BHMA Challenge: Built for Access
This week's topic for the BHMA 100th Anniversary Challenge is Built for Access, focusing on how door hardware helps people move through the world. My submission is in today's post!
WW: “Can I fix this fire door?”
I can't count how many times I've heard this question about whether a particular fire door could be repaired. In this case the answer is a definite NO! Time for a new door!
WWYD? UL 294 & UL 1034
Are access control systems as safe as they were before, if only the electrified locks are required by code to have the UL 294 (or UL 1034) listing? What would you do?
What is an exit passageway?
Last week I wrote a post about a louvers, and I asked who could give me an example of an exit passageway. I received the image in today's post from Jeff Van Every of HealthTrust Performance Group.
FF: Emergency Exit
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photos from a retired AHJ, who I know has an intense dislike of emergency exit signs as a deterrent. What do you think of this "fix"?
PASS: Compartmentalization for Life Safety
The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) has released a new whitepaper written by Laura Frye Weaver and Mark Williams, addressing the role of fire doors and other life safety features.
WW: Fire Door Louver
I'm sure the person who installed the louvers in the ice machine room doors in this hotel thought they were solving a problem, but they created a new one and voided the label.
BHMA Challenge: Built for Safety
BHMA is currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organization, and one of the events is a 5-week challenge for BHMA members. I figured...why not share the information here as well?
Escape Room Safety (video)
I feel so grateful to be able to positively affect the safety of escape rooms worldwide, and to help AHJs who have escape rooms in their jurisdictions. Learn more in today's post!
FF: Tied Up
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo, taken by Michelle Atkinson, CFDAI, of Atkinson Door, shows a "security solution" (not recommended!) employed by a church that has had trouble with unauthorized entry.
WW: “It’s curtains for you…”
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photos from a retired AHJ, and they got me thinking. Is it permissible for a means of egress to pass through curtains en route to the exit door?
BHMA: New and Updated Standards
Six BHMA standards have recently been revised, and a new standard on acoustic performance of operable hardware has been published. The article linked in today's post gives a great overview.
FF: What’s missing here?
I received this Fixed-it Friday photo from someone asking whether this application was code-compliant. The short answer...no. Can you see the problem?
WW: Nailed It
When an additional egress door is not needed, shouldn't the exit sign be removed? I wonder if there is a code requirement stating that if there is an exit sign, there also has to be an exit?!
Elevator Lobby Egress Doors in Massachusetts
I don't claim to cover all state code requirements related to doors (I leave that to our ACE Network) but every so often a code modification catches my eye. Here's an update on Massachusetts.
Building Safer Communities: Code Compliance in Multifamily
I recently appeared as a guest on Allegion's Solving for Multifamily Podcast, with Robert Gaulden. Today's post includes links to both of my episodes, as well as resources pages with additional information.
FF: Balboa Park
Along with the beautiful art in the galleries at the Spanish Village Art Center, I was fixated on the doors (big surprise, right?!), which had SO MANY Fixed-it Friday fixes.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 21
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Dr. Dewey Cornell, a professor of education and forensic clinical psychologist.
WW: College Dorm Fire Doors
I took today's Wordless Wednesday photos on Move-In Day at college, where two of my kids live in the dorms. The corridor fire doors stopped me in my tracks!
DOIT Skill Building Fall Training Event
People ask me all the time where they can get more training, and the Door Opening Industry Training Group (DOIT) has a great line-up for their upcoming fall program. Check it out here!
Code Update: Escape Rooms
Over the weekend I had the privilege of presenting on egress, fire protection, and accessibility for escape rooms, and during my preparation I noticed an important code change.
FF: DIY Dogging
Considering the number of panics I've seen with velcro straps, zip ties, pins, clamps, and even more creative dogging methods, maybe there's a new product idea here?
CCPIA Podcast: Building Your Business
Rob Claus of the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association (CCPIA) has just released episode 24 of his podcast, Building Your Business, and I was his guest!
WW: Supermarket Deterrent
Sometimes when I'm working on a code question/problem with someone, I use the phrase "it won't keep me up at night." That's kind of how I feel about this situation...what do you think?
Decoded: Update on Roof Doors
I've received some questions on roof doors lately, so I've updated this Decoded article with current code references that address doors serving both occupied and unoccupied roofs.
PASS Guidelines 7th Edition
The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) publishes the most comprehensive recommendations for addressing school security and safety challenges, and the 7th edition is now available!
FF: Another Indicator in the Wild
I took today's Fixed-it Friday photos at a children's hospital in California, where locks with visual indicators have been installed to help staff ensure the lock status during a lockdown.
Lock Indicators: Special Knowledge or Common Knowledge?
This is an important post, and I would appreciate your comments to help ensure that indicators for locks and panic hardware continue to be an option for classrooms, restrooms, and other spaces.
WW: All Aboard! (if you can get out)
William Rudd sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in a train station. As shown in the first photo, both doors are marked as exits, but it looks like one has been taken out of service.
Decoded: Applications for Electromagnetic Locks
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I answered several frequently asked questions that apply to electromagnetic locks.
FF: “Mid-Rail”
Michael Nicasio sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos and I have to say...I have never seen a mid-rail constructed this way. How about you?
I need some help. (And you could win!)
What are the options when a fire door assembly is too difficult for an assisted living resident to open? I'd love to hear your ideas, but I'm also looking for some help with one particular application.
WW: Lift in Case of Emergency
I always recommend rim panics and a removable mullion for exterior doors with panic hardware, to avoid situations like the one show in today's Wordless Wednesday photos.
FS65-24: Fire Doors Without Closers
When I wrote a post about fire doors without closers last year, I really didn't think that the code change proposal would be approved. Unfortunately, a new exception will be included in the 2027 IBC.
QQ/WWYD? Auto Door Bottoms
Would a surface mounted automatic door bottom with a sloped top be permitted by the accessibility standards? Could this application be allowed by the AHJ as an equivalency?
FF: A Day at the Zoo
Last week I realized that a zoo is one of the few types of projects that I have never written a hardware specification for, which is kind of a shame because zoos have some cool applications!
Recessed Doors Revisited
The other day I posted some photos I took in an office building on a recent training trip, and asked if anyone could identify the code issue - or maybe I was just seeing things?
WW: Quick! What’s the combo?!
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Tom Reinhardt, an AHJ. You might have to zoom in a little to see the problem in its entirety. This looks like "special knowledge and effort" to me!
WWYD? Alcoves
Last week I spent some time doing training in an office building, where I noticed these doors in the corridor leading to the office suites. Does anyone see a code issue here? WWYD?
Decoded: Key-Operated Locking Devices
In this Decoded article for the next issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered a code change that will finally clear up the requirements for double-cylinder deadbolts.
FF: Electric Strike Prep
Just yesterday I was talking with a class about prepping existing frames for electric strikes. I'm not an installer, but something seems off here. What do you think?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 20
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, Bill Bryson and John Connolly, school technology leaders, share insights on school safety.
WW: State Office Building
Steve Wertman of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Just kidding...I'm crying. The photo was taken in a state office building.
Life Safety Digest: Controlled Egress Locking Systems in Health Care Facilities
I have an article in the Summer issue of Life Safety Digest, that covers the code requirements for controlled egress locks in health care units where patients require containment.
FF: Cruising
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photo from John Fuentes of Treanor Design, and we have a question for iDigHardware readers. What's the reason for the atypical hinge locations on this cruise ship door?
Von Duprin Outdoor Defense Option (OUT)
Specifying panic hardware for gates and doors where it would be exposed to the weather has always been a challenge, but now there is a new option - Von Duprin Outdoor Defense!
WW: All Around the World
I've done a fair amount of traveling, and I've seen a lot of door problems worldwide. Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos from a recent stop in Amsterdam.
PASS: School Safety and Security Summer Camp
Join the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools’ (PASS) third annual School Safety Summer Camp: a three-part webinar series presented by experienced speakers in school safety. The sessions are free!
Decoded: Accessibility Requirements for Automatic Doors
In this Decoded article for the accessibility issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, I covered the accessibility requirements for automatic doors.
WW: Family Restroom
The memories of the 3rd grade joke came flooding back when my kids and I were at the airport in Santa Marta, Colombia. And at least I got some Wordless Wednesday photos! :D