Decoded: Egress From Exterior Spaces
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
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.
WW: Another Restaurant Exit
Thank you to Chad Jenkins of the National Locksmith Institute for today's Wordless Wednesday photos. And yes, the restaurant was open for business.
FF: Delayed Egress Modification
You may have to zoom in and look around to see exactly what's happening in this Fixed-it Friday photo. All I have to say is...there are better ways to transfer power.
WWYD? Vestibule Pair
For aesthetic purposes, a change is being considered to the configuration of this swinging pair of doors - each leaf would be increased from 36 inches wide to 62 inches wide. WWYD?
WW: Office Exit
It's Wordless Wednesday, and I don't know which contributes more to my wordlessness...the impeded egress, or the compromised security.
Security Sales & Integration: Cracking the Code
My recent article in Security Sales & Integration addresses panic hardware from an access control perspective.
FF: Plastic Loops
The intent of the application in today's Fixed-it Friday photos is obviously to deter the use of the doors - do you think this is code-compliant? Have you ever seen any documentation on these plastic loops?
21 News Investigates: School Barricades
Remember when Ohio's state codes were changed in order to allow classroom barricade devices? Almost 5 years later, questions are being raised about safety.
WWYD? Preventing Elopement
When a child with autism or an adult with dementia is living at home, it's crucial for their family to be able to deter elopement while still providing safe egress. WWYD?
WW: Medical Office Egress
When you complain about U.S. code requirements just remember, this WW door is typical in many countries that don't have strong life safety codes or people to enforce them.
WW: ¿Baños o Salida?
Some of the life safety features that we've come to expect in the US are not so common in other countries. This makes awareness of your surroundings even more critical.
FF: Licorice Laces
I know these doors aren't actually secured with licorice, and I HOPE this building is under construction and unoccupied. Thank you to Keith Zettler for today's Fixed-it Friday photo.
WW: OSHA Fines for Blocked Emergency Exits
OSHA requires emergency exits to be kept clear, to allow workers to exit quickly in an emergency. Failure to comply can result in seriously large fines. #wordless
Museum Exit
I have to admit, it was kind of cool to have someone send in a photo of a door they had seen, when it turned out that the door was on a project that I wrote the hardware spec for!
WW: Back Door
Have you watched the Six Locked Doors documentary yet? And yes, this door has an exit sign. And a "no exit" sign. And an "emergency exit" sign. :(
WWYD? Temporary Vestibules
Are the doors on these temporary vestibules required to meet the requirements of the codes and standards? If not, why not? And if yes...why are most of them non-compliant?
Decoded: Barricade Devices and the ADA (March 2020)
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!
WW: Children’s Museum
There are so many code issues with this "exit" in a children's museum that I'm just going to remain #wordless. Could you quickly operate this door in an emergency?
Two Kitchen Fires
Fire, panic, and other emergencies can strike anywhere, any time. To offer the highest level of protection, buildings must be code-compliant everywhere, all the time.
Six Locked Doors – Watch it.
This documentary should be required viewing - not just for those of us who are involved in codes, but for anyone who enters buildings (that means everyone).
Paul Timm: How to Best Invest Your Security Dollars
The new year (and some rest over the holidays) has renewed my resolve to continue educating school districts and others about the dangers of some types of retrofit security devices...
WW: Chinese Restaurant Exit
This Chinese restaurant has 30 tables, which means that the occupant load is probably over 100 people - definitely over 50. What's wrong with this (WW) picture?
Safe Exit (video)
This video was made by Von Duprin in the 1940's...I'm very proud that I can continue to share the importance of life safety and free egress!
Peebles High School: Hero teacher had to ‘batter down’ fire escape door to rescue pupils
News reports indicate during a serious fire that occurred last month in a Scotland high school, the lockdown system prevented immediate egress.
FF: Angled Opening
Check out this opening, installed on a ramp in a restaurant. The building was originally a warehouse for a grain mill and other materials shipped by train during the mid-1800s. Can you see the "fix"?