FF: Camo Panic
Ahhh...that feeling you get when you overhear someone telling their coworker that they think they've spotted a code violation - and they took a photo of it!
NFPA Journal – Learn Something New: Dynamic Exit Signs
What will the future of exit signs look like? Do they need an upgrade using new technology?
WW: Rebar
It took me a second to see what was happening here, and now I'm #wordless. Thank you to Kim Murkette of Isenhour Door for the photo!
I’m off to Cleveland!
Are you headed to Cleveland this week for the DHI ConNextions conference? I hope to see you there!
WWYD? Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
Shared restrooms that are not segregated based on gender are becoming more common in schools, universities, and other types of facilities. What's the ideal hardware solution for these doors?
FF: Whatever Works
Kick-down holders (prohibited in most commercial locations) are meant to flip down and hold the door open. This one is being used for a different purpose. Any ideas?
Decoded: Two Releasing Motions for Egress
My next Decoded article covers the tentative interim amendment - TIA 1436, which revised NFPA 101 in order to allow 2 releasing operations to unlatch existing classroom doors.
WW: Seen on Odditymall
End users MUST understand the applicable code requirements before purchasing security products, and it's our job to educate them. We can't focus solely on security at the expense of life safety.
Fairfax County Virginia – CBYD
UL FSRI: Nearly half of Americans believe it’s safer to sleep with the door closed in the event of a fire, yet only 26% always sleep with their bedroom door completely shut.
Training Opportunity (with AIA and DHI credit)!!
If you're anywhere near Cleveland, Ohio, I just found out about a great opportunity on Thursday, November 7th for you to attend our Code Update Roundtable!
FF: Key/Tool, Special Knowledge AND Effort
It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether a particular type of hardware requires special knowledge or effort to operate since this is left up to each AHJ to interpret. Not this time...
WWYD? Corrosion to the Max
Any idea what is corroding or oxidizing inside of this door - and to this extent?? I've never seen anything like it! What's the solution? WWYD?
WW: More Zip Ties
I can almost understand how trash cans get placed in front of exit doors, but the (semi-permanent) use of zip-ties is hard to take.
Doors Provided for Egress Purposes
People ask me all the time...Do ALL doors have to meet the requirements of the IBC? How do you differentiate between an egress door and a non-egress door?
Training Alert: Collaboration to maximize your project, time, and profit
If you are looking for some continuing education credit, or just want to learn more about collaborating on a door hardware specification, here's your chance!
FF: Screws
It warms my heart that in the last 10 years, the number of people who actually notice these problems (and often do something to resolve them) has increased significantly.
Latch-Side Clearance
Remember the photo I posted Tuesday - of the exit door from the fast-food restaurant? If you've been wondering what the other code issue was, here's the answer.
WW: Slammer Spring
Maybe rules really are made to be broken? Which code requirements are being violated with this creative Wordless Wednesday installation?
Minimum Egress Width
What do you think about the width of the aisle leading to this restaurant exit - is it sufficient? And can you spot the other code issue with this door?
Fire Risk in Schools
Between 2013 and 2017, an average of 4,859 structure fires occurred in educational facilities each year, and only 39% of the schools where fires occurred had sprinkler systems. Read more...
FF: Auditorium Exit
How quickly we forget the lessons learned in tragic events such as the fires at the Iroquois Theatre and the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub. If you see something, say something!
Live Rescue: “You can come out now.”
I know that many of us notice funky hardware applications on TV and in movies...here's one that we can actually learn a few things from.
WW: Another Retail Exit
Charles Anderson sent me the photos below, of a "secondary" exit from a retail store. I know it's Wordless Wednesday, but here's something you should know...
Classroom Lock Functions
This new infographic aims to help clear some of the confusion about the various lock functions used on classroom doors. Feel free to share it!
Washington Post: School shootings are extraordinarily rare.
The statistical likelihood of a public school student being killed in a school shooting on any given day since 1999 was 1 in 614,000,000. Read more in the Washington Post...
FF: Wordless
I'm Wordless about today's Fixed-it Friday photo. Considering that this is a retail store, I'm not even sure how/why this happened. Any theories?
Classroom Door Magnets
I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all answer for classroom security, but as we consider each new problem, it's important to remember the progression of the security methods used over past decades.
WW: Extra Patient Room
During a flu epidemic in 1974, hospital staff was desperate to accommodate the patients needing treatment. Luckily, someone was watching out for the life safety of all of the hospital's occupants.
WWYD? Performance-Based Option
Do you know of any facility that is using the performance-based option for fire door assembly inspection? I asked the Joint Commission about it...
Time’s Up!
Last call! And in addition to the randomly-selected winners of the 10th anniversary contest, I have a gift for someone who has been a loyal reader since the very beginning.
FF: Church Exit
Looking past the Fixed-it Friday "fix" and the non-code-compliant hardware, what do you think about the design of this opening? Are these exit doors easily identifiable?
SDI: Fire Door Assembly Video
Have you ever wished for a short video that gives an overview of fire door assemblies? The Steel Door Institute (SDI) recently released a 2-minute video that covers the basics.
WW: Assisted Living Fire Doors
Imagine that you are moving your mom into an assisted living facility, and you notice that the door closer on every fire-rated apartment entrance door has been disconnected...
Double-Cylinder Deadbolts Revisited
Can a double-cylinder deadbolt be installed on a multi-stall restroom door in an office building? Of course not! But wait...are you sure about that?
Timeline: 10 Years of iDigHardware
This is the last week of the 10th anniversary celebration, but there's still time for you to register to win - AND to learn more about the resources available on iDigHardware!
FF: Trashed Exit
Chris Stokes of Precision Doors and Hardware sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a gas station/convenience store. At first, this looks like careless placement of a trash can...
WWYD? Unidentified Pivots
How do you replace existing pivots when you don't know the manufacturer or model number? Is there a reliable way to identify existing pivots? Are replacements for old pivots readily available? WWYD?
WW: Hole-y Moly!
Bryce King of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...I guess this is one way to deal with a lockout! Send me your WW/FF photos to register to win some Yeti merch from iDH!
Decoded: Thresholds and Changes in Level
My next Decoded column addresses the accessibility requirements for thresholds and changes in level at doorways. If there is anything I should add, let me know before it goes to print!
Decoded: Celebrating 10 Years of Codes…and Beyond! (October 2019)
My Decoded column in the October issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine covers the history of iDigHardware, with some code development and a little of my life story thrown in. :D
FF: Lever Return Spring
I'm sure you have some photos hiding in your phone that could be suitable for Wordless Wednesday, Fixed-it Friday, or to illustrate a question or problem. Submit them and you might be a winner!
Assembly Bill AB 44
Much of the testimony given at a recent hearing clearly outlines the reasons that barricade devices are not the optimal method of securing classroom doors.
WW: Danger – Construction Zone
We need to always be on the lookout for situations like these - our attention to these problems can affect the safety of building occupants. #seesomethingsaysomething
Close Before You Doze – Vote Now!
I love using creative ways of getting a message out - especially when the message will likely save lives. Check out these videos and VOTE!
What are you searching for?
You asked for an improved search feature to help you find what you're searching for in iDigHardware's library of 2,300+ posts...here it is!
FF: Sound Horn for Service
I love these Fixed-it Friday photos from Richard de Campo of Poss Architecture + Planning and Interior Design. This door leads from the showroom area to the welding shop at The Iron Gallery in Rifle, Colorado.
WWYD? Walk-In Closet
Is the door serving a walk-in closet in an apartment or condominium required to comply with the means of egress requirements of the IBC? WWYD?
WW: NUMBER 100?? (September 2019)
Remember when I went to Italy in July and I took hundreds of photos of doors and then hardly shared any of them with y'all because some of the photos were going to be published in Door Security + Safety Magazine?
Celebrating 10 YEARS of iDigHardware!
iDigHardware has been celebrating our 10-year anniversary for several months, and the party will continue through September, with your chance to win one of the daily or weekly prizes!
FF: Please Shut Door
The door in these photos is at the top of the stairs in a bar, exiting from a non-sprinkled basement assembly room that is used for weddings and parties. What do you think? OK or NO WAY?