One state at a time, I’m building my list of references to state-specific information about school security on the school security page of iDigHardware.  Lately, there have been a lot of questions about Indiana, where a new law mentions barricading of classroom doors.

While some have interpreted the change to mean that Indiana schools are now allowed to use barricade devices on classroom doors, here’s what the Senate bill actually says (in part):

Provides that a school that has one or more employees may barricade or block a door for a period not to exceed three minutes in the event of an unplanned fire alarm activation in order for a designated school official to investigate the alarm.   Provides that the period may be extended in the event that an active shooter has been verified to be on the school’s property.  Provides that, on or before August 1, 2018, the state fire marshal, in consultation with the department, shall send written guidance to each school that has one or more employees that describes how a school may apply current fire safety requirements for an unplanned fire alarm activation in order to provide security to students and school staff in the event of a potential active shooter situation.

While this text does include the word “barricade,” the intent of this law is to allow schools to delay evacuation for up to 3 minutes when a fire alarm sounds, or longer if it is determined that an active shooter is on the property.  The reason for this delay is to address concerns that an active shooter may use the fire alarm to lure students and teachers out of the classrooms.

The Indiana codes are clear regarding egress requirements – classroom doors must unlatch with one operation, with no key, tool, special knowledge, or effort, and no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.  In addition, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design require operable hardware to be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor.  Adding most types of retrofit locking devices to a door that has existing latching hardware will mean that the door will not unlatch with one operation; this is not compliant with the model codes or the Indiana code amendments.

As required by law, the Indiana State Fire Marshal sent written guidance about delayed evacuation to all Indiana schools.  The document can be found here, and includes a link to more information from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.  This page reiterates the following with regard to egress:

Freedom to Exit

  • In general, exits and means of egress may not be locked or obstructed in any manner that would deny the public a continuous and unobstructed means of egress.
  • This is to ensure occupants of a structure are provided with a safe and quick means of escape from dangers that may be present in a building.

What is Not Allowed

  • Anything that restricts exiting or egress from the building.
  • Magnetic strips or hold open devices, if used on a fire rated door.

The State of Indiana has also published the 2018 Indiana School Safety Recommendations, including the recommendation for classroom door hardware to be replaced, if necessary, with code-compliant hardware that offers the needed level of security without restricting egress:

Replace classroom door hardware to ensure fire and building code compliance. The door must lock from the inside and not restrict exiting or egress from the classroom or building. This could reduce the number of non-compliant tactics being used (such as magnets) to allow easier re-entry access by students during class time.
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The bottom line is…the law uses the word “barricade” to mean that a teacher can block the door, barricade with furniture, or otherwise prevent students from exiting for 3 minutes after an unplanned fire alarm.  The supporting documentation from Indiana clarifies that code-compliant security methods are required, and locking devices that do not meet the state codes are not allowed.

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