One of my favorite retired fire marshals sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos, which illustrate one of his pet peeves. The model codes don’t specifically prohibit signage instructing building occupants not to use an egress door, but do you think they should? Could signs like this delay or deter egress during an emergency?
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Emergency Exit Only was too trite
In an actual emergency I don’t think most people would see the do not enter sign. I think people would be hyper focused on getting out. Perhaps a better option would be a sign stating emergency use only.
Some of my most favorite doors … concealed vertical rod… not
Now I know why they don’t want you to use them .lol … never ending repairs .
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They look so good though! 😉
On the contrary, I think people in an emergency would look up at the exit sign in the ceiling next to the rafters, and say to themselves, “this is an emergency so I do not need to worry about the sign at eye level on the doors.“
Everything is fine here.
It’s possible the signs could cause confusion in the event of an emergency and for me this should not be allowed. Given the exit devices on the doors it’s obviously an exit and in general most people are used to that being an indicator of a way out of the building or an emergency exit. Perhaps the signs on the door should read something like do not use except in the event of an emergency or emergency exit only.
Thanks Randy!
– Lori
Regardless of opinions signage should be removed. Person who took pictures has an obligation to report the openings to local fire marshal let them decide and be responsible for the decision.
I think an “Authorized Personnel Only” or “Emergency Exit Only” would be clearer and better options. That said, if it were me 10 years ago (before I entered this industry) I would wonder if it was an exit or not only because the exit signage is hidden way up high and behind a duct. I would definitely try to find a different direction because I would be worried that would lead me to a dead end.