WW: Cuchillo de Mesa
This dogging method was found in a Mexican restaurant, hence the post title which sounds fancy but means "table knife." :) Thanks to Dave Toloday of Allegion for sharing today's Wordless Wednesday photo!
Residential Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units
Have you ever been SO SURE about something that when you search unsuccessfully for confirmation you start to question what else you might have missed? This one took me by surprise.
See you soon(ish)??
You know what this is a picture of? It's ME - teaching in person! I don't know about you, but I'm MORE THAN READY to get out and see people. I received my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine last week, and I'm feeling optimistic.
FF: Jamb Protection
Fabricating this protector and welding it to a rated frame to protect the door edge from cart/bed traffic would not be allowed by the frame manufacturer's listings - at least not any listings that I've ever seen. WWYD?
Six Flags Haunted Castle Disaster (video)
While doing some research about special amusements and the applicable code requirements, I was reminded that the 37th anniversary of a special amusements tragedy recently passed; 8 teenagers lost their lives in this fire.
WW: Strike-Out
I know it's Wordless Wednesday, but sometimes a Fixed-it Friday "fix" leaves me wordless - like this one. If you see any interesting installations, code violations, hardware fails, or beautiful doors...you know what to do!
Give me a “break” this week (please).
You know me...when I go somewhere new, I never pass up the chance to share photos of the interesting doors I encounter. Unfortunately, my latest trip was a 3-night stay in the local hospital. It's always something.
Take your pick! They’re free!!
Coming up this week...our next Security in 30 session, an Allegion 101 class on LCN closers, and 4 Webinar Wednesday classes including one on clear width and maneuvering clearance. Which class(es) will you be attending?
FF: Top Jamb Special
Geometry wasn't my favorite subject in high school, but I learned enough to know that this closer mounting is not optimal for reliable operation of the door. Thank you to Chuck Gulla of Allegion for today's Fixed-it Friday photo!
WWYD? Stairwell Pair with Access Control (video)
I'm wondering what you think about this door opening...it's kind of an interesting one as door openings go. I have never thought about using a combination of panic hardware and a lockset with an electric strike. WWYD?
WW: Hotel Fire Door
Fire doors in hotels are critical for helping to deter the spread of smoke and flames during a fire. To perform as designed and tested, the fire door needs to be closed and latched if a fire occurs. This is why we need annual inspections of fire door assemblies!
Pair with a Coordinator (video)
I've been on the lookout for a pair of doors with automatic flush bolts and a coordinator that was installed, adjusted, and functioning properly, and I finally found one last week at UTK. Here's a quick video showing how a coordinator works.
The Essentials of Fire Door Inspection (and more!)
Fire door inspection is a hot topic these days, and one of this week's Webinar Wednesday classes covers The Essentials of Fire Door Inspection. You can also learn more about fire door assemblies on iDigHardware's fire door page.
FF: Overhead Stop Application (video)
Some hardware applications are tough to explain with photos, and a video can be really helpful. In case any of you ever need to explain how overhead stops work, I made you a video! :-)
WWYD? Readily Distinguishable?
The IBC states: Doors in the means of egress shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Do you think this door is "readily distinguishable"? WWYD?
WW: Flaming Lips & Space Bubbles
I'd love to know what the fire marshal in Oklahoma City had to say about the plan for this concert! There were 100 space bubbles - each holding 1-3 people. Egress concerns, anyone? #wordless
UL 294 Follow-Up – 2021 Update
The access control hardware on your project is up and running (phew!), and then you are asked to provide evidence that every piece of electrified hardware on the job is listed to UL 294... (updated with 2021 code references)
Lots of code-related classes this week!
How do you identify the products that are acceptable for use in a hurricane-prone area of the country? What's the latest on classroom security devices? How do codes define panic hardware? Find out in this week's classes!
FF: Front Door Lock 2020
Timmy Jackson posted today's Fixed-it Friday photo on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page. I think it's about time to upgrade to the 2021 model, don't you?
Product Update: Von Duprin Emergency Secure Lockdown (ESL)
Several colleges and universities approached Allegion to find a solution for individual lockdown of doors with panic hardware and access control. For doors with Von Duprin QEL devices, the Emergency Secure Lockdown (ESL) feature is the answer.
WW: Shoe Shopping
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo is from Brian Mead. I think the emergency exits for retail stores look like this more often than not...we just don't usually see them. Make a point of looking, and if you see something, say something!
Decoded: Door & Gate Hardware for Swimming Pools
It's almost swimming pool season! I have updated a past blog post about changes to doors serving pools, spas, and hot tubs to be published as my next Decoded column in Door Security + Safety Magazine.
Coming up this week…
Can a wave-to-open switch be used to actuate an automatic operator? Does the IBC allow any stairwell doors to be locked mechanically? What's new in codes for health care facilities? Find out in this week's classes!
FF: DPS “Fix”
For many exterior doors, a door position switch (DPS) is an important part of the security system; the switch can alert a security station that a door has been opened. I wonder how long this creative fix will continue functioning.
Fire Door Clearance Follow-Up
Last week I answered a Quick Question about whether a listed threshold could be used to reduce excessive clearance at the bottom of a fire door. I always appreciate the heads-ups when I make a typo, but this time I didn't! :-)
WW: Exit if you can find it
Stuart Hurwitz shared today's Wordless Wednesday photo with me...yet another retail store where the manager has no idea that egress doors need to be visible and the means of egress must be clear.
Choosing Doors for Safer Classrooms and School Facilities
I have written dozens of articles and blog posts on school safety and security, but it's extra-exciting when someone else writes about this topic and is in alignment with the safety requirements mandated by the model codes.
Take the quiz…
How much do you know about the model code requirements for doors with delayed egress locks or controlled egress locks? Here's a short quiz to help you find out.
FF: Privacy (License) Plate
For years, I have loved the locks on the restroom stall doors in one of my favorite restaurants, but I don't think I've shared them here before. (I know...it's a weird thing to love.)
Queens Fire Follow-Up (video)
Last week I wrote about a fire in a Queens apartment building, where an open door allowed a fire to spread. FDNY shared a video that shows some of the interior of the building after the fire that left more than 200 people homeless.
WW: Do you see what I see?
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photos from an AHJ, who will remain anonymous. During an inspection, he found this water heater enclosure. But what's that thing sitting on the pipe behind the vent?
QQ: Fire Door Bottom Clearance
Today's Quick Question: Can a threshold be used to address oversized clearance at the bottom of a fire door? What do you think?
This week there’s something for everyone…
We've got you covered! Up this week...Security in 30 for integrators, a webinar on the ABCs of Access Control that offers AIA CEUs, Allegion 101 for newcomers, and 4 Webinar Wednesday classes.
FF: DIY Gate Lock
The Fixed-it Friday fun never ends! I received today's photos from Paul Linder of Hill's Bros. Lock & Safe, Inc., who had nothing to do with the original installation but was called in to fix the problem.
How many more will it take?
I like to think that I'm pretty even-tempered...I don't get mad very often (and when I do - RUN). But every time I see an apartment fire where the door was left open as the apartment residents escaped, I feel even more frustrated and angry.
WW: “Exit” Mash-Up
Debbie White of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, which she received from a friend. I love it when my friends send me door photos...hopefully I'll be getting more as we can safely start to travel again! Hint, hint. :)
QQ: Use Groups Requiring Auto Operators
Following up on last week's post about the new requirement for auto operators in certain locations, today's quick question: What types of buildings fall into the use groups where automatic operators are required for public entrances?
So much to learn!
The next series of Allegion 101 begins tomorrow, Webinar Wednesday continues with 4 classes available this week, and next week there's a live presentation on the ABCs of Access Control that offers AIA credit.
FF: Restroom Egress
Following up on Wednesday's restroom post...any theories on the situation in this restroom? It's Fixed-it Friday but I'm not sure what they were fixing with this application. Thanks to Charles Anderson for the photos!
Code Update: Automatic Operators on Public Entrances
I wrote about this change during the 2021 code development cycle, but this post includes the new excerpt from the IBC that requires automatic operators at public entrances. This would be an expensive miss on a project, so just a heads-up.
WW: I don’t think I could rest easy in this restroom.
This Wordless Wednesday photo brings back bad memories of my brothers locking me in closets and other dark and scary places. I'd love to know why this door is lockable from the outside...any ideas?
FDAI – Here’s why.
In my opinion, removing the fire door assembly inspection requirements through a state modification of the model codes is detrimental to the safety of building occupants. What do you think?
Access Control for Stairwells
Stairwell doors can be one of the more complicated applications in an access control system, because of the code requirements that apply to these doors. Learn more about access control systems on stair doors this Wednesday!
FF: What can I say?
Take a look at these Fixed-it Friday photos, sent to me by Eyal Bedrik of Entry Systems Ltd. I think I've hit the wall, because I just keep shaking my head at the photos arriving in my inbox and I can't think of any more ways to say, "Don't do this, people."
Update: WWYD? Single-User Restrooms
This is an important update to an earlier post about the code changes related to "occupied" indicators on privacy sets. The IBC change applies to family and assisted-use restrooms, but not to all single-user restrooms.
WW: Down at the Shooting Range
Ben Gorton posted this photo on the page of the Facebook group called "There's no crying in hollow metal", and I just knew I had to share it (with permission) for Wordless Wednesday. This door is an emergency exit for a shooting range, and I'm #wordless.
Decoded: Safe and Secure Schools
My next Decoded article focuses on safety requirements to consider while addressing school security. And while we're on the subject, Safe and Sound Schools is conducting their 4th survey on the National State of School Safety, and I invite you to participate.
ASHE Webinar – Open to All
A few weeks ago I posted a recorded class on delayed egress and controlled egress locking systems. If you'd prefer to listen to that presentation live, I will be conducting the class for the American Society for Health Care Engineering on April 22nd.
FF: Hotel Security
These doors would be nearly impossible to open in an emergency...they require special knowledge and effort, coordination and dexterity, and the hardware is far above the allowable range. #wordless
FDAI – Why?
As I talk to people about fire door assembly inspection, two sides of the discussion have emerged. Many understand the increased life safety and fire protection provided by code-compliant fire doors - others think the deficiencies are too overwhelming to address.