Lori is the Manager, Codes and Resources for Allegion, and the creator of iDigHardware. With more than 35 years of experience in the door and hardware industry, in her current role she focuses exclusively on the code requirements that apply to door openings.
Lori is there any Code or other requirement for situations like this where they should have to change the doors or hardware? Are there signage requirements?
It’s not clearly stated in the IBC what they would need to do here, but this door looks an awful lot like an exit to me. If it’s not an exit, I would recommend changing the panic hardware to something lockable.
I do not know of any restrictions on use of panic hardware on doors other than exit doors. If the doors can easily be confused as exit doors then perhaps they should be better identified.
Although the IBC doesn’t address the issue, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code addresses the specific labeling required for No Exit – 7.10.8.3.
No change of hardware is mentioned in the LSC.
If a door would be used for egress during certain events, but not otherwise, and if it is required to be a latching fire door, I would think that having panic hardware installed would appropriate. At times when the door isn’t usable for egress, however, I think the panic hardware should be obscured by a sign with an arrow pointing to the proper exit.
If this is not an exit then someone just spent a lot of $$$$ on hardware just to latch the doors. Is this an institution?
DAVID FEDERICO
October 21, 2018 at 12:13 pm - Reply
If it looks like a duck walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…..it’s a Duck …
Definitely needs to have larger signage and directions to the nearest useable exit
Lori is there any Code or other requirement for situations like this where they should have to change the doors or hardware? Are there signage requirements?
Hi Jon –
It’s not clearly stated in the IBC what they would need to do here, but this door looks an awful lot like an exit to me. If it’s not an exit, I would recommend changing the panic hardware to something lockable.
– Lori
Exit sign above the door??
All that is missing is the Skull & Crossbones !!! LOL
Picture doesn’t show if there is an exit sign, so is this a legally locked door or not?
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is not an exit. 🙂
But the real question is: Where does it go?
looks like an exit, has push hardware like and exit, without seeing the other side I would say it is an exit.
if it is not an exit submit a plan and permit application to change the hardware.
I do not know of any restrictions on use of panic hardware on doors other than exit doors. If the doors can easily be confused as exit doors then perhaps they should be better identified.
Although the IBC doesn’t address the issue, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code addresses the specific labeling required for No Exit – 7.10.8.3.
No change of hardware is mentioned in the LSC.
If a door would be used for egress during certain events, but not otherwise, and if it is required to be a latching fire door, I would think that having panic hardware installed would appropriate. At times when the door isn’t usable for egress, however, I think the panic hardware should be obscured by a sign with an arrow pointing to the proper exit.
If this is not an exit then someone just spent a lot of $$$$ on hardware just to latch the doors. Is this an institution?
If it looks like a duck walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…..it’s a Duck …
Definitely needs to have larger signage and directions to the nearest useable exit