow-up photos from Paul Stockert of EYP Architecture & Engineering. What do you think?
This video was made by Von Duprin in the 1940’s…I’m very proud that I can continue to share the importance of life safety and free egress!
There’s no point in installing an automatic operator if the user can not reach the actuator. Do you know where to find the mounting recommendations for knowing-act switches?
If you have supplied doors, frames, and hardware, you’ve probably had some projects that kept you awake at night. I know I have, but the end result can be so rewarding!
I hope that you enjoy time with family and friends over the next week or so, and I’ll see you all in 2020!
When trying to prevent water intrusion at the fire service elevator lobby doors, what type of door sweep or door bottom meets the intent of IBC Section 3007? WWYD?
Another Friday, another “fix.” This fire door probably won’t perform as designed and tested, should a fire occur. Why does convenience so often win out over safety??
When you’re researching a code issue, how do you know which code to follow? Which one supersedes the others? And which AHJ has the final say?
When I was in high school, our school actually had a patio next to the cafeteria that was the authorized “smoking area” for the students. Times have changed.
News reports indicate during a serious fire that occurred last month in a Scotland high school, the lockdown system prevented immediate egress.
I recently shared an announcement about a webinar with 5 panelists who discussed school safety and classroom security. In case you missed it, today’s post includes the recording of that webinar.
Check out this opening, installed on a ramp in a restaurant. The building was originally a warehouse for a grain mill and other materials shipped by train during the mid-1800s. Can you see the “fix”?
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Kicking off the 10th year of my Decoded column in Door Security + Safety Magazine…time flies!
Today’s Wordless Wednesday photo shows a non-code-compliant modification that occurred after project completion. What other examples of post-construction changes do you commonly see?
Today’s Quick Question: Are door bolts – like the surface bolts made by commercial hardware manufacturers – allowed to secure classroom doors during a lockdown?
We’re kicking off Schlage’s 100th anniversary with a new video that provides a fascinating look (really!) into the history of Walter Schlage and the Schlage Lock Company – check it out!
The creative solutions never end! RB Sontag of Allegion sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photo, and if this is a fire door, we’ve got a problem.
Originally, these doors did not need to lock, but that has changed, and the architect is looking for a way to add code-compliant locks to the doors which have already been installed. WWYD?
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I have seen some questionable workmanship in my career, but this has to be one of the least effective strike installations I’ve ever come across. Can you top it? You can submit photos using the option on the Tools menu.
What are the required opening speed, closing speed, and hold-open time for a low-energy automatic operator? What about a vestibule situation with sequential operation?
This is going to be a great webinar! There is a fabulous line-up of presenters with an incredible depth of experience and insight to share.
Billy Rogers of Rogers Installations sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo, and I’m feeling a little ill. This pair of doors serves a 9,000 seat auditorium, and the man on the right appears to be from the fire department. 🙁
What do you think about this change that has been approved for the 2021 International Building Code? Does it clear things up nicely, or does it cause concerns regarding accessibility?
This week marks 77 years since the fire at the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub in Boston, and the fire is the topic of this month’s Learn Something New video from NFPA.
Kelly Reese of Allegion sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photo, and I have to admit, it’s pretty creative. Unfortunately, if this is a fire door the purpose of the fire door assembly has been completely defeated.
I need some help from any wood door experts out there…any theories on what might have caused the horizontal lines on these wood doors? They weren’t visible until the doors were field stained.
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It’s chilling to consider what will happen when someone needs to use this exit in an emergency. The other exterior doors have the same security measure in place. 🙁
Here are the answers to yesterday’s real-world questions about the egress requirements for this high school music classroom. Read the other post first if you want to give it a try.
Try applying your knowledge of the International Building Code to a real-world example…can you answer these 4 questions about the egress requirements for this high school music classroom?
There’s more than one way to hold open a door for convenience, and if it’s a fire door, the method needs to be code-compliant. Here’s a great Fixed-it Friday example.
If a door or frame has a label indicating that is is fire rated, is the assembly required to be maintained and inspected as required by NFPA 80 and NFPA 101? A proposed code change offers a clarification.
It’s Wordless Wednesday again…can you believe that I’ve been posting WW photos every week since January of 2011?? And there’s no end in sight! Keep the WW and FF photos coming!
This article was published in the October 2019 issue of Locksmith Ledger, and includes some questions that you can use to determine whether your code knowledge is up-to-date.
Do all fire exit doors have fire exit hardware? Even if you already know the answer to this question, today’s blog post might help you explain it to someone who disagrees.
Ahhh…that feeling you get when you overhear someone telling their coworker that they think they’ve spotted a code violation – and they took a photo of it!
What will the future of exit signs look like? Do they need an upgrade using new technology?
It took me a second to see what was happening here, and now I’m #wordless. Thank you to Kim Murkette of Isenhour Door for the photo!
Are you headed to Cleveland this week for the DHI ConNextions conference? I hope to see you there!
Shared restrooms that are not segregated based on gender are becoming more common in schools, universities, and other types of facilities. What’s the ideal hardware solution for these doors?
Kick-down holders (prohibited in most commercial locations) are meant to flip down and hold the door open. This one is being used for a different purpose. Any ideas?
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My next Decoded article covers the tentative interim amendment – TIA 1436, which revised NFPA 101 in order to allow 2 releasing operations to unlatch existing classroom doors.
End users MUST understand the applicable code requirements before purchasing security products, and it’s our job to educate them. We can’t focus solely on security at the expense of life safety.
UL FSRI: Nearly half of Americans believe it’s safer to sleep with the door closed in the event of a fire, yet only 26% always sleep with their bedroom door completely shut.
If you’re anywhere near Cleveland, Ohio, I just found out about a great opportunity on Thursday, November 7th for you to attend our Code Update Roundtable!
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether a particular type of hardware requires special knowledge or effort to operate since this is left up to each AHJ to interpret. Not this time…
Any idea what is corroding or oxidizing inside of this door – and to this extent?? I’ve never seen anything like it! What’s the solution? WWYD?
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I can almost understand how trash cans get placed in front of exit doors, but the (semi-permanent) use of zip-ties is hard to take.
People ask me all the time…Do ALL doors have to meet the requirements of the IBC? How do you differentiate between an egress door and a non-egress door?
If you are looking for some continuing education credit, or just want to learn more about collaborating on a door hardware specification, here’s your chance!
It warms my heart that in the last 10 years, the number of people who actually notice these problems (and often do something to resolve them) has increased significantly.
Remember the photo I posted Tuesday – of the exit door from the fast-food restaurant? If you’ve been wondering what the other code issue was, here’s the answer.
Maybe rules really are made to be broken? Which code requirements are being violated with this creative Wordless Wednesday installation?
What do you think about the width of the aisle leading to this restaurant exit – is it sufficient? And can you spot the other code issue with this door?
Between 2013 and 2017, an average of 4,859 structure fires occurred in educational facilities each year, and only 39% of the schools where fires occurred had sprinkler systems. Read more…
How quickly we forget the lessons learned in tragic events such as the fires at the Iroquois Theatre and the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub. If you see something, say something!
I know that many of us notice funky hardware applications on TV and in movies…here’s one that we can actually learn a few things from.
Charles Anderson sent me the photos below, of a “secondary” exit from a retail store. I know it’s Wordless Wednesday, but here’s something you should know…
This new infographic aims to help clear some of the confusion about the various lock functions used on classroom doors. Feel free to share it!
The statistical likelihood of a public school student being killed in a school shooting on any given day since 1999 was 1 in 614,000,000. Read more in the Washington Post…
I’m Wordless about today’s Fixed-it Friday photo. Considering that this is a retail store, I’m not even sure how/why this happened. Any theories?
I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all answer for classroom security, but as we consider each new problem, it’s important to remember the progression of the security methods used over past decades.
During a flu epidemic in 1974, hospital staff was desperate to accommodate the patients needing treatment. Luckily, someone was watching out for the life safety of all of the hospital’s occupants.
Do you know of any facility that is using the performance-based option for fire door assembly inspection? I asked the Joint Commission about it…
Last call! And in addition to the randomly-selected winners of the 10th anniversary contest, I have a gift for someone who has been a loyal reader since the very beginning.
Looking past the Fixed-it Friday “fix” and the non-code-compliant hardware, what do you think about the design of this opening? Are these exit doors easily identifiable?
Have you ever wished for a short video that gives an overview of fire door assemblies? The Steel Door Institute (SDI) recently released a 2-minute video that covers the basics.
Imagine that you are moving your mom into an assisted living facility, and you notice that the door closer on every fire-rated apartment entrance door has been disconnected…
Can a double-cylinder deadbolt be installed on a multi-stall restroom door in an office building? Of course not! But wait…are you sure about that?
This is the last week of the 10th anniversary celebration, but there’s still time for you to register to win – AND to learn more about the resources available on iDigHardware!
Chris Stokes of Precision Doors and Hardware sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a gas station/convenience store. At first, this looks like careless placement of a trash can…
How do you replace existing pivots when you don’t know the manufacturer or model number? Is there a reliable way to identify existing pivots? Are replacements for old pivots readily available? WWYD?
Bryce King of Allegion sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo…I guess this is one way to deal with a lockout! Send me your WW/FF photos to register to win some Yeti merch from iDH!
My next Decoded column addresses the accessibility requirements for thresholds and changes in level at doorways. If there is anything I should add, let me know before it goes to print!
My Decoded column in the October issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine covers the history of iDigHardware, with some code development and a little of my life story thrown in. 😀
I’m sure you have some photos hiding in your phone that could be suitable for Wordless Wednesday, Fixed-it Friday, or to illustrate a question or problem. Submit them and you might be a winner!
Much of the testimony given at a recent hearing clearly outlines the reasons that barricade devices are not the optimal method of securing classroom doors.
We need to always be on the lookout for situations like these – our attention to these problems can affect the safety of building occupants. #seesomethingsaysomething
I love using creative ways of getting a message out – especially when the message will likely save lives. Check out these videos and VOTE!
You asked for an improved search feature to help you find what you’re searching for in iDigHardware’s library of 2,300+ posts…here it is!
I love these Fixed-it Friday photos from Richard de Campo of Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design. This door leads from the showroom area to the welding shop at The Iron Gallery in Rifle, Colorado.
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Is the door serving a walk-in closet in an apartment or condominium required to comply with the means of egress requirements of the IBC? WWYD?
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Remember when I went to Italy in July and I took hundreds of photos of doors and then hardly shared any of them with y’all because some of the photos were going to be published in Door Security + Safety Magazine?
iDigHardware has been celebrating our 10-year anniversary for several months, and the party will continue through September, with your chance to win one of the daily or weekly prizes!
The door in these photos is at the top of the stairs in a bar, exiting from a non-sprinkled basement assembly room that is used for weddings and parties. What do you think? OK or NO WAY?
If an existing lockset on a classroom door requires a teacher to open the door when locking it (potentially exposing the teacher to danger), there is a way to change the lock function at a reasonable price.
This sign – and the fire door it’s attached to – are definitely left over from the Olden Days. There was a time when fire doors were closed manually to protect the building when it was unoccupied.
The pre-recorded Decoded classes do not offer AIA credit, but the live webinars do! There’s one coming up in a few weeks…
This is a “pod” in an airport, to be used by nursing moms. I’ve seen them myself, but the one I looked at only had the keypad lock and did not have the separate deadbolt.
John Bianco uploaded these photos to the “There’s no crying in Hollow Metal” Facebook page, and he said I could share them here for Fixed-it Friday. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this fix. How about you?
This is an important post about a change that has been made to NFPA 101-2018, regarding the allowable number of operations to unlatch a classroom door.
This is the only door leading to a small auditorium located in the children’s section of the local library. I don’t have a problem with the castle theme, since this is the outside of the door. Anyone see the issue?
This presentation – WN@TL – School Safety in America: Rhetoric vs Reality – David Perrodin – is well worth a listen. It supports the concerns about classroom barricade devices and school security decision-making.
Why are the security measures in these two school districts so different? In your opinion, what are the most important physical security measures for schools to implement?
Today’s Fixed-it Friday photos were sent in by Colin Watson of Allegion. I’m sure some of you must have theories on why this storage closet opening was detailed this way. I can’t wait to hear them!
The first step in improving fire door safety is identifying the problems that are consistently seen in the field. How can the industry help improve the durability and performance of opening protectives?
Steve Griffis of Federal Lock and Safe sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photos. There’s not much else I can say. How about you? #wordless
I know there is someone out there reading this who can tell me more about this type of cylinder. How does it work? What’s the purpose? WWYD?
Here’s a heads-up going out to all of the detailers, architects, and door manufacturers out there…double-check the vision light locations for classroom doors.
Pat Filholm of All Secure Inc. sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” I always say, but luckily in this case Pat will be upgrading their security.
Wilson County Schools: “We don’t use barricaded door hardware,” Wilson County Director of Safety Steve Spencer said. “The reason is…
What is this exit sign in a convention center trying to tell us? Which way is the exit? I’d love to hear your theories, because I don’t have any.
Regarding an existing fire door assembly – the door has a fire label but the frame does not. Is the frame required to have a label?
This post links to valuable information from NFPA about life safety requirements for escape rooms and other special amusement buildings, along with proposed code changes.
Yesterday I posted a Fixed-it Friday photo even though it was Thursday, but don’t worry! I saved up some FF photos during my trip to Italy, and I’m sharing them all today!
I know…things look different, but everything should be in its usual place. If not, let me know and I’ll do what I can to make this a painless change!
Check out this Wordless Wednesday application from our hotel in Milan. This could end badly if there is ever a fire within this area which has a handful of hotel rooms.
Continuing on the theme of Italian hotels (spoiler alert – there’s another one tomorrow), what do you think of this lock on our hotel room in Montecatini?
What do you think of doors and frames that are flush with the corridor wall on the push side? I like the clean look, but the door-operating part of my brain was not a fan.
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Here it is – my favorite Fixed-it Friday photo of all time (so far)! If you have any interesting door photos from your summer vacation, I’d love to see them!
The most popular post on iDigHardware in the last 10 years is an article that isn’t even about doors or hardware. That may be the reason for it’s popularity.
This is one of the most egregious examples of a non-code-compliant egress modification that I’ve ever seen, and yes, it was in a school.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that panic hardware was one of the reasons I started learning about codes in the first place.
Answers to questions about smoke door labels, closers, latches, and gasketing AND…in a labor of love, I have updated the references in the article to include the 2018 IBC. You’re welcome. 😀
Many of my Fixed-it Friday posts show creative attempts at what-not-to-do, so as #6 in the Top-10 series I wanted to highlight another type of Fixed-it Friday post.
In this article, I covered not only how fail safe and fail secure electrified hardware products operate, but which type would commonly be used in various types of systems.
This Wordless Wednesday photo is one of my favorites because it was part of the early inspiration for a topic that has become an important part of my work – the protection offered by a closed door.
For wide-throw hinges on a door that swings 180 degrees, where 2 inches of clearance is required behind the door to accommodate the trim, what is the required hinge width?
If you’re wondering whether you need to read this article, ask yourself this question: Are the doors in the photo compliant with the flush bottom rail requirement?
In honor of the 10th anniversary of this site (and to celebrate my oldest daughter’s graduation), I have escaped to Italy. Do not panic…
This Fixed-it Friday modification must be against the law in the US, but just about anything goes in Mexico.
The day has finally arrived. The updated Allegion Code Reference Guide is ready – 40 pages of code information that you can download for free!
Do you see what I see? THIS is why temporary locking devices should not be approved for doors serving a means of egress. They often become permanent locking devices!
Will this screen door latch keep out a school shooter? Or maybe two would be sufficient? Hopefully we’ll never have to find out.
We know we should close the bedroom door before we go to sleep (“Close Before You Doze”), but it doesn’t always happen.
I’m off for the holiday weekend and I hope you are too! Next week I’ll have a long-awaited gift for you all! Be safe, and Close Before You Doze!
Much of the work to replace deficient fire doors in London residential blocks has not been completed, so one man decided to take matters into his own hands to prove a point. Don’t do this.
This video from Bowling Green State University gives some good background on the ALICE program and on the university’s emergency response protocols. Check it out and let me know what you think.
‘Enquiring’ minds want to know…what was this used for? It’s in the closet of an apartment building built in 1919, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
This is an egress door serving a stadium. Someone “fixed-it” from a security standpoint, but what about egress? This requires a key AND special knowledge and effort!
An architect is interested in specifying a sliding fire door assembly for a project, but I see that the product is listed to UL 10B. I thought fire doors were required to be listed to UL 10C?
This is not a typical Wordless Wednesday post. In fact, there are a lot of words, but this is an important topic. If this can happen in Massachusetts, it can happen anywhere.
Should the model codes be modified to require immediate egress through doors with delayed egress locks during emergencies other than fires?
A change to the 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) helps to establish the intent of these codes with regard to roof doors.
Today’s Fixed-it Friday photo is from Nolan Thrope of Allegion. What’s the old saying…”necessity is the mother of invention”?
How do you provide the required standby power for an automatic operator if there isn’t building-wide backup power? WWYD?
This is a different kind of Wordless Wednesday photo – what a cool door! WOW!
If a school is equipped with security cameras and access control on the main entrance, it’s just one more step to allow law enforcement to remotely unlock the doors for emergency response.
In recent months, the PASS guidelines have been recognized by several state and federal organizations aiming to improve school safety and security. Read more about it in today’s post.
This door – yes, with panic hardware – is on a restroom in Italy. The non-code-compliant hook modification solves the privacy problem. 😐
My man-behind-the-curtain (web guy – Robert Drake from Creekside) told me recently that iDigHardware is the “old lady” among his clients. It’s time for the old lady to get a facelift!
I guess someone needs to get out their Sharpie and add another note prohibiting wood wedges. Happy Wordless Wednesday!
I graduated from college more than 30 years ago, and based on my experience with my soon-to-be college freshman, times have changed!
If a door closer on a fire door is missing the cover, is that a deficiency that should be noted on a fire door inspection report?
Got any old locksets, deadbolts, panic hardware or electrified hardware laying around? It would be a great help for firefighter training! Oh – and it’s also Fixed-it Friday!
Media outlets have reported that locked electronic doors hindered law enforcement response in the recent Virginia Beach shooting. Authorized access should be addressed in each facility’s emergency plan.
Warning: Today’s Wordless Wednesday post is not wordless. Check out the video and scroll down for the words.
I receive so many questions about fire doors vs. smoke doors; my article from the June issue of Construction Specifier answers many of them.
In the almost-5,000 schools that experience structure fires each year, what percentage of the buildings are equipped with sprinkler systems?
This is the door hardware equivalent of whodunnit…maybe I should start calling these “whydunnit.”
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Calling all architects…we need your help with this one! Do you indicate on the drawings which leaf of a pair should be active and which is inactive?
I wonder how long this temporary door will last. Any wagers?
I wonder how long this temporary door will last.
Any wagers?
The May issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine is available for members and non-members to read online! Will you become a Lock Don’t Block Ambassador?
I’ll be out of the office for the Memorial Day holiday. See you tomorrow!
Any theories about what happened in today’s Fixed-it Friday photo?
I can definitely see how a lock that is only controlled by a phone could be a problem, and the court agreed – the tenants now have keys. WWYD?
Back in 1993, Bill Elliott told me to always specify rim panic hardware with a removable mullion on exterior pairs that require panics. It was good advice.
When a pair of fire doors has manual flush bolts and no closer on the inactive leaf, is a coordinator required?
Does the vision light height requirement apply to automatic doors as well as manually-operated doors?
There are Fixed-it Friday applications everywhere…you just have to be on the lookout.
Have you visited your state capitol building to check out the doors and hardware? I’m adding locations to my bucket list!
Where do people get these ideas? #wordless
One of the things that I love most about iDigHardware is the readers’ willingness to help each other. I hope you have some insight to share on these two questions.
This application was found in an airport, and requires building occupants to use a pull station to initiate a delayed egress lock. Is it code-compliant?
I have a theory about what happened here…what’s yours? This “fix” shows the importance of making sure the correct hardware is specified from the get-go.
The IBC exempts locks used only for security purposes from the mounting height requirement. The accessibility standards exempt locks operated only by security personnel. What’s the difference?
When I mentioned that people must be getting tired of hearing me talk about school safety, the response was, “If people can die without our voices, we kind of need to keep talking…”
Quick Question: Is it a code requirement for non-fire-rated exterior doors to have door closers? The answer may surprise you.
When a shooting occurred at the University of North Carolina Charlotte last week, an electronic locking system was already in place that allowed the campus to be locked down in seconds.
When classroom doors are kept locked all the time, it can be inconvenient for teachers and for students trying to enter the classroom when the door is closed. This is one school district’s solution.
When an exterior metal door binds on sunny days but works just fine at night, it’s likely that the problem is caused by thermal bow.
Electric power transfers, thru-wire hinges, and door cords are used to transfer wires from the wall/frame to the door for electrified hardware. Or you can be creative and DIY.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this news story from ABC 15 in Arizona, about the fire and safety concerns associated with installing padlocks on prison cell doors.
It’s only a matter of time before we see the unintended consequences of non-code-compliant, untested, unregulated security devices.
I received this photo from Audrey Weiser of DHI – she was looking for some code language that would clearly state that this application is not allowed. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything specific (that I can think of) in the model codes.
Is your facility or community prepared for an active shooter / hostile event? NFPA has a great training opportunity coming up in June – learn more about NFPA 3000.
Yes, this is supposed to lead to an exit – an exterior stair from the second floor of a function space. #wordless
Thresholds and gasketing are simple in comparison to other types of hardware, but the code requirements can make them difficult to properly specify and supply.
Twenty years ago, I had no idea how the shooting at Columbine High School would affect our industry and my career. It was impossible to imagine that it was more than an isolated event. But here we are.
What in the world? How long could this Fixed-it Friday repair possible last?? I just love Crap Locksmithing’s Facebook page!
This week marks 12 years since the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech. Considering the lessons learned during that incident, it’s surprising that the use of classroom barricade devices would be considered by state lawmakers.
I thought everyone in the world of hardware had already seen this video, but last night I ran across someone who hadn’t, so here it is. I do feel bad for Alex, but LOCKS ROCK!
As the world mourns the fire damage to the Notre Dame Cathedral, it turns out that the doors of Notre Dame are not just ordinary doors; there is a legend that dates back hundreds of years, to the 13th century.
UL’s Firefighter Safety Research Institute has created a number of videos to help dispel some of the myths about closed doors. Here are a few of my favorites…
I’ve heard it said that there are a thousand ways to screw up a door, and I think it’s probably true. Here’s just one of the many conflicts to watch out for.
These 3 perspectives showed up in my Google Alerts today – a school district using barricade devices, a man working in a school who wanted to use barricading when he committed a shooting, and the legal perspective. Powerful.
Jeff Rapp of Wilkus Architects sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photos. I hope whatever this facility is trying to protect is worth the risk. 🙁
These news stories both happen to be from New York City, and both address topics that made me go hmmm… What do you think?
I’ve posted several photos and videos showing what happens when a bedroom door is kept closed during a fire. Check out this demonstration with the bedroom door open.
This isn’t the best practice from a security standpoint, and would be an even bigger problem if this was a fire door, but it does qualify as Fixed-it Friday ingenuity.
Does painting or refinishing a fire door in the field void the label? The answer to today’s Quick Question seems obvious, but can you prove it?
I have had requests for help specifying doors like this, but not on a marked exit! This door is serving a business occupancy. What do you think – OK, or NO WAY?
This is INSANITY! This is yet another example of seeking to remove the safety protocols of the adopted codes, in order to prioritize security at a perceived lower cost.
Fifty people died in the shootings at the two mosques in Christchurch. How many could have survived if the egress door had allowed immediate evacuation?
If our industry is so complex that the students’ research didn’t turn up existing products or a hardware advisor, we need to get more user-friendly.
This week marks the anniversary of a tragic fire that heavily impacted life safety codes and requirements for worker safety. It’s important to understand these tragedies, to avoid repeating them.
It’s been a long cold winter in many parts of the US, but I think spring is on its way!
Someone recently asked me…if residential bedroom doors do such a great job of keeping the fire out, why bother with fire doors? What’s the difference?
Why would a school district consider using unregulated security devices, given the associated risk and liability? The answer may surprise you.
I’ve seen a lot of fix-it attempts. But I don’t think I have ever seen one quite like this.
This question keeps coming up…Is panic hardware required for the residential floors of hotels and apartment buildings?
When my coworker mentioned this door to two different employees, they said they have brought it up with the manager, but the decision was “above their pay grade”…
A news report hit my inbox a few days ago, which discussed a security situation in a Massachusetts elementary school; some classroom barricade devices had been installed in 2014…
I need some help tracking down this lock (if it’s still available) for a current project. Have you run across anything like this before?
Take a look at these egress doors serving a large arena. The struggle for security is real, but we can’t forget about life-safety in the process!
On Tuesday, March 19th, there will be two opportunities to earn AIA continuing education credits and learn about an important code-related topic.
I love the idea of putting our heads together to search for solutions, but inventors need to consider authorized access, free egress, and accessibility, in addition to security.
Is an existing fire door assembly with 2 hinges acceptable, or should it be noted as a deficiency during a fire door inspection?
Do you know what this is a picture of? The Schlage AD lock on my oldest daughter’s dorm for next year, at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville!
As the saying goes…”‘A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” and this applies to mag-lock installations as well. I’ve seen some creative mounting efforts, but these have me shaking my head.
If you are looking for one document that explains the concerns associated with classroom security methods, the recently-updated PASS white paper is a great tool!
I get it. The trampoline park needs to keep kids from eloping. What would you propose as a solution?
When you have a project with 6′-8″ doors, it’s important to think about the clear opening height and the hardware that projects down from the frame head.
How do you choose which code section to use?
Bill Cushman of Genesis Door and Hardware sent me this link to a door with an unusual core…I was Wordless even though it’s Fixed-it Friday!
The fire marshal wants these stairwell doors to close more reliably than they do with the original system. Note the arched brick “frames” and the swing-clear strap hinges (cool, right??). WWYD?
Sometimes when Wordless Wednesday rolls around, I really am Wordless. Today is one of those Wordless Wednesdays.
Guy Grace is the Director of Security & Emergency Planning for Littleton, Colorado – the school district where Columbine High School is located. Here is his stance on classroom barricade devices.
Quick Question: Are steel, ball-bearing, butt hinges for fire door assemblies required to be UL listed?
I saw this last night at a local hang-out called Mama Mia, and I thought of y’all. Happy Fixed-it Friday!
My next article for Door Security + Safety Magazine addresses the signage required for automatic doors. It will appear in the April edition.
The horizontal bars on this “emergency exit” are padlocked to hasps welded to the door – likely to prevent theft – AND EGRESS!
As long as there are still people who haven’t heard this message, I’m going to keep sharing it.
Is it code-compliant to add a deadbolt to a door with a mag-lock, that can be used to lock the door during a power failure?
Yes, you are looking at two kitchen sponges wrapped in a washcloth. Whatever works – Happy Fixed-it Friday!
We must continue to learn from this research, to help avoid or reduce the effects of future active-shooter incidents. Please invest some time today, in memory of the MSDHS victims.
I will get back on track with doors and hardware tomorrow, but today I want to give thanks. First, a little story that might initially sound strange, but does have a point…
It may be a few days until I publish a new post…I appreciate your patience.
This one is a real head-scratcher. How did this happen, AND what’s the card reader for? #hardwaremysteries
What do you know about lead-lined doors, frame, and hardware? Here’s one little tidbit, but I’d appreciate it if you would share your insight!
I have spent two days trying to figure out what to write in this post. I’m still thinking.
Maintained and momentary switches are both used with electrified hardware – do you know when to specify or install each type?
A follow-up to an earlier post…Can extended latch guards be installed to bring doors with surface vertical rods into compliance with the accessibility standards?
A knob, lever, AND a mag-lock? And what’s with the stainless plates? Are they covering old vision lights or do you think they were “original equipment”?
It’s almost time to submit change proposals for NFPA 80 and NFPA 105 – tell me what’s on your wish list and I’ll see what I can do to help!
Sometimes door problems are not evident until you take a closer look. I wonder how many people have walked past these doors and never noticed…
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Quick Question: Is it code-compliant for a card reader on the egress side of the door to be used to monitor who uses the door?
Heads up – the 5-pound force limit on operable hardware is something everyone should be aware of long before the final inspection by the AHJ.
There is actually a strike designed for this purpose, but without job-site creativity I wouldn’t have any posts for Fixed-it Friday.
This video from Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools is a great tool for educating parents, teachers, and school administrators about school security and safety. Share it!
Joe Fazio of Precision Doors & Hardware sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo. I don’t know what to say. How about you?
One part of this webinar that got my attention was the EMS perspective on how a delay in accessing the classroom could affect the medical outcome. The archived webinar is linked in this post.
I really need your expertise on this one…talk to me about exit alarms to deter the use of classroom doors, or to at least notify the teacher that someone has opened the door.
Thanks to Kelly Reese of Allegion for today’s Fixed-it Friday photo! Hopefully this isn’t a fire door!
A couple of weeks ago I posted Part 1 of my new Decoded crossword puzzle…here’s Part 2! I would appreciate any feedback before the March issue of Door Security + Safety goes to print.
Animals + automatic doors…what could be better on a Wordless Wednesday? Ok – I can think of a few things that might be better, but check these out anyway…
To bring more clarity, the Fire Protection Research Foundation has begun work on a full-scale fire test on fire doors with varying gaps between the door and frame.
Training alert! On January 16th the DSSF will host a webinar on NFPA 3000 – Standard for Active Shooter / Hostile Event Response (ASHER), presented by John Montes of NFPA.
Sometimes when I see these creative solutions it seems like it would have been easier to use something that has already been invented, but I guess that would take all of the fun out of it.
Before you get excited about the maneuvering clearance change in the 2017 edition of A117.1, check the errata document. Or maybe I’m the only one who gets excited about that stuff…
Andrew Harris of Willis Klein sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo, and it’s disheartening. This is the exterior door of a middle school classroom with one or more students who have special needs.
If you remember my last Decoded crossword puzzle you may find it hard to believe that I created it 4 years ago! Let’s see if you’ve been paying attention!
When we think about code-compliance, it’s not just about lines on a page in a book. It’s about reducing the risk of tragedies like this one.
This is why I prefer parallel arm door closers over top jamb or regular arm.
Can panic hardware be painted in the field without voiding the label?
As I’ve said before…as a last resort anything goes, but THIS SHOULD NOT BE PLAN A! Do you agree or disagree?
Thank you for being part of the iDigHardware community – in total, iDH readers have spent more than 12,500 hours reading the content on the website in 2018. That’s amazing!
This Fixed-it Friday photo is of an egress door serving a martial arts studio. It’s a good thing the students have special skills they can use in an emergency.
Some thoughts about the newly-released federal report, and some of the documents that are referenced in the report…have you read it yet?
Eric Laidlaw of Jensen Hughes sent me these Wordless Wednesday photos…I’d love to hear your theories/analyses of what’s going on with this opening.
On numerous occasions I’ve gotten the call – a painter/cleaner/mischievous kid peeled the UL label off of the panic hardware or fire exit hardware.
Campus Safety will no longer accept ads or sponsorships from companies whose door barricades don’t comply with ADA and NFPA codes.
So many people sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo from Reddit (thanks to all!) that I knew the rest of you would want to see it too. BTW…this is clever, but not code-compliant!
Have you ever run into a situation where a piece of hardware or a mortar box in a fire-rated frame prevented the GWB from penetrating 1/2-inch into the frame, as required by NFPA 80?
The sad thing about situations like this is that they often stay as-is for YEARS. In this particular case, the sign appears to be laminated or in a plastic sheet protector.
The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) has released the fourth edition of its Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools – visit PASSK12.org to download the guidelines!
We could soon see a code change that would require automatic operators for public entrances. Here’s the current status.
For everyone who has asked, I’m feeling quite a bit better – thanks! The cough is still lingering a bit, but hopefully it will clear up before I head to Carmel next week.
Follow-Up #1: For which types of hardware does NFPA 80 allow job-site preparations to be made in fire door assemblies?
Thank you to Frederic Horrell of Allegion Canada, for today’s Wordless Wednesday photo!
If you’re not in the habit of reading NFPA 80 cover-to-cover each time it is updated, this one might have slipped by you. It’s an important change.
Saturday, December 1st, 2018 was the 60th anniversary of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago, where 92 students and 3 nuns were killed.
I thought of so many titles for this post that would have been apropos but might have offended someone, so I’ll let you come up with your own.
Recovery in progress – I promise I will eventually get back to you if you are waiting for an answer from me! Meanwhile…is this lock amazing or what??
I admit it. I have a thing for old hardware – especially when it’s still functional, and even better when it’s ours!
I’d love to hear your opinions on some of the recent media coverage that presents the school security industry negatively. Are they talking about US? If not, how do we make that clear?
I am still alive, but I’m going to need your positive healing vibes and tolerance for the foreseeable future.
iDigHardware will be on break until Monday, so enjoy the holiday weekend (if you’re celebrating), and don’t forget the rules of holiday door decorating!
Are these safe areas identified in each of the classrooms in the schools that you work with or visit? What do you think of this security measure?
When are facility managers and building owners required to post signs stating the occupant load of a room or area?
In the US we often take life safety for granted, and non-compliant door openings stick out like a sore thumb. In other countries, stringent codes and enforcement are less common.
This TEDx speaker has an interesting perspective on school security. It’s not all about hardening, monitoring, defending. The decisions made now could have lasting effects on kids.
I wonder how many people look at this door and wonder what the reasoning was behind this installation. Maybe we’re the only ones.
Were schools in your city or town used as polling places in last week’s election? What precautions were taken to maintain security and safety while allowing access to all registered voters?
Have you ever been reading a post on iDigHardware and wished you could save it to refer back to later? In the Olden Days I used to keep printed articles in my binder called “Important Stuff” (no lie). Here’s an alternative.
What would you do if you were in this situation? It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but could you live with yourself if something happened?
Remember when a fire alarm during the school day meant exiting immediately in an orderly fashion and enjoying a few minutes away from our desks? Times are changing.
When I started this series 7 1/2 years ago, I had no idea that it would go on this long. Until my dying breath, I will love Wordless Wednesday.
When you’re interpreting the code requirements for a particular building, how do you know which code or standard to reference?
When applying NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code, how do you determine whether to reference the chapters for “new” or “existing” occupancies?
How does a building owner or property manager justify locking and partially blocking a door that is clearly marked with an exit sign above it? #wordless
The answer: In almost every US state. With that said, having it required by code and having it enforced by the AHJ are sometimes two different things.
It’s that time of year again…when teachers get creative and their classroom doors become the canvas. Don’t forget the rules of holiday door decorating!
Recent news reports have questioned the motivation behind the security industry’s involvement in improving school security. This editorial represents my perspective.
In case you haven’t had enough baseball, John Cohrs of Central Indiana Hardware sent me this photo of the bullpen door from last night’s World Series game (nice hardware!).
Fire marshal to restaurant owner: “This door requires panic hardware because the occupant load is over 50 people.” Restaurant owner: “Done!”
Requiring each school district to employ a certified school safety specialist seems like a great way to ensure that the right information gets to each community. Does your state have such a program?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s Wordless Wednesday photo. This is in direct conflict with everything I learned about life safety in hardware school.
Michele Gay is the mom of Josephine Gay, a first-grade student who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Michele brings a different perspective to what we do every day. Please watch.
It has been 74 days since I have written about classroom barricade devices. This refresher is posted by request, and in honor of Safe Schools Week.
The accessibility standards require sliding door hardware to be “exposed and usable from both sides” when the door is open. Here’s a creative solution…
Can less-bottom-rod (LBR) fire exit hardware with an auxiliary fire pin be installed on an existing fire door? If you have anything to add, please weigh in!
These doors are an egress problem waiting to happen, and on an assembly occupancy where large numbers of people may need to exit quickly…
These two videos regarding closed doors and double-cylinder deadbolts will save lives – IF you help spread the word. Who will you share this post with?
Of all the code requirements that apply to doors and hardware, electrified hardware raises the most questions. Here’s a training opportunity to help!
I don’t think there’s anything more that needs to be said, except thank you to Ian Baren of Katonah Architectural Hardware for today’s Fixed-it Friday photos.
On a fire door assembly, is it acceptable to drill/cut a hole in the frame for the latchbolt, and not install the strike?
Eyal Bedrik of Entry Systems Ltd. sent me this Wordless Wednesday video…who can diagnose the problem?
What’s the proper protocol when a fire door assembly has been installed where it is not required? If you’re considering the use of decomissioning labels, read this first.
This video does a great job of summarizing the code requirements that apply to glass and glazing used in fire door assemblies and egress doors. Thanks TGP!
Don’t worry about this fragile door, the “fix” has completely solved the problem. Thank you to Colin Watson of Allegion for today’s Fixed-it Friday photos!
Code issues are not uncommon in hotels, apartment buildings, and other residential occupancies. My next Decoded article addresses some things to look for.
Considering the liability a hotel could face if their fire door assemblies failed to perform during a fire, the repair methods employed by many hotels seem pretty irresponsible.
Do you know what I love even more than photos showing a door problem? Photos showing a solution! Do you have any before-and-after photos to share?
The British Woodworking Federation offers dozens of resources to increase awareness about fire door assemblies across the UK. What types of tools do we need in the US?
This door is on an auto repair shop that was broken into, and it looks like they have taken matters into their own hands…
What happens to fire exit hardware during a fire test, and why doesn’t the force of the hose stream actuate the touchpad and cause the door to unlatch?
Have your friends and family started noticing hardware problems and code issues? Or do they still roll their eyes when you stop to take photos to submit for Wordless Wednesday or Fixed-it Friday?
Thank you to everyone who forwarded this letter from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. I appreciate your help keeping track of what is happening in each state.
Are pneumatic switches required as the auxiliary release devices for sensor-release electrified locking systems? Or are other types of switches acceptable? Please share your insight and experience!
Most people don’t realize how much force the components of a door closer have to withstand. I don’t think this repair is going to handle the pressure for long.
Someone obviously knew that they were rendering the exit unusable…I just wonder if anyone confirmed that this egress door was no longer required.
Are turn-buttons on cylindrical locks compliant with the accessibility standards? The answer to this question is really up to the AHJ, but here are a few things to consider…
What’s the best/most reliable/most secure technology for a request-to-exit sensor in an access control system? If you have a preference, tell me why in the reply box (please).
According to Bob Larson of Builders Hardware & Supply Company, these double closers are doing a good job of controlling this 7-foot x 12-foot pair of doors at the Bamburg Cathedral…
At this point I’ve probably read hundreds of articles on school safety and security, and written dozens of blog posts and articles on the topic myself. This one was a pleasant surprise.
I have never seen anything like these Wordless Wednesday videos that were sent to me by Mary Hinton of Mulhaupt’s, Inc. This may be more than a rain drip can handle.
I’ve received this question many times over the years…Can a break-glass switch be used to unlock a door in the means of egress?
What’s a UHP? An Unidentified Hardware Product that I need your help to identify. But first, a note about spam – and not the canned ham-like version.
Although this is not one of the most beautiful solutions I’ve seen, I couldn’t think of a code issue as long as the hold-opens are above the minimum clear headroom of 80 inches. What do you think?
I agree that these doors are “an extremely discreet solution,” but the last time I checked on the feasibility of using bullet-resistant doors on classrooms, there were several common objections.
This summer I visited quite a few colleges, and this dorm left me Wordless. 🙁 Can you find all of the code-related issues with these fire doors and egress doors?
Could a locksmith be held liable for installing non-code-compliant hardware or will a facility manager face liability for failing to maintain openings in code-compliant condition?
This pair of doors had one of my least favorite applications to begin with, and then access control was added. It’s a challenging modification, and something is missing here.
Clothesline to tie the hardware? Duct tape to prevent smoke from coming in around the door? Solutions to address these risks have been available for decades. Why are we substituting duct tape?
When some people go to the beach, they take photos of sunsets and sea creatures. I take photos of doors, panic hardware, and non code-compliant attempts to mitigate water infiltration. Enjoy! 🙂
Even if you think you know all about deadbolts, check out this article and see if I missed anything. There are a few things that might come as a surprise.
Do these doors on a college library meet the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC)? Why or why not? WWYD if you were the AHJ?
Although electromagnetic locks are easier than some other electrified hardware to retrofit, I try to avoid using them in schools whenever possible. How about you?
As I have mentioned before, it’s one thing to look at a code or standard and see a book. It’s another thing to look at a code or standard and understand the driving force behind it.
