Keith Nelsen from Lindquist Security Technologies sent me the video below – Keith is a firefighter as well as having a long career in the door and hardware industry, so he’s always got good insight to share.

There are a few interesting things about this video…check it out and then scroll down.

My thoughts:

  1. At first I thought someone broke into the ATM, but it looks like what happened is that the people went into the ATM vestibule before 8 pm, and the door automatically locked at 8, trapping them inside.  This is exactly why doors need to allow free egress, even “after hours” or when the building/area is not supposed to be occupied.  Having the access control system automatically lock the door on a timer would have been fine if the door had allowed free egress.  I’m sure the bank has resolved the situation by now.
  2. I’m wondering if the door had a powerbolt, or if the mechanical hardware just failed (less likely).  Assuming that it was a powerbolt, the code requirements would be the same as for a door with an electromagnetic lock.  Either there should have been a motion sensor and auxiliary push button, or the hardware on the door should have had a switch to release the powerbolt.  Either of these applications would have allowed free egress if everything was functioning properly, but I still don’t like powerbolts because the alignment is critical (affecting security) and sideload pressure can prevent the bolt from retracting (affecting egress).
  3. Clearly the door did not have NRP hinges, which I would typically specify on any outswinging exterior door, any outswinging door with access control, and some outswinging doors with mechanical locks.  NRP = non-removable pin, and prevents the hinge pins from being removed when the door is closed.

Feel free to add your thoughts in the reply box!

For full episodes of Live Rescue, visit A&E.

You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.