I remember years ago when the codes and standards seemed very mysterious, and I never knew what was changing until the new code book arrived.  Then we would have several years before the new codes were adopted to make sure we had all of our i’s dotted and t’s crossed.  This wasn’t ideal, as sometimes changes were made that negatively impacted the door and hardware industry, or made the requirements for door openings more confusing and difficult to apply in the field.

Through the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) I have been able to participate in the code development process, and I have to say – it has been one of the most rewarding initiatives of my career!  Both Mark Kuhn and I are members of BHMA’s Codes, Government, and Industry Affairs (CGIA) Committee, and as a group we work on dozens of code change proposals for each code development cycle.

Because of the CGIA’s work (led by BHMA’s John Woestman), we not only know what’s coming, we can propose changes as well as monitoring or influencing proposals of other organizations and individuals.  Some of these changes go into effect when a code is adopted in a particular jurisdiction, but they may also be used as the basis for a request for AHJ approval prior to adoption.  Other changes are clarifications of the intent of the code, and may be helpful for interpretation/enforcement even before the new code is published.

It’s crucial for anyone who works with door openings to understand what the codes require today and what changes are coming, to avoid problems in the field and even potential life safety and accessibility issues.  Mark and I will be repeating our class from the DHI ConNextions conference with two webinars this week and next.  These webinars will be hosted by DHI, and are free for DHI members.  Each session will qualify for one unit of DHI technical continuing education credit.*

Here’s where to register:

*If you are not a DHI member and/or you are looking for AIA continuing education credit, stay tuned for future opportunities to attend these code update sessions.

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