WWYD? UL 294 / UL 1034
I'm preparing to do some training on this topic, so I'd love to get some feedback from readers. Please share your insight/experience in the comments!
WW: Tlalpujahua, Michoacán
The inability to maintain clear egress routes in retail occupancies crosses international borders. I saw this example in Tlalpujahua, a Pueblo Mágico in Mexico that is known for its hand-painted Christmas ornaments.
QQ: Locked Doors on Elevator Lobbies
Today's Quick Question relates to a change to the 2024 IBC: What type of lock may be used to secure an egress door leading from an elevator lobby to an exit access corridor?
FF: Another Wicket Door
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and I've been pondering the reason for this design as well as the function and code compliance. What do you think?
Decoded: SCIF Security and Egress Requirements
I received a question on SCIF doors this week, so I have updated this Decoded article to include the links to the current federal standards and specifications.
WW: Shaft Surprise
This door was in an AirBNB that I recently booked in Mexico City. At this point it's kind of hard to actually leave me wordless, but this one was a real shocker.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 16
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Kevin Wren, school safety advocate with the Cook and Boardman Group.
QQ: Interlock Types
The increased focus on interlocks (due to an upcoming code change) prompted today's Quick Question: What is the difference between a safety interlock and a security interlock?
FF: Kungfu Noodle
Being from the Northeast, I didn't immediately recognize the reason for this type of Fixed-It Friday ingenuity when I first saw something similar at the Hoover Dam years ago.
WWYD? Extension Rod Flush Bolts
I would love some input on this question, because I know that many of you have experience with this issue...what type of flush bolts do you prefer for a wood fire door?
WW: Hostile Architecture
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo illustrates a measure taken by a high rise hotel to deter houseless people from accessing the alcoves at the secondary entrances. WWYD?
Decoded: Automatic Sliding Doors
In this month's Decoded column, I answered several questions about automatic sliding doors and the code requirements that help to ensure their safety in a means of egress.
Life Safety Digest: Special Locking Arrangements vs. Normal Locking Arrangements
Check out my article in the Winter issue of Life Safety Digest, which clarifies the requirements related to electrified door hardware.
See you next year!
2024 has been a year of milestones and accomplishments. I celebrated 30 years of working with the Allegion brands, and the 15th anniversary of iDigHardware. And there's more to come in 2025!
FF: Not an Exit
I saw this retail store's secondary exit while I was stocking up on my favorite snacks, and I wondered...are these "NOT AN EXIT" signs a nice-to-have or a need-to-have? What do you think?
QQ: Panic Hardware, Revisited
I have answered this Quick Question before but it keeps coming up, so I'll keep addressing it until it sticks...Is panic hardware required by the model codes for a ___________ facility?
WW: Fa-la-la-la-la….
Imagine the person who placed an emergency call to their locksmith because their door wouldn't latch, only to find that their new holiday wreath was the problem!
Decoded: Safe Dispersal Area Within a Fence or Enclosed Court
Given today's security concerns, it's important to understand when an egress path may lead to an enclosed area and when it must continue through gates in the enclosure to reach the public way.
FF: Stile Width Modification
I saw the door in today's Fixed-it Friday photo on a university campus recently. The "fix" would probably make the architect cry, but this is VERY common when the stile width is too narrow.
The Schlage XE360 is a winner!
The Schlage XE360TM Series has been named the top product in the SecurityInfoWatch.com Readers' Choice Product Award in the Door Hardware & Locks category!
WW: Say CHEEEEESE!
Jeff Hoyt of Cheney Door Company sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in a retail store specializing in fancy cheeses. Cheese is one of my favorite things, but their exit needs attention!
QQ: Access-Controlled Egress Doors
If I had to name the one code section that has caused me the most pain and suffering during my career, the section addressed in today's Quick Question post would be the one.
Firehouse: This Month in Fire History
While reading an article in Firehouse Magazine about fires that have occurred in the month of December over the years, I noted several fires where egress doors and/or fire door assemblies played a role.
FF: Rescue Hardware Closer
Paul Goldense of Goldense Building Products (one of the most creative door opening engineers I know) sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo of a rescue hardware closer alternative.
BHMA’s new CEU course is now live!
BHMA's new online course is called An Overview of Architectural Hardware Standards & Product Certification, and offers continuing education units for various organizations, including AIA.
WW: Locked in the Classroom?
When classroom barricade devices were introduced, I felt confident that the codes developed over the last 100+ years would continue to protect building occupants. I was (partially) wrong.
What’s that? Strike Hook – Take Two
When a strike hook is required as part of a manufacturer's listings for fire exit hardware, it plays an important role in ensuring the performance of the assembly during a fire.
WW: I’m thankful for…YOU!
The increased focus on code compliance of door openings improves the safety of building occupants, so thank you for your attention and the willingness to share your experience. I'm thankful for you!
Mark Kuhn, Fellow
I don't know what kind of monster I will create next or how long it will take before the crying starts again, but I'm very fortunate to have the help of Mark Kuhn, FDHI, AHC, EHC, CFDAI, DHT, DHC, CDT, CSI!
FF: Rescue Hardware ST
This is a true test of who the most loyal readers of iDigHardware are...what is my FAVORITE special template from LCN?? Hint: It's an ST for the 4020T closer.
Know it’s locked.
I recently heard from an architect who was looking for an occupied indicator for a restroom, and I was surprised to hear that he didn't know about the indicator options from Schlage.
WW: Closer Creativity
I had a tough time deciding whether to post today's door closer photos for Wordless Wednesday or for Fixed-it Friday, but I'm definitely wordless! What do you think?
QQ: Egress Courts
This Quick Question came up recently in relation to the IBC section addressing egress for exterior spaces: Would the enclosed courtyard in my building be considered an egress court?
What’s that? CUSH Shoe Support
I tend to notice and appreciate details, and I get a little thrill when I see that someone has taken the time to install hardware with the correct components. So what's a CUSH shoe support?
FF: Flush Bolts
Today's Fixed-it Friday post covers a "fix" that was made in the 2024 IBC - to remove the Bolt Locks section and address flush bolts (all 3 types) in a table under Locks and Latches.
Update! iDigHardware.com/SLA
If you're not familiar with the SLA page, it's THE resource for the code requirements related to electrified hardware and special locking arrangements on iDigHardware. Now updated!
WW: Stadium Egress
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photos from a retired AHJ...what can I say?? Sports facilities tend to have problems with security vs. egress, and sometimes come up with solutions like this.
QQ: Dummy Trim on Pairs of Doors
Today's Quick Question was sent to me by a contractor: On a pair of doors, is it acceptable to install a dummy lever on the inactive leaf if that door is equipped with flush bolts?
7 Steps Infographic
Today I'm sharing a resource on security and safety that I think will be really valuable for schools and other types of facilities - an infographic that is available in both digital and printable formats.
Decoded: Control Vestibules in a Means of Egress
Although control vestibules are not currently addressed in the model codes, a change has been approved for the 2027 edition of the I-Codes and may be used to request AHJ approval.
WW: “Child Safety Door”
Jamie Lyn Callahan of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken during a kids' birthday party at an indoor playground. This door makes for a great "teachable moment."
WWYD? Classroom Acoustics
Is compliance with the ANSI-ASA S12.60 standard required for any school projects? What is the current practice for classroom doors? Sound gasketing? STC-rated assemblies?
TGP: Alan Magee Scaife Hall
With three kids in various stages of university life, I've spent A LOT of time on college campuses lately. One trend that I've noticed is the increased use of glazing - there's a great example in today's post!
FF: Creating Images
With the advancements that have been made in digital media and AI, many of the images we see online and in print are created by artists, and can be good opportunities to teach about codes!
Code Update: Requiring Lockable Doors
An important change has been approved for the 2027 IBC - doors serving schools, day care centers, colleges and universities will be required to be lockable from the inside.
WW: Fire Door – Do not block open.
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo, taken of a pair of fire doors in a wastewater treatment pump station and sent to me by Macan Deve Engineers, is a classic!
BHMA: Fire Doors and Thermal Pins
BHMA has updated a resource that addresses the technicalities of auxiliary fire pins, and it is extremely helpful for explaining this application to code officials and others who have concerns.
Last call for code training!
Mark Kuhn and I will be repeating our code update class from the DHI ConNextions conference with two webinars this week and next, hosted by DHI and free for DHI members!
FF/WWYD? Locked Classroom Doors
As a child of the 70's and 80's, and now a mom of three young adults, I once resisted the idea of keeping classroom doors locked during class, but times have changed. WWYD?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 15
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Emma Mann, student ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools and Vanderbilt University student.