2021 Model Code Update – What’s New?
The 2021 code development cycle is complete, and although it may take some time for the new model codes to be adopted, it’s important to know what changes to expect.
WW: Access Control Override
Once the investment is made in an access control system, it seems like padlocks and hasps should become obsolete. Especially since this is probably a fire door.
FF: Something’s Amiss
Anyone else see the problem with this Fixed-it Friday photo? Note: The photo was sent to me by an AHJ, and the situation has since been corrected.
Challenges of Conducting Fire and Egress Door Inspections During Covid-19
With permission from the author, Hal Kelton of DoorData Solutions, along with Door Security + Safety Magazine, I'm excited to share this article.
WW: “You must be this thin to exit.”
Remember when you were a kid and couldn't go on the roller coaster because you weren't as tall as the line on the sign? Well, here's the egress version...
QQ: Dormitory Suites
Today's Quick Question: Can a bedroom door within a suite in a dormitory have a separate deadbolt in addition to the latching hardware? What do you think?
WW: Where To?
Imagine that you're in an antique store, shopping for the perfect Christmas gift. You're on the second floor when the fire alarm sounds...
Online Options
What do you want to learn about? Whether you're new to the industry or you want to get into the nitty-gritty of delayed egress and controlled egress locks, you have options!
FF: Bottom Bolt
Maybe I should go into door forensics in my retirement years (someday). I think it's so interesting to look at a door opening and try to figure out what happened.
6 Locked Doors – Watch it now!
Last week, Allegion sponsored a virtual screening of the documentary - 6 Locked Doors. There are still some tickets left, so I'm inviting iDigHardware readers to watch it until the tickets run out.
Another Museum Exit
What is it with museums? Other than antique stores, they have to be one of the most common sites for non-code-compliant exits.
WW: I’m out of words.
What would you call this Wordless Wednesday post? I'm befuddled by the giant arrow, the multiple exit signs, the numerous motions required to unlatch the door, and...the padlock and hasp.
QQ: Number of Exits
Today's "Quick Question": When is a room required to have more than one exit or exit access doorway? Do you know the answer?
6 Locked Doors & More
I'm participating in three sessions at next week's virtual DHI conNextions conference...I hope to "see" you there!
WW: Secure the Door
Sometimes people have to get creative when security is on the line! Hopefully, this unit is uninhabitable. #wordless
Looking Forward & Looking Back
I'm participating in three sessions at next week's virtual DHI conNextions conference...I hope to "see" you there!
WWYD? Mechanical Controlled Egress
A change to the 2021 edition of the IBC seems to allow egress doors in some health care units to have mechanical locks in the direction of egress, instead of fail safe electrified locks. WWYD?
WW: Exit with panic hardware and barricade devices
Do you see any problems with today's Wordless Wednesday photo? While this might seem like an easy way to secure these doors, I have some concerns.
Apply It: Mosque Exits – Answers
Here are the answers to Tuesday's real-world questions about the egress requirements for this mosque in Dubai. Read the other post first if you want to give it a try.
WW: NYC Officers Break Up Indoor Wedding
One silver lining to the pandemic may be the increased focus on gatherings that in many cases include too many people - not only for social distancing but for egress and life safety.
Apply It: Mosque Exits
It's one thing to read an article or watch a video about code requirements for doors and hardware, but how about applying what you've learned using a real project?
Online training continues into October
The online training offered by our national trainers for the last 20(!) Webinar Wednesdays will continue into October. Here's what's scheduled for this week...
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.