NASFM: White Paper on Classroom Door Security & Locking Hardware
NASFM has recently updated their guidance document on classroom security due to a change in one set of model codes - those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Letter from the President
Today marks the start of Safe Schools Week, and at Allegion, school security and safety are at the core of our mission. Read our president's perspective in today's post.
FF: Bisagras Modificadas (Modified Hinges)
On a recent stop in Mexico City I saw this Fixed-it Friday application...I don't know what the building is used for, but it looks like preventing after-hours access to the cylinders is a priority.
Dogging Deep Dive
Before I share today's post, I've got two things to say...a) time flies, and b) sometimes things get lost in my giant pile. Thanks to Janice Wheeler of Allegion for this information on dogging options!
WW: Communicating Door
Between the BHMA fall meeting and the DHI ConNextions conference I spent a weekend in the Southwest, and the landscape in that part of the country is enough to leave anyone Wordless!
We missed you!
If you weren't able to attend our code update class in Las Vegas, you have another opportunity to learn what's new, in the same engaging format that we used in the live presentation!
FF: Door Blocked
Years ago I saw a door marked "this is not a door" on the outside and a firefighter explained the reason, but the door in the photo is marked "door blocked" on the INSIDE. Any theories?
Podcast: Solving for Multifamily
In the next episode of the Allegion podcast – Solving for Multifamily, I talked about the protection provided by code-compliant fire doors in multifamily buildings. Please share this post far and wide!
WW: Vegas Venues
When I am in an unfamiliar place, I ALWAYS look for the nearest exit in case of an emergency. I'm in Las Vegas and the show venues vary widely in all ways, including the egress routes.
Decoded: Solving the Puzzle of Electrified Hardware Codes
Check out my crossword puzzle from the conference issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, to review some of the code requirements related to electrified hardware!
Resources for Multifamily Properties
In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, I've put together a page of resources related to multifamily buildings, AND...I've got a podcast episode coming out any minute!
FF: Stacked Shoe Shim
Hal Kelton of DOORDATA Solutions sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and I'm curious about the reason but also surprised that someone would cut four closer shoes to make a shim. Yikes!
Costco Wholesale Corporate Headquarters
I recently saw a great case study from TGP demonstrating the use of glazing in a stair enclosure to prioritize visual connection and occupant safety. Check it out in today's post!
WW: No Obstruir
In many of the countries I've visited outside of the US and Canada it's very unusual to see obvious indications of attention paid to egress. These doors left me wordless in a positive way!
WWYD? Alternative Function For Classrooms?
I recently received these photos, taken in a university classroom, and I'm hoping that some iDigHardware readers will share your thoughts on using this function for classroom doors.
Code Update – Recent and Upcoming Model Code Changes
If you're heading to the DHI ConNextions conference in Las Vegas next week, Mark Kuhn and I are teaching a 2-hour code update on Wednesday, October 9th from 10 AM to noon!
FF: Alternative Closing Mounting
I received today's Fixed-it Friday photos from Herman Hauer of M&D Door...I wonder how long the closer will survive mounted this way. Any bets?
TBT: Bardsley Checking Spring Hinge
Mike Robinson sent me these photos of a mounted sample of a "spring hinge" and asked if I knew anything about this product. Have any of you seen this product before?
WW: Electrical Panels
Paul Timm of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, taken in a school. Unsecured spaces like this can turn into big problems - especially when there are kids involved.
Campus Safety: School Storm Shelters
One of my articles that was recently published on the website of Campus Safety Magazine emphasizes the critical need to integrate storm shelters into schools across the U.S.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security 14
In the next episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Missy Dodds, survivor of the Red Lake school shooting and parent ambassador for Safe and Sound Schools.
FF: Screwed
Lee Frazier of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, illustrating exactly why fire door assemblies need to be inspected after installation, after maintenance work, and annually!
TBT: Daily Inspections in Schools
I mentioned in a recent post that NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code mandates daily inspections of all exit facilities in schools, including stairways and doors. Is this requirement being enforced?
WW: Antiquing (Again)
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Brad Miller of Lowcountry Doors and Hardware. Antique shops have to be one of the worst places to look for code-compliant exits!
What’s that? Hinge Prep
The latest post in my series on the pieces and parts that make up a door assembly addresses a wire found in a hollow metal hinge preparation. Do you know what it's for?
QQ: “Special” Hinges on Fire Door Assemblies
Today's Quick Question is a good one: Are "special" hinges like swing clear, wide throw, raised barrel, etc., acceptable for use on fire door assembles?
FF: Three Strikes
These Fixed-it Friday photos were taken in a school...the extra strikes are intended to address the extra clearance and allow the latch to engage. Does anyone see the problem?
WW: At the Vatican
Back in 2019 I visited the Vatican, but I didn't come across the door in today's Wordless Wednesday photo. Luckily, Greg Muir saw it and Deputy Jeff Tock of Allegion sent me Greg's photo.
QQ: Fire Exit Hardware Mounting Height
Today's Quick Question: If the permitted mounting height for operable hardware is between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor, does this range also apply to fire exit hardware?
Atrium Doors
I recently shared some photos of aluminum doors with magnetic holders, and some eagle-eyed iDigHardware readers asked why the doors were automatic-closing doors...
FF: Mullion Mag-Holder
The focus of yesterday's "What's that?" post was the electric power transfer (EPT), but several of you noted the magnetic holder, hence today's Fixed-it Friday post.
What’s that? Electric Power Transfer (EPT)
The idea for today's post actually came from a question I received about the standard mounting location for an EPT. Do you know where to find answers to questions like this?
WW: Can you help?
An iDigHardware reader needs some help identifying the panic hardware in today's Wordless Wednesday photos. If he can find the parts he needs, the doors won't have to be secured with chains!
Decoded: Fire Door Inspections vs. Egress Door Inspections for Swinging Doors
In this month's Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine, I answered a question about the differences between fire door inspections and egress door inspections.
FF: More Doors of Querétaro
Yesterday I posted some photos of the wicket doors I saw during a recent visit to Querétaro, Mexico, and here are a few Fixed-it Friday photos from the same trip. Enjoy the long weekend!
Querétaro Wicket Doors
Back in 2011, I wrote a post about wicket doors; basically a door within a door. Last weekend I saw SO MANY wicket doors in the city of Querétaro, Mexico. Enjoy!
WW: Clear Opening Height
Lee Frazier of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo taken in a health care facility, and I immediately thought, "Yes...this is a teachable moment."
Childhood Safety Act
A new state law has passed that will affect the safety of Ohio's schools, and could raise awareness of life safety requirements in other states as well. Read about it in today's post.
Decoded: Annual Inspection of Egress Doors
Egress door inspections are getting more attention these days (read tomorrow's post to learn why), so I have updated this Decoded article to include current code requirements.
FF: Temporary Locking Device
I see a few "fixes" here. Of course, the spoon/temporary locking device, the bottom strike adapter, and I can't help but wonder whether there's an exit sign behind that painting.
Decoded: Thresholds
I am working on a new series of Decoded posts, which will be compiled into a reference library addressing each of the code requirements related to door openings. What do you think?
WW: Big Box(es)
Big boxes (and some other stuff) blocking the means of egress...that is. Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, which require no explanation.
TGP: Fireframes TimberLine Series
Someone asked me yesterday whether fire rated wood frames are available. I have only specified a few projects in my career that had fire rated frames with the look of wood...
What’s that? Ball Bearing Hinges
When Mark Kuhn and I visited a school with the members of Allegion's Early Careers Program, I noticed some heavy weight hinges on a pair of doors. And then things got a little weird.
FF: Sabarmati Ashram Museum
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos were sent by Manjupriya T M of Allegion-India. They were taken at the Sabarmati Ashram Museum in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Pretty cool, right??
Security and Safety of Door Openings: 7 Steps to Code Compliance
Building occupants' feelings of insecurity may lead to the use of security measures that can negatively impact safety. Following the guidelines in today's post will help to ensure a balance of safety and security.
WW: Keep Pushing
When I saw this photo posted by Orin Alford on the Access Control Professionals Facebook page, I knew I had to share it for Wordless Wednesday, with permission of course.
Security Journal Americas: Safety, security, and convenience
Do you know the 4 D's of physical security? An article in Security Journal Americas written by Karen Keating of Allegion addresses these key considerations - deter, detect, delay, and deny.
QQ: Delayed Egress Signage
My Fixed-it Friday photos from last week raised a great "Quick Question"...Is braille signage required for doors that are equipped with delayed egress locks?
FF: Push/Pull to Release
One of my favorite retired AHJs sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, taken in a new grocery store. Can you spot the problem? (Hint: This is delayed egress panic hardware.)