As I wrote in yesterday’s post, this week I will be sharing some resources on layered security, to help decision makers learn about the physical security of door openings in schools and in other buildings. Today's focus is on exterior doors.
I have not posted here on iDigHardware since the tragedy that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, last week. As a mom, I’m heartbroken and needed some time to process. As a security professional, I continue to be committed to school security that also prioritizes safety and accessibility.
Today I am wordless for the 19 students and 2 teachers killed in the latest senseless act of school violence at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Yesterday's post about protruding objects raised a related Quick Question: The IBC section addressing limitations on protruding objects references projections into "circulation paths." What is a circulation path?
I know that many of iDigHardware's readers are ultra-focused on door openings (me too!), but every so often I see a non-door application illustrating a code requirement that could also apply to doors and hardware.
David Seeley of WESCO | Anixter sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo of a door closer he saw in a Cape Cod restaurant...what do you think? Was it worth the extra effort to partially conceal the closer?
Last week I wrote about fire doors vs. fire exits, and I mentioned that I would try to change/clarify the Merriam-Webster definition for "fire-exit bolt." I received this Quick Question: What IS a fire-exit bolt?
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo came from Grant DeLay of Allegion (and he gets all the credit for the product name), but it looks like the photo originated with Brian Ingham of Integrated Design Solutions. It's a classic!
Every so often I ask the readers of iDigHardware to weigh in on what you are seeing in your state or local jurisdiction. Today I need your help on the topic of accessibility symbols - please share your insight in the comments.
Today's post is my next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine. I pulled together my past posts related to traffic/impact doors to create a comprehensive article to use as a reference.
I guarantee that thousands of people have walked by the doors in today's Fixed-it Friday photos without thinking twice about them. But a retired fire marshal took note of the panic hardware location and sent me the photos.
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo came from one of my retired fire marshal pals, which reminds me how much I love the fact that people who have retired are still engaged with iDigHardware.
Although today's wide throw hinges don't look like the ones on this door in France which serves a VERY old restaurant, these photos are a great illustration of the purpose of wide throw hinges.
Along with our other online training scheduled for the month of May, we have a webinar on access control and electrified hardware that qualifies for AIA continuing education credit. Save your seat!
I was going to post this photo from a retired fire marshal for Wordless Wednesday, but then I noticed the "fix" from when they electrified the panic hardware. Fixed-it Friday seems more appropriate.
When the media publicizes the use of non-code-compliant security in a particular school district or jurisdiction, it's easy to jump to the conclusion that this must be a good idea. It's not.
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos are from the Facebook page of the Edmond, Oklahoma Fire Department, demonstrating the impact of a closed door during a fire. Close Before You Doze!
I recently wrote about a bill in Michigan's state legislature that would expand the use of classroom barricade devices in the state. That bill has been signed into law, allowing barricade devices to be used on doors serving assembly spaces.
How is it May already??? Webinar Wednesdays continue with two days of online classes this month, along with a new Security in 30 session with 10 Overtur Tips for the Integrator and Security Community.
This "fix" occurred after a local emergency where law enforcement made a forced entry with the use of explosives during a hostage situation, saving multiple people. Great work by Michael's Keys!
In this Q&A feature with Facility Executive, I offer educated insight around the importance of fire doors in multifamily facilities, illustrating the impact with real-world examples, referencing codes and offering tips to facility managers to ensure compliance.
David Johnson of Cook & Boardman sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo of a restaurant's rear exit. I absolutely love that people see doors that are a hot mess and think of me! :)
Twelve years ago, I saw some beautiful doors in a cemetery and I was given permission to share them on iDigHardware. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the Mexican equivalent in San Miguel de Allende, so here's a quick break from codes.
Corridor doors in health care facilities - like those leading to patient rooms - will help to protect patients in their rooms from the smoke and flames if a fire occurs. Here are some of the most frequently-asked questions about these assemblies...
Nancy Chiang of Cuningham Group Architecture sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and I'm wondering what you all think. This door is in a zoo exhibit, where the chains are used to keep the "wildlife" from passing through between two areas.
As someone who grew up in the 70's and 80's, I remember learning to "Stop, Drop, and Roll" in school. To be honest, I thought this was a skill that I would use much more often, kind of like the quicksand survival tactics I obsessed about as a kid.
I just received this Wordless Wednesday photo from Allison Berejka of Allegion, and I'm beyond wordless. This is a stairwell fire door in a New York City apartment building, and it will serve no purpose if a fire occurs.
Last week I posted some photos sent to me by a retired fire marshal, and one of them reminded me of a Quick Question that I've received several times lately: Do impact doors have to comply with the accessibility standards?
Remember the Good Old Days, when I used to go on road trips (and plane trips) and post photos of the doors I saw along the way? Well, I'm so excited to be able to get back out a bit, and I found this interesting application in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Chuck Park Jr. sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and at first I didn't see the problem. And no...there is no other door opening into this space. I wonder how many people have noticed this situation - probably not many!
A while back, I posted a Quick Question about whether a missing closer cover on a fire door assembly should be noted as a deficiency during a fire door inspection. There is finally an official answer!
One of my retired fire marshal friends sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos...neither life safety nor security is winning here. Don't forget to send me your Wordless Wednesday and Fixed-it Friday photos!
What are the top trends and challenges in today's health care facilities? From the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the rise of electronics, our research explores changes in the market. Download the information today.
My Decoded course has been taken thousands of times on-demand, along with countless attendees who have participated in live Decoded classes taught by my Allegion coworkers. I just updated all 4 classes and they're ready to go!
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo came from Lloyd Raforth of Allegion, who found this parallel arm closer with a "twist" mounted on a restaurant exit. Whatever it takes to get the job done!
Today's Quick Question is a good one...When a specific requirement stated in a referenced standard is in conflict with what is allowed by the code that is referencing the standard, which requirement applies?
Andy Lindenberg of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in a school. After an entire swim season with no one reporting the issue, a janitor noticed the problem. #wordless!
This article - about balancing life safety with school security - is the cover story for the Spring 2022 issue of Life Safety Digest. Feel free to share it with school administrators or others who may need it!
Webinar Wednesdays continue, along with a new Security in 30 session coming up this month! Electrified hardware, hollow metal doors and frames, fire doors, panic hardware, and a Security in 30 on some important health care research!
It has been a while since I've posted a beautiful door, but I saw these the other day. Can you find the fix on these highly-carved doors leading to a restaurant courtyard? Happy Fixed-it Friday!
Several iDigHardware readers have wished for a simple tool on the site to estimate the occupant load of a space. I have created an occupant load estimator for the International Building Code (IBC), and I'd love some feedback on it.
There are millions - yes, MILLIONS - of existing fire door assemblies that have been modified or damaged, or that have not been maintained properly. The only way to find them and fix them is to enforce the code requirements for fire door inspections. What's the hold up?
As I said in my previous post about fire door FAQs, I will be posting more groups of FAQs in the coming months, to try to fill in some gaps where there is still confusion. In this post I am answering a few common questions on controlled egress doors in health care facilities.
Last week, NYC Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order that strengthens fire safety enforcement and outreach in the city. In addition, proposed city council legislation was filed that would increase penalties for non-compliant doors.
Jeff Tock of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos and I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe someone was hesitant to drill into the tile, so this was their solution?
I've been asked today's quick question three times in the last two weeks, so I have updated the post with the references from the current codes. Is it acceptable by code to install a louver (fusible link or other type) in a fire door?
With the number of apartments in a metropolis like New York City, and the prevalence of fires in multifamily buildings, how are code officials ever going to get a handle on the non-code-compliant conditions?
Today's post is my next Decoded column, for the School Security + Safety issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine. Let me know if you have any suggestions before it goes to print!
One of the highest-security projects I ever specified was a state data center, and along with vascular readers and multiple interlocks, the project required high security door position sensors. These sensors are now available from Schlage!
I'm not sure how or why this happened, but between the two motions to exit and the concrete block "step" to get up and out of the window well, it's a no from me. Happy Fixed-it Friday!
