Decoded: Opening Force vs. Operable Force
Ten years ago I wrote my very first Decoded article, and the column has run continuously since December of 2010. Who knew I'd have so much to write about??
Ten years ago I wrote my very first Decoded article, and the column has run continuously since December of 2010. Who knew I'd have so much to write about??
Confused about the various code sections that apply to electrified hardware? These questions will guide you in the right direction.
My next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine addresses an approved code change related to locking roof terraces and courtyards.
My next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine addresses the code considerations for facilities where changes are being made in order to limit the spread of germs.
My next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety magazine addresses the requirements for vestibules mandated by the IECC.
If it looks like a door and swings like a door, building occupants (and the code official) will probably think it’s a door, and it should operate like doors are supposed to.
If a labeled fire door is installed in a location where a fire door is not required, must the assembly be maintained and inspected according to the requirements of NFPA 80?
My next Decoded article explains why it is important for the ADA and all adopted codes and standards to be considered when choosing security products. Let me know if I missed anything!
When you're researching a code issue, how do you know which code to follow? Which one supersedes the others? And which AHJ has the final say?
Kicking off the 10th year of my Decoded column in Door Security + Safety Magazine...time flies!
My next Decoded article covers the tentative interim amendment - TIA 1436, which revised NFPA 101 in order to allow 2 releasing operations to unlatch existing classroom doors.
My next Decoded column addresses the accessibility requirements for thresholds and changes in level at doorways. If there is anything I should add, let me know before it goes to print!
My Decoded column in the October issue of Door Security + Safety Magazine covers the history of iDigHardware, with some code development and a little of my life story thrown in. :D
Remember when I went to Italy in July and I took hundreds of photos of doors and then hardly shared any of them with y'all because some of the photos were going to be published in Door Security + Safety Magazine?
A change to the 2018 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC) helps to establish the intent of these codes with regard to roof doors.
The IBC exempts locks used only for security purposes from the mounting height requirement. The accessibility standards exempt locks operated only by security personnel. What's the difference?
Thresholds and gasketing are simple in comparison to other types of hardware, but the code requirements can make them difficult to properly specify and supply.
Why would a school district consider using unregulated security devices, given the associated risk and liability? The answer may surprise you.
My next article for Door Security + Safety Magazine addresses the signage required for automatic doors. It will appear in the April edition.
A couple of weeks ago I posted Part 1 of my new Decoded crossword puzzle...here's Part 2! I would appreciate any feedback before the March issue of Door Security + Safety goes to print.
If you remember my last Decoded crossword puzzle you may find it hard to believe that I created it 4 years ago! Let's see if you've been paying attention!
We could soon see a code change that would require automatic operators for public entrances. Here's the current status.
The answer: In almost every US state. With that said, having it required by code and having it enforced by the AHJ are sometimes two different things.
Code issues are not uncommon in hotels, apartment buildings, and other residential occupancies. My next Decoded article addresses some things to look for.
Elopement is a real concern for certain health care facilities, and there are more options than there were 10 years ago.
Given that NFPA 3000 is a standard for preparation and response to an active shooting, how does that affect the door and hardware industry?
The code requirements addressing delayed egress have evolved since they were first introduced in the 1981 edition of NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, and that evolution continues with the 2018 editions of both NFPA 101 and the International Building Code (IBC).
In 2017, the International Code Council (ICC) published a new edition of ICC A117.1; the previous edition was published in 2009. The 2017 edition includes some changes relative to door openings...
I'm hoping this piece sums up the concerns associated with classroom barricade devices and can be used as reference material when discussing options for school security.
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.
A vision light is not required in each door opening on an accessible route, but if vision lights are provided for viewing purposes in doors or sidelights, the bottom of at least one of these lights must be located no more than 43 inches above the floor...
This article addresses an important change to the BHMA standards for automatic doors operated by a motion sensor or control mat...
You may remember that I'm working on a series of online code classes, which will be available early in 2018. To support those classes, I am updating some of my past Decoded articles to include revisions from new editions of the codes and standards. Here is the latest information regarding alterations of fire door assemblies.
For such a simple piece of hardware, protection plates installed on fire doors have caused more than their fair share of trouble, particularly in health care facilities...
NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, classifies openings protected by fire door assemblies in one of five categories...
Without proper planning, parking garages can present security and life-safety challenges. People who are authorized to use the parking area – or unauthorized people who are able to enter an open parking garage – may attempt to gain access to other floors of the building...
This post was published in the August 2017 issue of Doors & Hardware
With the increased use of sprinkler systems in commercial and institutional buildings, the need for temperature-rise doors has declined, but there are still locations where they are required...
The graphic that will appear with this article in Doors & Hardware illustrates a potential application for existing classroom doors if the 2-operation language is approved...
It has been a while (6 years!) since I have written about the code requirements that apply to panic hardware in my Decoded column, so it’s time for an update...
When I started increasing my focus on the code requirements that affect our industry, I looked forward to receiving the new editions of the model codes and standards, so I could page through them and find out what was new...
In case you haven't been following the classroom barricade device issue closely, here's an update. Within the last few years, products have begun to appear on the market which were advertised as a secure way to lock a classroom door...
Here's my next Decoded article...I had to do some research on this topic since it's not one that I typically address, so let me know if I missed anything!
A common question is whether an inactive leaf that is provided for convenience, aesthetics, or movement of equipment, and not required for egress is allowed to have manually-operated flush bolts...
This is one of the code issues I receive the most questions about, so it's the topic of my next Decoded column. Let me know if I didn't answer all of your questions. :)
According to the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, most doors in a means of egress are required to unlatch with one releasing operation. One exception to this rule is when a door leads to a residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit...
Many of today’s architectural designs incorporate outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces, and courtyards, allowing building occupants access to natural light and fresh air. How do the model codes handle these areas?
With the continued focus on fire door assemblies, it’s important to be familiar with the basic requirements as well as what has changed in the more recent codes and standards. This article focuses on hinge requirements for fire doors...
It is not uncommon for a building classified as another occupancy type to include an area used for assembly. For example, a nursing home would typically have a dining room, an office building might have a large conference center, or an apartment complex could have a function room that can be used for parties...
In case you haven't noticed, there is an interesting conversation happening on my post from earlier in the week about classroom barricade devices. If you have something informative to add in response to the manufacturers of these products...