Erin Banks of Allegion sent me this photo of a keypad lock on a swimming pool entrance.  On the surface, it’s a typical Fixed-it Friday photo depicting the struggle between convenience and security.  But considering that it’s a swimming pool, and the hardware is mounted at “normal” height – not 54 inches above the walking surface, there’s more ponder (read on).

The codes and standards are not 100% clear on this the way they’re currently written, but the intent (as I understand it) is this.  When a pool gate is self-locking and requires a key or access-control credential to enter, the hardware can be mounted at the “normal” height – between 34 and 48 inches above the floor or ground.

When a pool gate is not self-locking and locked at all times, the access-side hardware has to be mounted at 54 inches above the floor or ground to prevent young children from entering the pool unaccompanied.

In this case, the gate requires a code to enter so the hardware can be mounted at normal height.  But the code is posted on the gate.  Is this acceptable because young children can’t read or interpret the meaning of the sign?

I’m curious about what age children are prevented access by the 54-inch mounting height, and whether that jives with the age of children are too young to read the sign and enter the code.

Thoughts?

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