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.
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
Low energy automatic operators are the type of automatic door operators that are typically actuated by a “knowing act.” There are several questions about these operators that come up frequently...
There is a new Security in 30 session coming up on June 17th, along with Webinar Wednesday on the 29th. Which of these educational presentations are you planning to attend?
Yesterday's post about protruding objects raised a related Quick Question: The IBC section addressing limitations on protruding objects references projections into "circulation paths." What is a circulation path?
I know that many of iDigHardware's readers are ultra-focused on door openings (me too!), but every so often I see a non-door application illustrating a code requirement that could also apply to doors and hardware.
Every so often I ask the readers of iDigHardware to weigh in on what you are seeing in your state or local jurisdiction. Today I need your help on the topic of accessibility symbols - please share your insight in the comments.
Today's post is my next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine. I pulled together my past posts related to traffic/impact doors to create a comprehensive article to use as a reference.
I guarantee that thousands of people have walked by the doors in today's Fixed-it Friday photos without thinking twice about them. But a retired fire marshal took note of the panic hardware location and sent me the photos.
I was going to post this photo from a retired fire marshal for Wordless Wednesday, but then I noticed the "fix" from when they electrified the panic hardware. Fixed-it Friday seems more appropriate.
When the media publicizes the use of non-code-compliant security in a particular school district or jurisdiction, it's easy to jump to the conclusion that this must be a good idea. It's not.
I recently wrote about a bill in Michigan's state legislature that would expand the use of classroom barricade devices in the state. That bill has been signed into law, allowing barricade devices to be used on doors serving assembly spaces.
Last week I posted some photos sent to me by a retired fire marshal, and one of them reminded me of a Quick Question that I've received several times lately: Do impact doors have to comply with the accessibility standards?
My Decoded course has been taken thousands of times on-demand, along with countless attendees who have participated in live Decoded classes taught by my Allegion coworkers. I just updated all 4 classes and they're ready to go!
This article - about balancing life safety with school security - is the cover story for the Spring 2022 issue of Life Safety Digest. Feel free to share it with school administrators or others who may need it!
I have to admit...I was very disappointed when a document from the U.S. government referenced security methods that could conflict with the adopted codes. But there's a new (and improved!) edition of the K-12 School Security Guide!
I was recently asked to create a class for locksmiths, installers, or others who are looking for a crash course on the most frequently-asked code questions related to door openings. And here it is! Share it with all who could benefit from this training!
I worked on several GSA projects back when I was writing hardware specifications, and I don't remember ever seeing the facilities standards that have been published by the GSA, addressing certain types of federal projects. Here are the highlights...
I hope 2022 will be the year that the experts are heard and their advice followed, with decision-makers choosing proven security products rather than untested methods that don't comply with the codes established over 100+ years.
My kids are getting excited to see what Santa has left under the tree, even though they are now 20, 17, and 15. This photo was taken with Santa at Pasek Corp., way back in 2011. I sure do miss my old pal. :(
Next up in the countdown...it's Wordless Wednesday! I know that many of you LOVE the Wordless Wednesday posts, which I have been publishing weekly since January 25th, 2011. Time flies when you're having fun!
This week I'm counting down the days until my holiday break - yesterday I wrote about the ACE Network, which is a fantastic resource! Today I want to make sure you all know where to find my Decoded articles, which address specific code-related topics in detail.
It's that time of year again, when I finish up my last big projects (like my new class: Crash Course in Codes!), look back on what I accomplished, and get ready to start fresh after the holidays.
I recently posted an episode of DoorTalk, where Austin Watson of Warren Doors & Access Control and I were talking about how iDigHardware came about. We also recorded a couple of episodes about changes to the 2021 model codes. Here's Part 1!
I have one last photo from my time in New Orleans, that relates to today's Quick Question: When are tactile warnings required for the hardware on rooms housing hazardous equipment, like electrical rooms?
