Last week I posted some photos that I took during my recent trip to Fort Worth for the DHI ConNextions conference.  The photos were taken in a busy western wear store while it was open for business.  From the inside there were some egress challenges, and on the outside there was a padlocked swinging gate that would have definitely prevented any attempts to exit (or enter).

A reader asked me whether the locked gate would be permitted by code if the building was not occupied – a fair question.  The 2024 IBC addresses “security grilles” and permits their use in certain occupancy types after hours.  BUT – the IBC section specifically permits horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles and limits their use to the main exit (not secondary exits).  The code also states that the exit must be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort when the space is occupied.

Because the security gate in question (see photo) is not a horizontal sliding or vertical security grille, the following section of the 2024 IBC would apply, in my opinion:

1010.4 Gates. Gates serving the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Gates used as a component in a means of egress shall conform to the applicable requirements for doors.

The gate in the photo would not meet the IBC requirements for doors, regardless of whether the building was occupied or not.  I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this…why would a horizontal or vertical grille be acceptable but not a swinging gate (I have some ideas).  Is there any model code language that would permit the application shown in the photo to be used when the store was closed?

WWYD?

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