WWYD? Multiple Changes in Level
I've recently had several people ask how multiple changes in level within a door opening are considered by the accessibility standards. WWYD?
WW: No Break-Away
At first glance, the problem with this Wordless Wednesday photo may not immediately be apparent...do you see what's causing the egress concern?
Stop by and “see” me this Saturday!
Do you have some free time on Saturday? I'll be participating in a (free) virtual trade show and I'd love to have you stop by my virtual booth and visit!
Decoded: Opening Force vs. Operable Force
Ten years ago I wrote my very first Decoded article, and the column has run continuously since December of 2010. Who knew I'd have so much to write about??
FF: Exterior Fire Protection
Fire door assemblies aren't just something you read about in NFPA 80 - they have an important role in the passive fire protection of a building. Here's another fire door win!
Ecosystem of Safety
NFPA Journal: Safety is created by an ecosystem made up of codes, skilled workers, regular enforcement, and public understanding.
WW: Eat and Run
Yet another restaurant exit that leaves me #wordless. Posted in the Fire and Life Safety Inspectors Facebook group by Nancy Naber-Van Voorhees.
Tomorrow is Webinar Wednesday
Our national training team has 4 more webinars on the schedule for the next Webinar Wednesday online classes - happening tomorrow!
Code Update: Opening Force vs. Operable Force
The 2021 editions of the model codes have been modified, separating the limitations on the force used to open the door from the force used to operate the hardware.
FF: Continuously Self-Cleaning Surfaces
I'm curious about this "self-cleaning" wrap installed on a door pull at a restaurant entrance. Do any of you have experience with this technology?
SDI: Fire Door Inspection Checklist (video)
The Steel Door Institute (SDI) just released a new video that covers the annual inspection requirements for fire door assemblies. Feel free to share it!
WW: Another Flood
Do you remember back in July when I shared crazy Wordless Wednesday photos of how a flash flood affected some doors? Well, here's a WW video of a similar incident!
Upcoming Training / Code Update
I'm finishing up my presentation for the DHI conNextions conference - covering the changes to the 2021 model codes, and I need your help!!
FF: What’s wrong with this picture?
Not too many people would be walking down a hospital corridor and notice the problem shown in today's Fixed-it Friday photo. Can you see it?
WWYD? Door Numbering in a Perfect World
I know that most of us have seen projects with wonky door numbering...what would you do if you could start from scratch and number the openings the right way?
WW: Weight-ing to Exit
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo shows a university weight room, where students allegedly "modified" the hardware so that the door would not be lockable.
This Week’s Training Opportunities
In case you missed Paul Timm's webinar last week, the recording is now available. And...our national trainers will be conducting 4 live sessions tomorrow.
NFPA: “How did one fire over 100 years ago change life safety forever?”
I have been asked so many times - hundreds - whether it's ok to lock a door in the direction of egress, and unlock it only in an emergency...the answer is almost always "NO!"
FF: Veterinary Office Security Fix
It still amazes me that people with seemingly no understanding of the code requirements will make modifications to their doors that could result in injury or even death.
FDIS finds three quarters of fire doors failed inspections in 2019
Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) is a UK-based organization dedicated to fire door safety. Sharing this information about US fire doors could improve building safety.
WW: Shocking Exit
I just love imagining you guys and gals spotting a door with a problem and thinking, "I need to take a picture for Lori!" Keep them coming! :D
Decoded: Electrified Locking Systems – Which code sections apply where?
Confused about the various code sections that apply to electrified hardware? These questions will guide you in the right direction.
Learn More: Back to School
I think it's safe to say that "back-to-school" looks different for everyone this year. This Thursday, Paul Timm will be presenting a webinar on adjustments to schoool security protocols.
FF: Alternative to Lock Picking
This was the result of a school maintenance manager’s attempt to unlock a door that was not on the key system. I think I would have broken the glass, but whatever works.
Hand Sanitizer Follow-Up – Schools
In the 2018 edition of NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code, requirements for alcohol-based hand-rub dispensers for new and existing schools are found in Sections 14.4.4 and 15.4.4.
WW: Thrifty Emergency Exit
Michael Wallick of Kelley Brothers sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo of an "emergency exit" in what looks like a thrift store (I love thrift stores!). What can I say? #wordless
Online Training This Week
Here's what our national trainers have on the online training schedule for tomorrow, and an additional webinar for security integrators on Friday.
WWYD? AAADM Requirements for Automatic Doors
Is it acceptable for a locksmith who is not AAADM certified to perform work on automatic doors - if the work is not part of the automatic operating system? WWYD?
FF: Covid-19 Precautions
If you see any situations like this, I'd love a photo to help share ideas for Fixed-it Friday "fixes" that ensure all safety requirements are met.
NFPA: Fire Safety Considerations for Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is not normally within my area of expertise, but I've been receiving questions about it so I checked to see what NFPA had to say.
WW: Stairwell Reentry
These WW photos illustrate a creative attempt at meeting the requirements for stairwell reentry, while inadvertently voiding the fire door label.
Listen, Learn, Grow
Last week I asked if you knew of any podcasts on codes, doors, or anything related to iDigHardware, and Facebook sent me a list!
PSA: “Please don’t kick automatic door buttons.”
I'll bet this is happening even more often now, due to concerns about the transmission of germs. Yet another reason to go to touchless actuators.
FF: Auditorium Fire Exit Hardware
If your fire exit hardware shows up on the job-site without the dogging feature, there's a good reason for that. Homemade dogging is not a valid fix!
QQ: Does NFPA 80 “trump” the ADA?
Today's Quick Question: Do the requirements of NFPA 80 "trump" the ADA requirements? Is fire protection more important than accessibility?
WW: E for Effort
Someone really went to a lot of trouble to turn this door from "exit" to "no exit", but they missed a few things. Like checking in with the local fire marshal.
More (and More) e-Learning
I think online learning is here to stay. Which doesn't mean that we'll never see each other in person again, but there's a lot we can learn in the meantime.
30 Years of the ADA – Part 2
Last week I posted about the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and I realized how many people were unaware of the history of the law.
FF: NFPA Dogging
Leave it to NFPA to come up with a new type of dogging that is guaranteed to keep a door with panic hardware unlocked indefinitely.
WWYD? Questions about Relabeling?
I have an opportunity to do a Q&A with a company offering field relabeling/recertification of fire door assemblies, and I want to make sure that I don't miss any questions you may have.
WW: Flash Flood
These are some of the most wordless Wordless Wednesday photos ever; I've never seen anything like this. The force of water is amazing.
Online Learning – Week 23
Yes, it's Week 23. So if you're feeling a little webinar-ed out, that's probably why. I get it - I've been in the house for 133 days with only brief trips out for errands...
The ADA Turns 30!
It must have been around 30 years ago when my boss sent me to a seminar held at a local hotel - the topic was a new federal law called the Americans With Disabilities Act.
FF: Sharpie Fix
Coming in just after duct tape and WD-40 in the lineup for must-have tools to fix door-related problems...the Sharpie!
Touchless Fire Doors
Several questions were prompted by my recent webinar on touchless hardware, about the requirements addressing automatic operators and non-latching hardware on fire doors.
WW: Chain Reaction
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo shows an after-hours repair on a door that would not lock, as reported by the security department at a large university. Scary.
Mobile Credentials: The key to a seamless student experience
As many of you already know, my oldest daughter is starting her second year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, an early-adopter of mobile credentials.
Last Call!
There are SO MANY great opportunities to learn something new this week! Please share this list with any of your colleagues who might be interested!
FF: Duct Tape Can Fix Anything
Speaking from experience, this repair method - which apparently spans across multiple industries - does not last long.
NFPA: The Future of Crowd Monitoring
On top of the threat of fires and active shooters, crowds themselves can be deadly. New technology for crowd monitoring is the topic of this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal.