One of my favorite retired AHJs sent me today’s Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a new grocery store.  Can you spot the problem?  (If not, scroll down!)

Push / Pull with incorrect signage

Push or Pull with incorrect signage

The panic hardware shown is a Von Duprin Chexit delayed egress device, which will delay egress for 15 seconds under normal operation.  There will be no delay upon fire alarm activation or upon power failure.  The purpose of this device in a grocery store would be to deter theft.

The problem here is with the signage.  I’m guessing that the signage shipped with the Chexit was not installed because braille signage was desired.  I have not seen a code requirement for braille signage for a delayed egress lock – if you know of a code that requires this, let me know in the comments.

The model codes are very specific about the required signage for doors with delayed egress locks:

  • I-Codes:  Signage must state “PUSH [PULL] UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.”  These signs are required for doors equipped with delayed egress locks (see exception for Group I), and must be mounted above and within 12 inches of the door exit hardware.  Beginning with the 2015 edition, signage is required to comply with the visual character requirements of ICC A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.  In Group I – institutional occupancies, the AHJ may allow signage to be omitted for certain types of treatment areas.
  • NFPA:  The required text for the signage is the same as the signage required by the I-Codes:  “PUSH [PULL] UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.”  The NFPA codes require signage for delayed egress locks to be readily visible, durable, with letters not less than 1-inch high and 1/8-inch stroke with a contrasting background, located on the egress side of the door adjacent to the release device.

Both sets of model codes require the signage to be mounted on the door (not beside the door), and the required language is very clear.  For outswinging doors, the signage must state, “Push until alarm sounds…” and for inswinging doors, “Pull until alarm sounds…”  The delay time must also be shown on the sign – typically 15 seconds unless a 30-second delay is approved by the AHJ.  It’s very important for building occupants to know how this type of lock works, so the confusing signage should be replaced.

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