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Chris Stokes of Precision Doors and Hardware sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a gas station/convenience store. At first, this looks like careless placement of a trash can, but it is actually a planned method of blocking the exit route. Note the level in the hinge rabbet to prevent the door from closing, plus the “leave me open” sign, and the trash to finish the job. 🙁
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wow.
Looks like a standard utility room . Perhaps they were just trying to air it out when this photo was taken. Perhaps an exhaust fan in the room is a better idea for future buildings . Rear exit door appears to have an exit panic alarm so I doubt theft is a concern . However I see this all the time . The restrictions here is only because they have left the door open . Otherwise they would comply once they move the trash can and garbage out of the way
I see this kind of thing all the time. Not only is the door propped open but the out swinging door looks like it may imped more than 50% of the exit corridor.
I feel like there are better solutions than a bubble level and a trash can for this. Delayed egress if allowed?
Some days all I can do is shake my head in wonder.
At first glance I thought the trash can was operating as a hold open, but then I noticed the large level shoved into the hinge jamb preventing the door to be closed. That’s what I call “Git-her-dun” Engineering!
Lori, would it be a code violation to use a hold open closer or a kick down door holder on that door since it would be blocking the exit?
Hi Peter –
The closest thing I can point to is the section on encroachment, which says that the door can’t project more than 7 inches into the required egress width when it’s fully open. If the door can swing 180ish degrees, it would comply, but if it is stopped at 90, then it wouldn’t.
– Lori
I would say it looks like a certain chain, but,
Anyway the door is level!!
And employees are obeying the “leave me open ” sign
I understand why they would want to restrict egress. I am sure there is a lot of theft that leaves through those doors, but there are smarter and safer ways to do that. I would suggest a delayed egress with an alarm. Would do the same job without the code violations.
I like the idea that one could trip, slip and fall down the stairs in one easy peasy move.
This technique is far above the “level” of mere rubber door stops or wood wedges
Maybe to slow down shoplifters trying to escape through the back exit with stolen goods?
Hi Peter –
I’m sure that’s the point, but there are ways to do it that are code-compliant.
– Lori
To me it looks like they might be replacing the tile in the closet due to a flood and are trying to dry the floor. I think a fan with the door slightly ajar would be safer, but less funny if your not trapped.
So much for a clear exit…
A perfect example of a challenge I face everyday……Convenience often outweighs compliance…..