This report illustrates why I don't like to see key-operated locks allowed in most locations. When a double-cylinder deadbolt is installed and there is a need to lock the doors to prevent access, there is no code-compliant way to facilitate egress.
Have you ever pointed out a door problem to someone and had them respond with a shrug and some form of "so what"? A fire door is held open improperly...so what - chances are slim that the building will catch on fire today. Right??
I received links to these news reports from several iDigHardware readers as far away as Dubai. As I have said before, sometimes the immediate response to a threat does not take all factors into consideration.
There were plenty of times over the years when my kids reluctantly tolerated my "teachable moments" about life safety. I'm so happy to know that some of it stuck! I hope you are talking to your family and friends about doors! :-)
This may not be the kind of Wordless Wednesday photo that leaves YOU wordless but keep in mind that I am currently in Mexico where panic hardware is rare enough to be exciting...
At first glance this may look like just another creative Fixed-it Friday alteration, but upon deeper investigation it's a cringe-worthy Wordless Wednesday application. How will this opening protective perform during a fire? Who knows??
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo is shared with permission from Vince Davis, who posted it on the Fire and Life Safety Inspectors Facebook page. If this is a fire door it's got some other issues, but the egress problem is clear.
I received these photos from a code official. This pair of doors serves a large assembly space, and as you can see, the doors get a fair amount of use. The original "fix" on the LHR leaf is not all that unusual, but the extension has me scratching my head.
What problems can you see in today's Wordless Wednesday photo? I've been posting these photos weekly for almost 10 YEARS and they just keep coming!
There are plenty of issues with the restroom shown in today's Wordless Wednesday photo, so I'll just leave this right here and let y'all check it out while I sit here SMH. Thanks to Mark Kuhn of Allegion!
This lock was installed on a retail store, protecting an area with high-value merchandise. YES, those are bullet holes, and NO, the wanna-be robbers did not defeat the lock and/or gain access. #stopemwithaSCHLAGE
Although I've heard people say that no pricetag is too high when protecting our most precious assets, there are checks and balances to consider. What do you think about school security methods like this one?
Although the rules on projections into the clear opening height are changing, giant Pilgrim cat heads are not one of the allowable projections. Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
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...
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...
Trevor Hauser posted today's Wordless Wednesday photo on the Crap Locksmithing Facebook page, and all I can say is...wow.
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.
Sometimes people have to get creative when security is on the line! Hopefully, this unit is uninhabitable. #wordless
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.
At first glance, the problem with this Wordless Wednesday photo may not immediately be apparent...do you see what's causing the egress concern?
Yet another restaurant exit that leaves me #wordless. Posted in the Fire and Life Safety Inspectors Facebook group by Nancy Naber-Van Voorhees.
Do you remember back in July when I shared crazy Wordless Wednesday photos of how a flash flood affected some doors? Well, here's a WW video of a similar incident!
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo shows a university weight room, where students allegedly "modified" the hardware so that the door would not be lockable.
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
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
These WW photos illustrate a creative attempt at meeting the requirements for stairwell reentry, while inadvertently voiding the fire door label.
These are some of the most wordless Wordless Wednesday photos ever; I've never seen anything like this. The force of water is amazing.
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.
I hope whoever thought today's Wordless Wednesday application was a good solution for preventing unauthorized egress also thought about checking with the AHJ.
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo makes me wonder what other interesting things have been found inside of these enclosures...
What I love about a post like this is that someone will see it - and GET IT. During the fire shown in today's Wordless Wednesday photos, a child was rescued from behind the closed door.
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!
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??
Maintaining an established means of egress is important, but sometimes there's a hazard that requires a modification of the exit route.
Jim Elder of Secured Design LLC sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo, and I am indeed wordless! This is a first for me!
Most of you know how important this message is to me: Close Before You Doze. Check out this video from the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department.
These photos perfectly illustrate the age-old struggle between security and convenience. The semi-permanent nature of the "fix" leaves me wordless.
At first glance, this might look like an LCN 4040 closer that has suffered an extreme failure, but it is actually a knockoff. Make sure you're getting the real deal!
Raise your hand if you've seen a fire door like this. Now wave a virtual hello! :D A fire barrier can't do its job with a big hole in it!
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.
Craig Gaevert sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...there must be a rule against this, right? There's even a sign! :\
Remember last week's Wordless Wednesday photos of warehouse exits? Well, I received some more from Johnson Controls. #wordless
One of the side-effects of staying at home is that we're not out-and-about to run across Wordless Wednesday and Fixed-it Friday applications. Can you help save my streaks?
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.
It's Wordless Wednesday and my 10th day of staying inside the house. I hope you are all safe and healthy - and code-compliant!
Thank you to Chad Jenkins of the National Locksmith Institute for today's Wordless Wednesday photos. And yes, the restaurant was open for business.
This Wordless Wednesday photo is an unbelievable example of the abusive conditions a door might face in a school. What do you think happened here?
It's Wordless Wednesday, and I don't know which contributes more to my wordlessness...the impeded egress, or the compromised security.
Reminder: I will be presenting Webinar 1 - Code Changes Affecting Classroom Security tomorrow at 11 AM and 2 PM Eastern! And...today's Wordless Wednesday! :D
