WW: No Break-Away
At first glance, the problem with this Wordless Wednesday photo may not immediately be apparent...do you see what's causing the egress concern?
Decoded: Opening Force vs. Operable Force (November/December 2020)
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??
Ecosystem of Safety
NFPA Journal: Safety is created by an ecosystem made up of codes, skilled workers, regular enforcement, and public understanding.
WW: Eat and Run
Yet another restaurant exit that leaves me #wordless. Posted in the Fire and Life Safety Inspectors Facebook group by Nancy Naber-Van Voorhees.
Code Update: Opening Force vs. Operable Force
The 2021 editions of the model codes have been modified, separating the limitations on the force used to open the door from the force used to operate the hardware.
Upcoming Training / Code Update
I'm finishing up my presentation for the DHI conNextions conference - covering the changes to the 2021 model codes, and I need your help!!
WW: Weight-ing to Exit
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo shows a university weight room, where students allegedly "modified" the hardware so that the door would not be lockable.
This Week’s Training Opportunities
In case you missed Paul Timm's webinar last week, the recording is now available. And...our national trainers will be conducting 4 live sessions tomorrow.
NFPA: “How did one fire over 100 years ago change life safety forever?”
I have been asked so many times - hundreds - whether it's ok to lock a door in the direction of egress, and unlock it only in an emergency...the answer is almost always "NO!"
FF: Veterinary Office Security Fix
It still amazes me that people with seemingly no understanding of the code requirements will make modifications to their doors that could result in injury or even death.
WW: Shocking Exit
I just love imagining you guys and gals spotting a door with a problem and thinking, "I need to take a picture for Lori!" Keep them coming! :D
Decoded: Electrified Locking Systems – Which code sections apply where? (October 2020)
Confused about the various code sections that apply to electrified hardware? These questions will guide you in the right direction.
Learn More: Back to School
I think it's safe to say that "back-to-school" looks different for everyone this year. This Thursday, Paul Timm will be presenting a webinar on adjustments to schoool security protocols.
WW: Thrifty Emergency Exit
Michael Wallick of Kelley Brothers sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo of an "emergency exit" in what looks like a thrift store (I love thrift stores!). What can I say? #wordless
Online Training This Week
Here's what our national trainers have on the online training schedule for tomorrow, and an additional webinar for security integrators on Friday.
FF: Covid-19 Precautions
If you see any situations like this, I'd love a photo to help share ideas for Fixed-it Friday "fixes" that ensure all safety requirements are met.
Listen, Learn, Grow
Last week I asked if you knew of any podcasts on codes, doors, or anything related to iDigHardware, and Facebook sent me a list!
WW: E for Effort
Someone really went to a lot of trouble to turn this door from "exit" to "no exit", but they missed a few things. Like checking in with the local fire marshal.
FF: Sharpie Fix
Coming in just after duct tape and WD-40 in the lineup for must-have tools to fix door-related problems...the Sharpie!
WW: Chain Reaction
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo shows an after-hours repair on a door that would not lock, as reported by the security department at a large university. Scary.
Last Call!
There are SO MANY great opportunities to learn something new this week! Please share this list with any of your colleagues who might be interested!
NFPA: The Future of Crowd Monitoring
On top of the threat of fires and active shooters, crowds themselves can be deadly. New technology for crowd monitoring is the topic of this episode of Learn Something New™ by NFPA Journal.
WW: Unauthorized Egress Problem “Solved”
I hope whoever thought today's Wordless Wednesday application was a good solution for preventing unauthorized egress also thought about checking with the AHJ.
Touchless Openings (and more!)
Many facility managers are exploring ways to reduce the transmission of germs in their buildings, but don't forget about the code requirements!
Decoded: Egress From Exterior Spaces (August/September 2020)
My next Decoded column for Door Security + Safety Magazine addresses an approved code change related to locking roof terraces and courtyards.
WW: Black-Out
Whether this Wordless Wednesday "exit" is serving a black-box theater or the church that is renting space to hold their services, it's extremely disturbing!
FF: Bleacher Seats
Where there's a will (and the AHJ is flexible), there's a way. It's clear that a lot of thought went into this opening, but I have a few unanswered questions...
Code Update: Egress from Exterior Spaces
The 2021 IBC will specifically address the acceptable means of locking egress doors that serve exterior spaces - like balconies and roof decks - where the path of egress goes through the interior of the building.
WW: AHJ Meeting Room
Sometimes Wordless Wednesday photos need a little context. Most of us have seen hotel meeting rooms with exits concealed by curtains...but during a class for code officials??
Introduction to the Code Requirements for Electrified Hardware
Many of you already know this (900 of you have already signed up), but this Thursday I will be presenting another webinar. If you're on the fence about whether to attend, this post might help.
WW: Beware – Attack Goose!
Maintaining an established means of egress is important, but sometimes there's a hazard that requires a modification of the exit route.
2021 Code Revision Roundup
For any jurisdictions that have adopted NFPA codes and standards, this month's NFPA Journal has a great summary of some of the major changes coming in the 2021 editions.
FF: 4-Point Lock
This is a feat of engineering and might even be compliant with the code requirement for one operation to unlatch the door. If only I had a video...
NFPA: Fire and Life Safety Insights for Reopening Buildings
NFPA has compiled more than a dozen new resources including videos, fact sheets, and news releases, which can all be found at nfpa.org/coronavirus.
FF: Exit Story
This is the first time I've ever received a Fixed-it Friday STORY...not just one FF photo, but 13 photos and Logan Piburn's narration of the whole situation. Thanks Logan!
FF: Plan Rack
It's Fixed-it Friday, AND...last call for the iDigHardware Yeti mug! Share your insight today on my post about school security design trends, and I'll pick a winner!
WW: High School Main Entrance
Just a friendly reminder to go one step further and ensure that the egress requirements are met while exits are being modified or other construction projects are in progress.
WWYD? Retail Exit Routes
Are AHJs allowing retail stores to make temporary changes in their egress routes to help slow the spread of COVID-19? If yes, are there some guidelines to help ensure safe egress?
FF: Exit Extensions
I don't know about y'all, but I needed a laugh today (I know - odd things make me laugh). Happy Fixed-it Friday - I hope you are all staying safe and well.
WW: Electrical Room
Craig Gaevert sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...there must be a rule against this, right? There's even a sign! :\
WW: More Wordless Warehouse Exits
Remember last week's Wordless Wednesday photos of warehouse exits? Well, I received some more from Johnson Controls. #wordless
Push Button to Exit
In case you can't read the sign on the door, it says, "Push the red button and the bar on the door at the same time to exit." THIS IS NOT OK!
Last Call For Webinar 2
Many of you probably know a lot about panic hardware already, but maybe you have colleagues who could benefit from Webinar 2 which I'll be presenting this Thursday. Please share!
FF: Legit Fix?
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos show a situation found at a state college. I'm curious whether any of you can come up with examples of when this "fix" would be acceptable.
FF: Be Careful Out There
Facility managers need to carefully consider changes made to prevent virus transmission, which could affect egress, fire protection, and accessibility.
WW: Wordless Warehouse Exits
I've been trying to put myself in the shoes of the person who made the modifications to these exits, and I just can't imagine any conditions that would make this seem like a good idea.
Webinar 2: Panic Hardware – When, Where, and Why?
My next webinar is coming up on Thursday, April 16th. The topic will be panic hardware - where it is required and the related code requirements - including the electrified options.
Decoded: Doors Provided for Egress Purposes (May 2020)
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.
WW: Stay Inside
It's Wordless Wednesday and my 10th day of staying inside the house. I hope you are all safe and healthy - and code-compliant!
FF: Not. O.K.
Seriously...how does anyone justify this Fixed-it Friday "fix"? If someone tells you this was approved by the fire marshal, I wouldn't believe it.