FF: Repurposed
It is just me, or does it seem like antique stores often have creative ways of deterring egress?
WWYD? Handing for Communicating Doors
How do you "hand" a communicating door? Are the doors LH/RH? Or LHR/RHR?
WW: Is this panic hardware?? (no)
This type of lock is not panic hardware. We need to be aware of these claims and prepared to address them when questions arise.
Is your garage door self-closing or automatic-closing?
I don't have an attached garage, but if I did, I would make sure that the door is self-closing or automatic-closing. Is this something you have considered for your own home?
QQ: Panic Hardware and Mag-Locks
The 2018 edition of the IBC includes an important clarification regarding doors with panic hardware and electromagnetic locks.
FF: Zip It
Colin Watson of Allegion sent me this Fixed-it Friday photo of a surface bolt. Zip-tied for extra security. In a school. I guess they don't want anyone using that leaf.
QQ: Roof Doors
Is it acceptable to lock the roof access door on the roof side, to prevent access from the roof into the building?
WW: Ouverte (ou non)
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos are from a very large expo center. Although the creative slide bolt was unlocked when the photo was taken, it's scary to think about the potential for human error, or lack of egress for firefighters who might be in the building when it is otherwise unoccupied.
Legalities of Classroom Barricade Devices
There has been a lot of discussion about whether classroom barricade devices are "legal," whether they are a violation of the ADA, and whether their use increases liability for schools that use them.
WWYD? Fail Safe Access Control?
What are the considerations for an access control system in buildings that may continue to be occupied during a fire alarm?
FF: To exit, push the button…
Yes, there is an exit sign above this door.
WWYD? Joint Commission Policy Changes
I'm just going to admit it - I'm confused - and I'm hoping that someone who works more closely with the Joint Commission can help to clear this up. The Joint Commission recently distributed a document giving notice of 3 changes to their standards; 2 of the changes involve doors, and the effective date is March 11, 2018.
WW: Classroom Security
"He believes school officials could do more to prepare teachers for intruders, whether by investing in padlocks so they aren’t scrambling for ways to barricade doors..."
Diagnosing a Problem Opening 201 (video)
Last week I posted a new whiteboard animation video about diagnosing simple problems - here's a follow-up to that video which talks about more complex issues.
Decoded: Manually-Operated Sliding Doors
Manual sliders are not always allowed in a means of egress, since the model codes require side-hinged or pivoted swinging doors for most locations. The International Building Code (IBC) currently contains 9 exceptions where swinging doors are not required.
FF: Latch Retraction
Where have you seen this type of "fix"? What was the cause and what would have been a better solution (that didn't involve tape and cardboard)?
Diagnosing a Problem Opening 101 (video)
If I had a nickel for every time someone called to say their door wasn't working...
WW: 9 Years
I can hardly believe that iDigHardware is 9 YEARS OLD!
WWYD? School Security T.M.I.
I'm ready to create any documentation that you need to facilitate these conversations, but I need your help. What information should be included?
Restroom Kits for Automatic Operators
Questions continue to arise regarding how to properly specify/supply hardware for a single restroom door with an automatic operator. The challenge is that the outside actuator (push button) for the automatic operator has to be interfaced with the locking system; otherwise, the actuator could open the door even when the restroom is occupied.
FF: College Entrance
It's too bad someone at this facility didn't ask for help BEFORE coming up with these locking "solutions." :(
Why Compromise?
Let's help school administrators learn how to secure doors more quickly while keeping evacuation options open, rather than on how to make security cheaper while ignoring the potential consequences.
WW: Retrofit Security
I'll just leave this right here. Zoom in, look around, and share your thoughts in the reply box.
WWYD? Truck Stop Showers
How would you handle this access-control request?
Code Requirements for Electromagnetic Locks (video)
I hope this video sums up the requirements in a way that will help answer any remaining questions.
FF: File-it Friday
This is a classic. Gary Huizen of Huizen’s Locksmith Service posted today's Fixed-it Friday photo on iDigHardware's Facebook page, and I love it...
Decoded: Code Requirements for Classroom Security (video)
Our newest whiteboard animation video addresses the important topic of classroom security.
WW: PA or TJ?
After you check out today's Wordless Wednesday photo, can you help with some questions from iDH readers?
Accessibility Overlap
Does this proposed security closet create an accessibility problem?
QQ: Signage on Fire Door Frames
Does NFPA 80 allow small signs on fire door frames? Are there limitations on the size, material, and method of attachment?
FF: State to City College: Uninstall 1,000 Fire Code-Defying ‘Barricade Devices’
Yesterday, I read an article about a college in California that purchased and installed 1,000 barricade devices at a cost of more than $200,000, as recommended by the local police chief. The college later removed the devices, as they are not compliant with the building code and fire code in California, or with the ADA.
‘This Is Us’ and other news
Unfortunately, the media is not saying much about the closed bedroom doors in Sunday's episode of This Is Us (so I will).
WW: Lockdown Lowdown
Since it's Wordless Wednesday, here is a photo that Jim Phillips of SBS Associates sent me from a school walk-through. Luckily the school's security precautions kept these intruders out.
DoDEA Educational Facilities
The Department of Defense has issued a set of guidelines for schools called the Physical Security and Antiterrorism Design Guide for DoDEA Educational Facilities.
FF: Panic Protector
Jon Millsap posted this Fixed-it Friday photo on his Facebook page (Locksmith's Journal), and he gave me permission to share it here. What do you think? Yea or nay, and why or why not?
Legislative Update on Classroom Barricade Devices
On Tuesday, I wrote about a bill that was passed by the Utah Senate, which would allow classroom barricade devices to be used in Utah schools. Here's a follow-up.
WW: Classroom Door Intruder Lock – Homemade Science
I'm losing hope.
Utah State Legislation on Classroom Barricade Devices
Whether you live and work in Utah or not, a bill that is progressing through the Utah State Legislature could help to set a precedent that may eventually affect your jurisdiction (so please listen up).
Door Loops / Door Cords for Fire Door Assemblies
One of the most frequently-cited products seems to be the door loop or door cord. In order to address this problem, Schlage series 788 and 789 armored door cords are now classified by UL to UL 10C, and are acceptable for use on fire door assemblies.
FF: Special Knowledge?
Looking at the signage, the unfamiliar locks, and the exposed wiring, I wondered if the average person would instinctively know how to exit, or whether an AHJ might think this opening requires "special knowledge"...
Marshall County High School – Follow-Up
I just read an article in the Washington Post - Another school shooting: Are we numb to it? I don't know about you, but I am not numb.
WW: Another School Shooting
As another school shooting occurs, I struggle with what to write. Today is Wednesday, the day that I typically post a photo that leaves me wordless...
Rooftop Heliport Egress
The more of the "vanilla" topics that are covered on iDigHardware, the more "peppermint stick" the questions become!
WWYD? How can we help UL spread their message?
You have all heard me talk about how important it is to sleep with your bedroom door closed at night - to benefit from the protection provided by a closed door. I've been writing about fire doors on iDigHardware for 9 YEARS(!), trying to inform as many people as possible about the purpose of fire doors, why they need to be closed and latched when a fire occurs, and what is involved with an annual fire door inspection.
FF: Branching Out
Howard Krutzler of Mr. K's Lock and Key sent me this photo of a panic hardware modification he found. For the record, panic hardware is UL listed and can not be modified except as allowed by the listings.
WWYD? 5th/6th Screw in Closer Shoe
Should "missing" screws in a parallel-arm shoe be cited as a deficiency during a fire door inspection?
WW: Antique Shop Emergency Exit
Deputy Jeff Tock of Allegion found this "emergency exit" while he was out antiquing. I wonder how building occupants are supposed to exit in an emergency...I guess the store is not expecting one to occur.
School Security Bill – Delaware
Lawmakers in Delaware are scheduled to vote this week on a bill that mandates certain security features in new schools and schools which undergo major renovations.
QQ: Empty Tab Slots
The increased enforcement of the inspection requirements for fire door assemblies has brought some pretty intense scrutiny upon the various components. In some cases we're finding that NFPA 80 and the model codes don't currently address the fine details of how these assemblies are tested and constructed.
FF: LifeDoor
Joel Sellinger of LifeDoor sent me these photos of the bedroom door in an AirBNB, along with a note that said, "When you realize the importance of a closed door at night...but can’t!"