QQ: Hardware Finish and Accessibility
This Quick Question hit my inbox last week, regarding the matte black finish: Do the accessibility standards include requirements related to the finish (color) of door hardware?
This Quick Question hit my inbox last week, regarding the matte black finish: Do the accessibility standards include requirements related to the finish (color) of door hardware?
This month’s Decoded question is a common one related to classroom doors in educational facilities: Are classroom barricade devices allowed by the model codes and accessibility standards?
Did you know that you can ask the U.S. Access Board for technical assistance related to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design? The service is available to anyone at no cost, and the staff members I've worked with have been very helpful and responsive!
In the past, some of my colleagues have compared me to Navin Johnson, Steve Martin's character in The Jerk. I will admit, Navin's excitement over the arrival of the new phone book does share some similarities to my reaction to the publication of the new codes.
This Quick Question has come up quite often over the years - I was shocked to find that I had not yet answered it here: Is XYZ product certified as compliant with NFPA 101 (or any other model code)?
I recently taught an interactive code update class for an enthusiastic and competitive group of conference attendees, and I'm sharing some of the information from that session in this article, so everyone can benefit from what was covered in the presentation.
BHMA recently posted another edition of Codes in Context - this time focusing on changes to NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code. The summary report and the supporting focus documents can be downloaded from the site’s Codes in Context page.
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos illustrate another barricade device used to secure a classroom door. I don't recommend this method or any other device that impacts egress, is non-compliant with the ADA, and is untested for security.
As I'm reviewing and updating these Decoded articles, I can't believe that some of them were originally written more than 12 years ago. Hopefully they will continue to be a valuable resource for another 12 years and beyond!
Next week I will be back in my old stomping ground to do some training on recent and upcoming changes to the I-Codes, NFPA Codes, and referenced standards related to swinging door openings. It's not too late to register!
Yesterday I shared an updated Decoded article on clear opening width and height, and this Quick Question was raised: Does the projection of a surface-mounted strike for rim panic hardware affect the clear width of a door opening?
This Decoded article on clear opening requirements was first published almost 10 years ago, and remains a frequently visited post on iDigHardware. It has now been updated with current code references.
Although there is a section in the I-Codes dedicated to automatic doors, this section does not address the hardware used for security and egress. Locks for automatic sliding doors are covered in other sections of the model codes.
I will be teaching two classes during the DHI conNextions conference next month in Boston, and I hope to see a lot of familiar faces there! The classes are both code updates, but the focus is slightly different. Which one will you register for?
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
Last week I posted about some upcoming code training that I'll be conducting in the Southeast, and it turns out that there is some availability in my class at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on May 16th. There's more info in today's post.
In a couple of weeks I will be conducting some code training in the Carolinas and Tennessee. There are a few spots available in the class in Clemson, South Carolina on Tuesday, May 9th, so if you are within driving distance, check out the training invitation here.
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I took my family for a short trip to Aguascalientes, Mexico last week. It's a beautiful city, and of course I took lots of photos of amazing doors!
As I mentioned last month, my Decoded column has a new question-and-answer format. This month's question: "How do the changes made to the 2018 and 2021 I-Codes affect the requirements for locks installed on classroom doors?"
Yesterday, March 19th was National Automatic Door Day! To commemorate this annual observance, the video in today's post addresses a change that I've received some questions about lately...the ANSI/BHMA requirements for monitored safety sensors.
This is a great Quick Question, and I got some help from the US Access Board with the answer: When there is a pair of doors or a bank of doors, do ALL leaves have to meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)?
I saw today's Wordless Wednesday photos posted on the Locksmith Nation Facebook page, and Merlin Bechtel of Merlin Lock & Safe gave me permission to share them here. I'm still amazed at the condition of so many retail exits.
This Decoded column, which will be published in the April issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine, is the first in a new question-and-answer format. In the past 13 years I’ve covered just about every code-related topic that applies to openings, so it's time for a new approach.
In March we will offer an AIA approved webinar and two Webinar Wednesday sessions. These are great opportunities for continuing your education without leaving your desk!
Many doors have to meet multiple sets of code requirements, for code-compliant egress, fire protection, and accessibility. There are dozens of applicable mandates that apply to door openings in a multifamily residential building; here are five to consider...
My latest Decoded article, published in the January/February issue of Door Security + Safety, addresses upcoming changes to the 2024 I-Codes. I covered additional changes affecting electrified hardware in a previous article.
As the theme of the March issue of Door Security + Safety is talent and workforce development, my next Decoded column includes some of the code-related resources that I have shared here on iDigHardware.com.
When a stop or holder is mounted on the floor, at what point does it become a tripping hazard? I have not found a specific reference in the model codes or referenced standards on the acceptable mounting location.
When it comes to ADA compliance, there are minimum requirements, and there are real-life requirements. STANLEY Access Technologies is proud to partner with New Horizons Village to continue this very important conversation and advance the mission of accessibility for all.
What do you think about the location for the auto operator actuator shown in these Fixed-it Friday photos? Based on the BHMA A156.19 standard and the accessibility requirements, is there a code issue?
Today's Quick Question: Can a low energy automatic operator that is certified to BHMA A156.19 be installed on a door that is required to comply with BHMA A156.10? What do you think?
In case you missed this webinar from the U.S. Access Board, the recording and handouts have recently been made available on the Accessibility Online website. The webinar description and link are in today's post.
Although I have seen some modifications to make the very old buildings in Copenhagen more accessible, the restroom entrance shown in today's Wordless Wednesday photos was an extreme example of a lack of access.
To help educate and inform stakeholders about changes related to doors and hardware, BHMA has developed a new resource called Codes in Context. I filmed a short video for BHMA's Spotlight Series, highlighting this project.
When evaluating security, it's important to remember that there are adopted codes and standards that must be followed. With proper planning, doors can meet the requirements for accessibility, egress, fire protection - AND security (convenience too!).
I saw this "fix" during my travels in Indiana and Pennsylvania over the last couple of weeks. Any theories about the reasoning behind the pulls shown in these Fixed-it Friday photos? I have no ideas.
John Woestman of BHMA recently showed me an analysis that he put together, which shows changes that affect doors, frames, and hardware from one edition of the IBC to the next. I highly recommend downloading it for future reference.
I'm on my way to Pittsburgh, and I hope to see some of you at the DHI conNextions conference! PLEASE come to one (or both!) of my sessions on Wednesday, or stop by the Allegion booth during exhibit hall hours!
The accessibility standards mandate a flush, smooth surface at the bottom of a door to avoid catching a wheelchair footpad, crutch, cane, or other mobility aid on a protrusion. Some of the most frequently-asked questions on this topic are answered in today's post.
This photo is a great illustration of a problem that has come up before, and I don't have a good answer. What solutions have you seen for double pairs of fire doors like this? WWYD?
Have you seen lever handles purposely mounted in the vertical position? If you are an AHJ, do you have concerns about this application? Is the hardware violating a code or standard when mounted this way? WWYD?
In recent years, many states have issued guidance on classroom locking procedures. Most of these guidelines follow the adopted building codes, fire codes, and accessibility standards, some do not. Check out the State of Alabama's directive in today's post.
It's my favorite time of the year - back to school! It's hard to believe that I have a college senior, and a high school junior and senior! But the learning doesn't end with graduation...we have plenty of continuing education available this month.
Today is my birthday and I will be spending the day flying to Minneapolis to work with the members of our Specwriter Apprentice Program and Sales Development Program. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we have 2 Webinar Wednesdays this month!
Although the model codes do allow turnstiles if certain criteria are met, egress and accessibility requirements must be addressed in order to ensure adequate life safety and access for all building occupants.
As we continue to celebrate the 3,000-post milestone, I don't know what to say about today's Wordless Wednesday photo sent by Bruce Gill of North Central Supply. SMH