Lori Birthday CartoonToday is my birthday and I’m going to take this opportunity to say a few words about a topic that is extremely important to me…my integrity.

I review each comment that is left on iDigHardware, and I publish almost every one as long as it is not obvious spam or abusive.  On occasion, I have published comments recommending products made by manufacturers other than Allegion, and comments where someone disagreed with my interpretation of a code requirement or my recommended solution.  To date, there have been 25,333 comments published on the site, and I value very much the insight shared by readers.

Someone recently left comments on iDigHardware promoting the use of classroom barricade devices.  I did not publish these comments.  The product in question requires a second releasing motion if the door is also equipped with latching hardware, is mounted well below the allowable range for operable hardware, and requires tight grasping, pinching, and physical dexterity to operate.  I have other concerns, which you can read about here.

In addition to some information that I believe was misleading, these comments included advice to iDigHardware readers that I take great offense to…the barricade device manufacturer’s comments advised readers to remember who I work for, as Allegion needs me to take a position against non-code-compliant security in order to maintain market share.  Ouch.

I have worked with the Allegion brands for 30 years, and in the industry for almost 40.  I have never – and will never – lose my focus on life safety, fire protection, and accessibility.  This is not about selling locks – almost every classroom door already has a lock whether or not a barricade device is added.  This is about maintaining the optimal balance of safety and security for building occupants.

I know that I have many partners with the same goal – including my Allegion coworkers, and I appreciate you.  Together we will continue to prioritize life safety along with security.

Thank you,

~ Lori

P.S.  If you’re not familiar with barricade devices, the designs below are not compliant with the model codes and accessibility standards used across the U.S.  They may give a false sense of security, could be deployed by an unauthorized person, and can negatively impact egress, fire protection, and accessibility.

Barricade device, think twice.

non compliant barricade devices

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