Brian Messina of Kamco Supply sent me today’s Wordless Wednesday photo, and he had to educate me on what I was looking at. #WORDLESS
Doors in a means of egress are required by code to unlatch with one releasing motion*, with no key, tool, special knowledge or effort, and with no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Doors with panic hardware are not permitted to have any other type of locking or latching mechanism, unless specifically allowed by code – for example, electromagnetic locks released by a switch in the door-mounted hardware.
The lock that has been added to this panic hardware is meant to be used to secure a trailer hitch. Installed in the panic, it will not only void the listing of the hardware, it will prevent the touchpad from being pressed, so the latch will not retract for egress. I’m sure someone thought this was a fantastic idea and inexpensive “solution” to unauthorized use of this door…maybe they didn’t think about what will happen when someone tries to exit in an emergency.
* There are a few exceptions to the “one motion”/free egress rule…such as dwelling unit and sleeping unit entry doors, existing classroom doors when the adopted code is NFPA 101, doors with key-operated locks including enclosed exterior spaces, or special locking arrangements. The door in the photo does not fall into any of these categories.
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YIKES!!
Lori, a sidebar comment…
Might make a good future article to address allowed and unallowed field modification to various fire-rated fire door hardware components as well as how to properly “repair” hardware when someone has as in this case, drilled a hole completely through the panic device.
This goes back to something I’ve said for decades. The general public has no idea about fire or life safety when it comes to doors and hardware. Unless a huge effort is made, this will only get worse. Years ago, the industry could have done a public address message on television (sort of like “stop, drop and roll”). Nobody watches commercials anymore so the only way to spread the word is via social media.
Lori – I see you as the next big influencer on TikTok. You’re gonna be rich!!!!!
Maybe that should be my youngest kid’s gap year project! 😀
– Lori