Imagine you’re the code official. You visit a 7-story library with a total area of about 150,000 square feet. The bank of main entrance doors is equipped with panic hardware and double-cylinder deadbolts. Each door has signage stating, “This door to remain unlocked when building is occupied.”
Do these doors meet the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC)?*
Why or why not?
WWYD?
*Note: The doors in this jurisdiction may or may not be required to comply with the IBC. I’m just using the IBC so we can learn about the requirements of the most widely-used building code in the US.
For more on key-operated locks, refer to this Decoded article.
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Gut feeling: no, this would not be allowed per the current Code (under the “special knowledge…” clause). But it looks like this is an installation that goes back to the Coolidge administration and has been incrementally repaired/upgraded (note the two closers on the left). My guess is that as the thumb latches or exit devices broke, the Owner was allowed to dog down the exit device and add the keyed deadbolt to secure the building. The “This Door to Remain Unlocked…” decal was added either at that time or later.
The AHJ in my own community has placed such decals on the front door of every business (bakeries, barber shops, etc.) that has a deadbolt rather than forcing the door hardware to be upgraded. I think that is overkill based on use group and occupant load of such businesses but it makes sense for this library building with that hardware (and I suppose it’s good if you have an adhesive decal sign business).
Oh man I miss the 400 series deadbolt. The lowest profile d-bolt ever made.
If.there is truly dogging hardware accessible then the doors are not fire rated and the hardware is panic in nature. I would expect it to be locked when undogged with free passage out. I would personally feel unsafe here because in a 7 story large building full of book shelves, it would be very impractical for the holder of the key to know the building is unoccupied and in my opinion obvious free access out should be available somewhere in this common exit area.
Not that I’m sure it is an IBC code, but the vinyl should face inward as a reminder to the occupants and building management.
That’s an interesting point.
– Lori
I do signage where I have to hope the door access in stairwells is understood. Just because the locks are all correct doesn’t mean management has a clue what it means for signage and Egress versus Bi-directional travel. I only want to help them get through their Fire Code inspection to get that C. of O.
Typical conversation: “No, it is not terribly amazing and wonderful that the door opens from the burning occupant side of the building into the stairs. That is normal. The question was, if you are standing on the landing in the stairwell, can you gain access without using a key?”
WE NEED THREE CONDITION IF WE SAID IT IS FINE WITH THIS DOOR
1) locking device is readily distinguishable as locked (X)
2)THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED (/)
3)The use of the key-operated locking device is revokable by the building official for due cause (/)
WE STILL NEED NEED KNOW HOW MANY PERSONS IN IT?