QQ: Locking Interior Stairway Doors
Today's Quick Question about stairwell reentry has come up several times in recent weeks: Is it acceptable by code to install fail safe electrified locks on interior stairway doors in a 5- or 6-story building?
WW: Another Split Opening
Last week I posted a Fixed-it Friday photo of a 50/50 split opening that I saw in Valle de Bravo, and in response, Leo Lebovits of M&D Door & Hardware sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo. I can see the resemblance!
Thank you!
Yesterday I received phone calls, emails, post comments, and texts about an error message that some of you were receiving when trying to access iDigHardware. Everything seems to be fine now, but if you experience any issues, let me know!
Decoded: Special Locking Arrangements
Electrified hardware causes a lot of confusion regarding the applicable code requirements, but understanding one concept would help to clear up many of the misinterpretations: Is every opening with electrified hardware considered a "special locking arrangement"?
FF: 50/50 Split
I don't know for sure what happened in these Fixed-it Friday photos, but my guess is that this property was split due to an unresolved inheritance, and the doors were part of the fix. What do you think? Do you have another theory?
FAQs About Accessible Door Openings
The accessibility requirements related to doors and hardware are too complex to address in one post, but here are a few of the most frequently asked questions, with links to additional information.
WW: Bailamos Salsa
A few years ago I decided to learn how to dance - salsa, cumbia, and other Latin dances - not the easiest undertaking, but very rewarding. My new obsession has taken me to several sources of Wordless Wednesday photos, including a restaurant that I went to last night.
Last-Minute Training Opportunity – DOIT
Over the last 10+ years, I have met many people who are committed to the safety and security of schools, and I just realized that two of my favorite school safety advocates are presenting a webinar this week! Read more in today's post.
Decoded: Alternative Methods and Equivalency
Most of the codes and standards are updated every 3-5 years, but there may be a period of time when a new product is available that is not specifically addressed until the next edition is published. How is this handled by the AHJ?
FF: Mag Holders
RB Sontag of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, and I'm wordless! In all of my years in the industry, I don't recall ever seeing electromagnetic holders installed this way. How about you?
From the NYT: “Pulse Massacre Victims File Police Complaints Saying Exits Were Blocked”
Although more than 7 years have passed since the tragic shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, questions remain about the “design, unpermitted renovations, and code enforcement” there.
WW: Pandemic After-Effects
A couple of weeks ago I shared a photo of a blocked retail exit, and Lee Frazier sent me today's photo from another large retail store. During the pandemic, many stores changed their ingress and egress routes, and the after-effects are lingering on.
TGP SpeciFIRE
TGP has released a new and improved online version of the product SpeciFIRE, where you can make a series of choices and find the TGP glazing options that will meet the needs of the project. Check it out!
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My current monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: Are deadbolts compliant with the code requirements for egress, fire protection and accessibility? Do you know the answer?
FF: Garden Gate
It can be very challenging to keep gates secure and to protect the hardware from the weather. I saw today's Fixed-it Friday photos posted by Dani Livshin on the Locksmith National Facebook page, and I'm sharing them with Dani's permission.
QQ: Unequal Leaf Pair – Follow-Up
On Tuesday I answered a Quick Question about panic hardware on an unequal leaf pair, which led to another question from several readers: Can the smaller leaf of an unequal leaf pair be equipped with flush bolts instead of panic hardware?
WW: Balloon Station
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...retail space is definitely at a premium these days. If you think the exit is blocked now, just wait until the balloon lady arrives for her shift!
QQ: Panic Hardware on Unequal Pairs
I received this Quick Question the other day, and it has been a while since I've written about this topic: Is it acceptable to install panic hardware on a 2-foot-wide door that is part of a 5-foot-wide unequal leaf pair?
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
As the use of technology in schools grows, there are both positive and negative implications to be considered. In the third episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Jeff Bean about this topic.
FF: One of these things is not like the others…
One of these things is not like the others...one of these things just doesn't belong. If are a Sesame Street fan, this song will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Can you see the problem in today's Fixed-it Friday photos?
Accessibility Standards…not just words on a page
In the United States, we tend to take code compliance for granted when it comes to door openings. I can say from experience that this is not necessarily the norm around the world, particularly with regard to accessibility.
WW: Retail Entrance/Exit Control
Last week when I was with our specwriter apprentice/sales development program cohort, I stopped into a large retail store and noticed their Wordless Wednesday method for entrance/exit control at the main entrance.
Removable Mullion Storage Kit
I spent part of last week with Kevin Braaten, Shannon Tracey, and the current members of our specwriter apprentice and sales development programs, and we went on a field trip - one of my favorite ways to see applications "in the wild."
FF: Wall Mag
This one's going to be a tough fix...a wall magnet in a school corridor that is missing a crucial component. Without the electrified hold open to release the door during an intruder situation, the security of this wing of the school is compromised.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
It's our responsibility to study past tragedies in hopes of improving future outcomes. In the second episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Guy Bliesner about the shooting that occurred at Rigby Middle School.
WW: Leave Open Until Further Notice
The bad news is that on my way to do some training in Minnesota, my flight was delayed and I had an unplanned overnight in Texas. The good news is that I found a good Wordless Wednesday application in the airport.
WWYD? Exit Path
This exit serves an aircraft hangar in a military museum and is properly marked - there is an exit sign above the door. What do you think about the additional exit path marking projected onto the floor? WWYD?
Accessibility Requirements for Operable Hardware and Door Control Devices
In this article for Door Security + Safety, I have used information from various sources to support interpretations of the intent of the accessibility standards. If you have anything to add, leave a comment asap!
FF: (Don’t) Take the Plunge
I saw this Fixed-it Friday photo posted by Vincent Zito on the Locksmith Nation Facebook page, and I asked for permission to share it. This is NOT an authorized means of repairing this product, which looks like it has faced more than its share of abuse.
FAQs About Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are being specified more frequently, and it's important to understand the applicable code requirements to ensure that the mandates for egress, fire protection, and accessibility are met. In this post I have answered some of the FAQs.
WW: We’ll take a booth by the exit.
Kevin Whitney of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...I wonder if the exit is still required, if the doors are still openable, and why there is signage for a key-operated lock when the doors have panic hardware. So many questions.
Podcast: The Changing Face of School Security
In the past 10+ years, I have been blessed to meet many people who share the mission of school security and safety, including Paul Timm of Allegion and Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools. Hear from Paul and Michele on the first episode of this new podcast.
Learn About UL’s Product iQ!
Wednesday, July 12th, Door Openings Industry Training (DOIT) is offering a webinar by Rich Walke of Creative Technologies. Learn how to use UL's Product iQ Online Directory, and receive one hour of continuing education credit!
FF: This door is alarmed.
Would this door be code-compliant if only one of the panic devices actually latched? Or would it be considered "special knowledge or effort" because the building occupant would have to know which touchpad to use?
WWYD? Wrap Plates on Fire Doors
If you are an AHJ or a fire door inspector, or have used listed plates to cover holes in fire doors, please share your insight. Are there limitations on hole size, door material, or fire rating? Is permission from the door manufacturer required?
WW: Retail Repeat
Over the years, I have shared many Wordless Wednesday photos of retail stores with blocked exits. Erich Russ of Jeske Hardware Distributors sent me today's photos, and his submission was very timely.
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My next monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: How can an exterior space—like a courtyard or roof terrace—be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the building? Do you know the answer?
WW Follow-Up
In yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post I shared a photo of a hotel stairwell where washers and dryers had been installed under the stairs, and several people weighed in on the problem - including some AHJs. Here's a follow-up.
WW: What’s wrong with this picture?
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Joel Niemi Architect. Who can tell me a section from any code that prohibits the situation shown here? This is a fire rated exit enclosure (stairwell) in a hotel.
QQ: Panic Hardware on Electrical Rooms
Today's Quick Question: If an electrical room is required to have outswinging doors with panic hardware, does this requirement apply to all of the doors that are part of the means of egress between the electrical room and the public way?
Access Control Credential Migration
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," is a phrase that I live by - mostly because I don't have time to deal with anything that isn't crucial to my existence. And if something does break, I just might find a work-around. But this strategy should not be applied to access control credentials.
FF: Anchors Aweigh!
Drywall anchors, that is! This is a 90-minute wood fire door, and someone tried to install the door closer (twice) with drywall screws and plastic anchors. I'm wordless! Happy Fixed-it Friday!
Decoded: Deadbolts in a Means of Egress
Are deadbolts permitted by code in a means of egress? A surprising number of people would answer "no", but deadbolts are allowed under certain circumstances. I have updated this Decoded article based on the current codes.
WW: Another DIY Barricade Device
I received this Wordless Wednesday photo from Paul Timm of Allegion, another example of a school district's efforts to implement a means of locking doors quickly in case of an active shooter situation. But what about other hazards?
Sequencing of Hardware Sets – US vs. European Practices
Although hardware schedules look like Greek to most people, there is a specific order for the products listed there. Today's post addresses the sequence used in the U.S. as well as the European method.
Dura-Glide DT
In recent years, I've noticed that the way orders are taken and food delivered in some fast food chains has changed, and STANLEY Access Technologies has developed a new drive-thru window and door called the Dura-Glide DT. Read more in today's post.
FF: Theater Exit
Our local library has a small theater that holds just under 100 people. The space only had one code-compliant exit and the building is hundreds of years old and difficult to modify. TGIFixed-it Friday!
Decoded: Unlatching a Door for Egress
In the next Decoded article I have answered the following frequently asked question: When is it permissible for an egress door to have hardware that requires more than one releasing motion to unlatch the door?
WW: Do not push on bar.
I have known Charles Anderson, retired AHJ, for many years - long enough to know that one of his pet peeves is signage that deters the use of an exit. What do you think about the Wordless Wednesday photos he sent in? OK, or NO WAY?
USGNN: Quick Code Q+A
My second monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question about double-cylinder deadbolts: Where can key-operated locks be used on doors in a means of egress? Do you know the answer?