WW: Screwy
Assuming that the screws in this fire door assembly are steel, and considering that NFPA 80 doesn't limit the number of holes or screws, do you think this repair is compliant with the standard?
WW: Multipurpose Hardware
I don't think the use of the door hardware in today's Wordless Wednesday photo is part of the cycle testing for durability - not to mention the stored materials blocking the exit!
WW: Under Construction
I don't know what's on the other side of this door (is this a required exit from the area under construction?), but the idea of someone using this type of temporary hasp - possibly without evaluating the egress path, makes me nervous. How about you?
WW: Happy Holidays!
I've seen a lot of creative holiday decorations that impact the exits, but what do you think about today's Wordless Wednesday photos, sent by a retired fire marshal?
WW: (Un)Safe Shopping
A retired fire marshal sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos of yet another retail exit...once an AHJ, always an AHJ. When you hit the stores this holiday season, check the exits (and send me photos)!
WW: I have no words.
Really. What can I say about this Wordless Wednesday "emergency exit", sent to me by Tim Weller of Allegion. Feel free to comment with suggested captions.
WW: Emergency Exit Only
When you're out doing your holiday shopping, be on the lookout for non-code-compliant retail exits (and send me some photos!)...you probably won't have to look too far!
WW: Doors of Prison Island
Since this is a travel weekend for many, I'm sharing door photos from my visit to Prison Island. A former prison and quarantine station, the island is now a tourist destination and home to dozens of Aldabra giant tortoises. Enjoy, and safe travels!
WW: Ratchet Strap
No...just no. This is not an effective way to lock a classroom door. ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 locksets that have been tested and certified for strength and durability will provide the necessary level of security as well as code compliance.
WW: Yet Another Airport
A couple of weeks ago I posted Wordless Wednesday and Fixed-it Friday photos from recent airport visits. This time it's our senior hollow metal engineer, Marilyn Latham of Allegion, who is sending me airport photos.
WW: Health Care Corridor Door “Fix”
Last week I spent an afternoon touring a hospital under renovation after a large electrical fire (more to come on that), and I saw this modification that left me wordless. What do you think?
WW: Airport Applications
While traveling to and from Tanzania and Zanzibar, we visited 8 airports in 5 countries, and saw a few interesting airport applications. Check them out and let me know what you think!
WW: People’s Palace, Zanzibar
I have been planning a family trip to Tanzania for a couple of years, and the departure date finally arrived a few weeks ago. In addition to the safari (amazing!), we visited the island of Zanzibar, where I took today's Wordless Wednesday photos.
WW: Barricade Devices
I have shared my concerns about classroom barricade devices dozens of times, but today's Wordless Wednesday photos from Mark Berger of Securitech have inspired me to review the issues once again.
WW: Something’s Screwy
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Jake O'Keefe of Allegion, who was helping the locksmith for a large hospital with a problem at one of their exterior doors. The door was "stuck", but on the bright side, the problem was pretty easy to diagnose.
WW: Wildfire Survival
Allegion's Inside Sales Team received these photos and the authorization to share them. This Schlage BE Series deadbolt was installed on a home that was destroyed by a wildfire in San Antonio, Texas. The lock survived. #wordless!
WW: Batting Cages
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photos from a retired AHJ - this is a 22,000 square foot sports facility used for batting practice and baseball training. What do you think of the "emergency exits"?
WW: More International Egress
Given the situations I see while traveling internationally, I could probably create Wordless Wednesday posts until the end of time. The important thing to note is how fortunate we are to have strong codes and good enforcement in the U.S.
WW: Oh the Drama
My kids all participated in drama club at school and I was a behind-the-scenes helper, so I have witnessed firsthand the creativity of that crowd. What do you think of this exit, which serves the backstage area in a high school theater? OK, or NO WAY?
WW: How many more cycles?
Once a door and hardware professional starts looking at the hardware as they pass through a door opening, that habit is difficult (or impossible?) to break. I received today's Wordless Wednesday from my retired Allegion coworker, Chris Clark.
WW: Another Split Opening
Last week I posted a Fixed-it Friday photo of a 50/50 split opening that I saw in Valle de Bravo, and in response, Leo Lebovits of M&D Door & Hardware sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo. I can see the resemblance!
WW: Bailamos Salsa
A few years ago I decided to learn how to dance - salsa, cumbia, and other Latin dances - not the easiest undertaking, but very rewarding. My new obsession has taken me to several sources of Wordless Wednesday photos, including a restaurant that I went to last night.
WW: Pandemic After-Effects
A couple of weeks ago I shared a photo of a blocked retail exit, and Lee Frazier sent me today's photo from another large retail store. During the pandemic, many stores changed their ingress and egress routes, and the after-effects are lingering on.
WW: Balloon Station
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...retail space is definitely at a premium these days. If you think the exit is blocked now, just wait until the balloon lady arrives for her shift!
WW: Retail Entrance/Exit Control
Last week when I was with our specwriter apprentice/sales development program cohort, I stopped into a large retail store and noticed their Wordless Wednesday method for entrance/exit control at the main entrance.
WW: Leave Open Until Further Notice
The bad news is that on my way to do some training in Minnesota, my flight was delayed and I had an unplanned overnight in Texas. The good news is that I found a good Wordless Wednesday application in the airport.
WW: We’ll take a booth by the exit.
Kevin Whitney of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...I wonder if the exit is still required, if the doors are still openable, and why there is signage for a key-operated lock when the doors have panic hardware. So many questions.
WW: Retail Repeat
Over the years, I have shared many Wordless Wednesday photos of retail stores with blocked exits. Erich Russ of Jeske Hardware Distributors sent me today's photos, and his submission was very timely.
WW Follow-Up
In yesterday's Wordless Wednesday post I shared a photo of a hotel stairwell where washers and dryers had been installed under the stairs, and several people weighed in on the problem - including some AHJs. Here's a follow-up.
WW: What’s wrong with this picture?
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Joel Niemi Architect. Who can tell me a section from any code that prohibits the situation shown here? This is a fire rated exit enclosure (stairwell) in a hotel.
WW: Another DIY Barricade Device
I received this Wordless Wednesday photo from Paul Timm of Allegion, another example of a school district's efforts to implement a means of locking doors quickly in case of an active shooter situation. But what about other hazards?
WW: Do not push on bar.
I have known Charles Anderson, retired AHJ, for many years - long enough to know that one of his pet peeves is signage that deters the use of an exit. What do you think about the Wordless Wednesday photos he sent in? OK, or NO WAY?
WW: Doubled Over
Tony Klagenberg of AMI sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, which looks like it was taken in a gas station or convenience store located in an area where crime is a concern. I'm wondering if someone thought this would give them extra security.
WW: Snowed In
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo was sent by Ken Kuzman of Houston-Starr...although the memories of these snow banks are fading for most of us, they'll be returning to some areas in a matter of months!
WW: Antiquing!
I have shared Wordless Wednesday photos of antique store exits before, but this time I was the one on an antiquing expedition. As soon as we parked in front of the store I knew I would find some issues...
WW: School Exit
Joe Hendry of Navigate360 sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, taken in an occupied school. This door serves the means of egress from the administrative office area. I'm wordless.
WW: Hotel Stair
During a 1:00 a.m. fire alarm, Denise Gorski took note of the damaged latchset on a hotel's stairwell fire door. If the door wasn't propped open with a wedge, the missing lever may have prevented hotel guests from exiting. Which is worse? The open door or the potential lack of egress??
WW: Down at the Packie
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos of an obstructed means of egress in a liquor store (we called them "packies" in New England). I'm at a loss as to how to educate retail workers on the code requirements. Any ideas?
WW: At the Craft Expo
These Wordless Wednesday photos from Charles Anderson (retired AHJ) speak for themselves... Don't forget to send me photos of the interesting doors you see in your travels!
WW: En La Ciudad De Aguascalientes
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I took my family for a short trip to Aguascalientes, Mexico last week. It's a beautiful city, and of course I took lots of photos of amazing doors!
WW: “Cooler” Security Solution
Mark was minding his own business at a family get-together in a local events venue (with an occupant load of >100 people), and there was a door calling his name from the back of the room. You can see why in today's Wordless Wednesday photos. :D
WW: Limbo Lower Now
These Wordless Wednesday photos show a restaurant's patio exit...a great reminder that when we're specifying and selecting doors and hardware we need to try to anticipate how the openings will be used in the future.
WW: Fire Door
I'm going to put this Wordless Wednesday photo from Lee Frazier of Allegion in my special collection of photos to look at when I need a good cry. It was taken in a university. :(
IFSJ: Women in Fire Sciences and Fire Safety Engineering
On International Women's Day 2023, I am so honored and grateful to be included in an article published in International Fire and Safety Journal (IFSJ), highlighting seven women working in the fire sciences and fire safety engineering fields.
WW: Another Retail Exit
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.
WW: Havana Nights
In Monday's post I mentioned a Havana nightclub's egress situation, and promised to share a few Wordless Wednesday photos. As you can see from today's post, the code requirements for egress are a bit different from what we are used to.
WW: Happy Trees and a Bubbling Brook
I love receiving photos from AHJs...today's Wordless Wednesday photos were sent by Dave Cox, a fire marshal in Minnesota. Of course the mural, signage, and deadbolt caught my eye, but I also wonder what's going on with that light switch. Theories?
WW: Church Basement Exit
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Christin Kinman of Allegion...it's a door serving a youth program space in a church basement. After growing up with me as their mom, I wonder if my kids would bring this door up with the group leader.
WW: Dining Al Fresco
These restaurant exits left me Wordless - especially considering that some of the foliage is planted in the ground - not even in pots! When you go for dinner, don't forget to bring your machete in case you need to evacuate!
WW: ABC15 on Stadium Fire Code Violations
Although the number of violations found in the host stadium for Super Bowl LVII is a bit disconcerting, it's reassuring to know that code compliance is being taken seriously in order to help ensure life safety for occupants of the facility.