Yesterday I shared some photos from my recent trip to Colombia, pointing out the large gaps in the floor and how those would be addressed by the US accessibility standards. Today’s Wordless Wednesday photos were taken in the same apartment building lobby.
To the right is a security desk, which usually had a security person present (but not when I took the photos). The glass doors in the photo were equipped with a mag-lock, with absolutely no other releasing devices except a remote push button at the security desk. If no one was at the security desk, there was no way to exit.
In the US, these doors would have to comply with the code requirements for electrified locks with sensor release. The requirements include a sensor on the egress side to detect an approaching occupant and unlock the door, and an auxiliary push button beside the door that would unlock the door for 30 seconds. The lock would have to unlock upon power failure and fire alarm/sprinkler system activation. (Refer to the adopted code for specifics.)
For more information on the requirements for these locks, refer to Type 3 on the Special Locking Arrangements page.
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Not only lack of safety exit device. Some doors are very high and wide on a simple patch fitting. Doors are easily throwing down by wind
That’s true, Tim! And this building is near the coast!
– Lori