In the United States, we tend to take code compliance for granted when it comes to door openings. I can say from experience that this is not necessarily the norm around the world, particularly with regard to accessibility.
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.
I spent part of last week with Kevin Braaten, Shannon Tracey, and the current members of our specwriter apprentice and sales development programs, and we went on a field trip - one of my favorite ways to see applications "in the wild."
It's official! Since Mark Kuhn has achieved his EHC credential, I will be directing all questions on that topic to him! :) Today's post from Mark addresses the question of whether to supply battery back-up on access control doors.
This one's going to be a tough fix...a wall magnet in a school corridor that is missing a crucial component. Without the electrified hold open to release the door during an intruder situation, the security of this wing of the school is compromised.
It's our responsibility to study past tragedies in hopes of improving future outcomes. In the second episode of Paul Timm's podcast - The Changing Face of School Security, he talks with Guy Bliesner about the shooting that occurred at Rigby Middle School.
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.
This exit serves an aircraft hangar in a military museum and is properly marked - there is an exit sign above the door. What do you think about the additional exit path marking projected onto the floor? WWYD?
In this article for Door Security + Safety, I have used information from various sources to support interpretations of the intent of the accessibility standards. If you have anything to add, leave a comment asap!
I saw this Fixed-it Friday photo posted by Vincent Zito on the Locksmith Nation Facebook page, and I asked for permission to share it. This is NOT an authorized means of repairing this product, which looks like it has faced more than its share of abuse.
Sliding doors are being specified more frequently, and it's important to understand the applicable code requirements to ensure that the mandates for egress, fire protection, and accessibility are met. In this post I have answered some of the FAQs.
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.
In the past 10+ years, I have been blessed to meet many people who share the mission of school security and safety, including Paul Timm of Allegion and Michele Gay of Safe and Sound Schools. Hear from Paul and Michele on the first episode of this new podcast.
Wednesday, July 12th, Door Openings Industry Training (DOIT) is offering a webinar by Rich Walke of Creative Technologies. Learn how to use UL's Product iQ Online Directory, and receive one hour of continuing education credit!
Would this door be code-compliant if only one of the panic devices actually latched? Or would it be considered "special knowledge or effort" because the building occupant would have to know which touchpad to use?
If you are an AHJ or a fire door inspector, or have used listed plates to cover holes in fire doors, please share your insight. Are there limitations on hole size, door material, or fire rating? Is permission from the door manufacturer required?
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.
My next monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question: How can an exterior space—like a courtyard or roof terrace—be secured to prevent unauthorized access to the building? Do you know the answer?
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.
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.
Today's Quick Question: If an electrical room is required to have outswinging doors with panic hardware, does this requirement apply to all of the doors that are part of the means of egress between the electrical room and the public way?
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," is a phrase that I live by - mostly because I don't have time to deal with anything that isn't crucial to my existence. And if something does break, I just might find a work-around. But this strategy should not be applied to access control credentials.
Drywall anchors, that is! This is a 90-minute wood fire door, and someone tried to install the door closer (twice) with drywall screws and plastic anchors. I'm wordless! Happy Fixed-it Friday!
Are deadbolts permitted by code in a means of egress? A surprising number of people would answer "no", but deadbolts are allowed under certain circumstances. I have updated this Decoded article based on the current codes.
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?
Although hardware schedules look like Greek to most people, there is a specific order for the products listed there. Today's post addresses the sequence used in the U.S. as well as the European method.
In recent years, I've noticed that the way orders are taken and food delivered in some fast food chains has changed, and STANLEY Access Technologies has developed a new drive-thru window and door called the Dura-Glide DT. Read more in today's post.
Our local library has a small theater that holds just under 100 people. The space only had one code-compliant exit and the building is hundreds of years old and difficult to modify. TGIFixed-it Friday!
In the next Decoded article I have answered the following frequently asked question: When is it permissible for an egress door to have hardware that requires more than one releasing motion to unlatch the door?
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?
My second monthly column in USGlass Magazine answers this question about double-cylinder deadbolts: Where can key-operated locks be used on doors in a means of egress? Do you know the answer?
I recently shared this resource on panic hardware, and there were several suggestions from readers of iDigHardware that resulted in some changes to the infographic. Thanks to all who weighed in - here's the updated version.
I'm wordless about today's Fixed-it Friday photo, which I saw posted on the "There's no crying in hollow metal" Facebook page. I asked Scott Foley of P&M Doors for permission to share it with all of you. Enjoy!
In Mark Kuhn's latest post, he makes a compelling argument for specifying panic hardware in some locations where it is not technically required by code. Do you agree with Mark's reasoning?
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.
Today's Quick Question has come up several times lately with regard to the code requirements for hospitals, nursing homes, and similar types of facilities: What is the difference between a "corridor door" and a "smoke barrier door" in a health care occupancy?
If you specify or provide door hardware, work for a school district, or advise school administrators on their safety and security methods, the article in today's post is a valuable tool for understanding the various considerations and options.
Today's Fixed-it Friday photo was sent in by Shari Dial of Walsh Door & Security - the photo shows the rear exit serving a gas station in rural Illinois. If you see any interesting doors in your summer travels, you can submit photos using the photo submission link.
Do you ever wonder about some of the strange terminology we use for specific construction products, especially door hardware? This guest blog post, written by TJ Gottwalt of Allegion, answers some questions about the term "dogging."
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!
I have mentioned this before...it's great when I receive photos or emails from "door people", but I absolutely LOVE when family members of iDigHardware readers start weighing in on door issues. :)
This enclosed exterior space adjacent to the hotel where I'm currently staying has an interesting egress situation. What do you think about this patio's egress routes? Would this situation keep you up at night?
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...
Yesterday in an airport I saw a bank of interlocks and an adjacent pair of doors with delayed egress locks. What do you think about this application? Do some AHJs require delayed egress doors where interlocks are installed? WWYD?
I'm on my way to the BHMA Spring Technical Committee Week, so today I'm sharing a helpful BHMA resource. Hardware Highlights are one-page summaries for each ANSI/BHMA A156 series standard - there are 42 in the series. Check out this post for the link!
Today's Fixed-it Friday photos were taken at the main entrance of a function space that has an occupant load of 600 people. I was so fixated on the creative locking method that I didn't take a close-up of the closer fix, but the security fix has me wordless.
To help support our international readers, I will be sharing some posts from the Allegion team around the world. Today's post comes from Hamza Ali DHT and Sushil Kumar Dip GAI, both of Allegion.
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.
This Decoded article addresses the requirements of the International Building Code and ICC 500 for storm shelters, and I have updated the original article with current code references.
There isn't one lock function that works for every school - in some schools, only staff members with keys are able to lock the classroom doors, and in other schools anyone can lock the doors. WWYD?
