I know it’s not Friday, but since tomorrow’s a holiday I’m publishing the FF post today and taking tomorrow off (well…maybe a half-day off at least). Enjoy the 4th!
Jon Dudley from Allegion sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo after being called out to a hospital because of a panic device that was not functioning properly. The access control system would operate the device electrically, but two self-tapping screws had been installed on the underside of the device which prevented the touchpad from being actuated manually. This is not the first time I’ve seen panic hardware modified to prevent egress, but I hope it’s the last.
Can you imagine how the installer would feel if this modification resulted in injury or worse?
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So, if I understand the situation correctly, someone had intentionally caused the panic device from operating manually? That being the case, I wonder if criminal charges could be applied? Does anyone have a case history of such an offence?
You understand the situation correctly. There have been tragic events in history where doors were locked to prevent egress and people died…how about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory?
“.. caused .. from ..” ??
It is terrible what people do to solve some percieved problem. I would like to understand more of what the reasoning was behind this stupid action. Is it a case of the wrong hardware installed?
I hope this was not an exit.
I don’t think the wrong hardware was installed. I think someone didn’t want the device to operate manually and wanted to only use the access control system. Maybe they were monitoring access and egress.
I know I’m preaching to the crowd but there is a lot of dumb people out there making serious descision that they should not.
A delayed egress could have been applied with a programming change. No need to manually screw-up the exit device. No pun intended.
This shows why the operational description is so important.
I work for a major univerity hospital myself, I have found things like this alot. It is usually done with the intent of saving money, “If the budgetis on target = pay raise on target. Security staff and or most mangagers do not understand the potiental problems, due to the fact that the “Risk Mangagment” is a different department and it does not effect thier “own” budget if something happens. Also not all staff has the skill or the knowledge to “know better,” “They said stop people,” so it gets modified. Motto: tell no one who did it, no one gets blamed.
no, not their budget directly, but when pointed out by the institutional locksmith, the plant manager should consider the future employment options of those who made the modification…
This looks like a “Just get to site and make it work” quick fix. I would’ve went with a Chexit or Delayed Egress Mag.
Or add a maglock tied to fire alarm system
Hi Maxime –
Unless the code allows this door to be locked, the mag-lock would have to be released by pushing the touchpad of the panic device.
– Lori
This is just another case of Money talks .. All too often I see these insane yet inventive modifications on all doors as they attempt to save a dime. Wait till the Lawsuit.! And then tell me know much you saved…