I’ve come across thousands of door-related code issues in the last 35 years, and I have seen a lot of people throw up their hands and admit defeat.  If building occupants are going to keep propping open fire doors or defeating the latches, blocking exits with retail displays or adding creative security measures, why bother??  This makes it even more exciting when someone DOESN’T give up, and keeps trying to educate people about what the codes require and why.

Rick Fox of Colorado Mesa University sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos.  On multiple occasions, he found the fire exit hardware in the performing arts building on campus with the touchpad taped to keep it from latching.  The door leads from the stage to the exit access corridor, and it was being taped during performances to avoid the sound of the device latching into the strike.  Instead of looking the other way, Rick had some adhesive signs made to help inform and remind people not to do it.

If that doesn’t work, I’d propose adding a QEL kit to hold the latch retracted electrically, and release it upon activation of the fire alarm.  🙂

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