Instead of maintaining the fire exit hardware on this pair of fire doors, the rods and most of the latches were removed and an exit alarm was installed. The most disturbing part is that there are doors like this EVERYWHERE…fire doors and egress doors that will no longer perform as designed, tested, and required by code, because of lack of maintenance or improper modifications. And without widespread adoption of the fire and egress door inspection requirements, we’re left to address these problems one door at a time. In each fatal fire the main focus seems to always be on sprinklers, but compartmentalization is key to preventing the spread of smoke and flames. It goes without saying that code-compliant egress is a life safety feature which can’t be compromised.
Great quote…
“We should never rely on a single fire protection feature any more than we would rely on just the air bag or the antilock brakes in our cars. The air bag is a great invention and definitely saves lives, but we still need our seatbelts.” Chris Jelenewicz
Thank you to David Seeley of Clark Security Products for the photo!
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Two actions required?
devices at bottom are a violation of ADA and other accessibility codes/standards
trash blocking door
At least they do ask you to Not Block The Doors
Good photo. Scary lack of knowledge on compliance and safety here.
How many things do you see on just this one pair of doors?
This is a stairway. Should the door have access into the room with appropriate outside trim?
Right door implies 2 actions to exit even though the most common one won’t open the door.
Exit alarm mounted above ADA height.
Left door will not open at all.
Garbage cans in front of only active door.
Some jurisdictions require exit alarm arm to span entire door and not have the potential to snag clothing.
Alarm Lock model 11 usually requires force above 15lb. ADA guideline to actuate release. And that is if it has been maintained.
They must have left the garbage in front of the active door because the sign only says not to block the other door. At least someone was paying attention, even if it’s not correct.
The exit devices appear to be non functional.
Scary part is the 11A is a deadbolt only function so once the paddle is depressed there is no latching function. The doors would be free swinging allowing smoke and fire to pass.
You’re a wealth of information!
Thanks
Now if I could only get paid for it…..