I just said to my husband, “I’ve got to post something *fun* on the blog tonight.” I figured that after a couple of very technical, code-heavy posts, we all needed a break. He looked at me like I had two heads…I guess this isn’t his idea of fun.
So here it is…door and hardware fun.
I saw this door at the indoor soccer field last weekend. The entire field is surrounded by nets, with gaps in the nets to allow access to the field. As you can see, there are gaps in the net at this exit door. Do you think this application is code compliant? Why / Why not?
Leave a comment with your answer (click here and scroll down). I’ll collect all of the answers until Friday, October 16th, and one lucky guesser will get whatever I can dig out of the prize vault.
Good luck! And have FUN!!
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I would think it’s not complaint. Just the fact is an emergency situation I would think it may be difficult to find the hole and make your way through the exit door.
I couldn’t resist. I look at the netting as an obstruction to a means of egress in an egress path. Not good, But I’ll bet it wasn’t there when they got their C of O. Hopefully they never need to use those exits because of emergency.
The issue is that the gap in the net is in the hinge side.
Code:
1. When obstructing a means of egress, the obstruction must be on the latch side of the door so a person can run through the obstruction and hit or fall against the actuation device to allow egress.
2. Obstructions must be within 36″ to allow an average person to fall and hit the actuation device with upper body.
3. Hitting the device with your head is an automatic 15 yard penalty or if a soccer field – free kick.
No they blocked the fire alarm pull station, and nobody messes with the fire alarm people….
Also I have heard some jib jab about something about clear paths of egress, but I was not paying attention.
What it we put two magnetic hold opens up about 15′ with ropes going from the bottom of the nets to a pulley to a counter balance weight and open activation the weight drop and lifting the screen up.
My instinct says not code compliant due to the obstruction but I can’t cite the code. Even if some people manage to pull the net aside in a mad rush to get out, others will get trapped in the net and get trampled to death.
My vote: not compliant.
This is almost as good as one I saw while a spectator at a golf tournament, in one of the hospitality tents. The tent had wide-open sides, with posts to hold up the canopy. On each side of the tent, just below the canopy were exit signs. Seriously?
I would say a judgement call. I would want to see the entire facility before saying it is wrong.
Technically wrong::::Means of egress doors shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on means of egress doors. Means of egress doors shall not be concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations
or similar materials.
No way this is code compliant. I would think it falls into “requires an additional motion or special knowledge for proper operation”. If it is legal then the code should be changed…….just a thought.
I know it’s late and from the absolute rookie side of this (speaking for my personal self and not my work self) if I were in a panic that would really confuse me. I think it probably isn’t compliant but a question….suppose they consulted with the AHJ on this and the AHJ made an exception – is there any sort of permit that they give you? Or if something happens (example – fire) would it eliminate the facility being at fault since the AHJ gave them the ok? Sorry so many questions.
Hi Cecilia –
There is a process where a code modification can be granted, and it should be done this way (rather than just asking the AHJ) so there’s a paper trail. I think this would offer some protection for the facility if there was a problem, but it could still be costly for them to defend their position and prove that the facility is not at fault.
– Lori