I’m sure you remember that the model codes specify how hardware on egress doors must operate:
IBC/IFC – 1010.1.9 Door operations. Except as specifically permitted by this section, egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
NFPA 101 – 7.2.1.5.3 Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the egress side.
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether a particular type of hardware requires special knowledge or effort to operate since this is left up to each AHJ to interpret. For example, if a lever turns up instead of down, does that require special knowledge or effort? How about a lever installed vertically instead of horizontally?
Well, the hardware in this Fixed-it Friday photo from Dave Cox (fire marshal and deputy chief) leaves no room for argument. A screw was added to this panic hardware so the door could not be used. It’s unclear why, since there were other adjacent doors that were operable.
As discussed earlier this week, if it looks like an exit, it has to operate like an exit. This screw has since been removed.
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I would argue that a horizontal lever requiring to be pulled up would be special knowledge. The natural way to turn a handle is always down, and there’s a good chance I would assume a door like that is just locked. On the other hand, if the lever is vertical I’m for sure going to try both a left and right turn to check if I can get through that door; I would not consider that special knowledge.
In the case of the photo, it appears there is still authorized access from the exterior if the electric strike is all wired up.This also means that if the electric strike is set to be fail safe, egress will be allowed if power is lost or the fire alarm is activated. For some reason, the owner did not want people exiting this particular door (regularly). Still not on board with the solution, but from the owners perspective it’s a lot cheaper than a delayed egress application.
Not sure why all levers can’t be lifted on the pull side of a door. Ergonomics dictates that if your elbow is higher than the lever then the lever should be lifted when pulling the door open. It is a more natural motion. Allegion does it right, other manufacturers, not necessarily so.