Happy New Year!
The start of the new year is a great time to get organized and initiate productive changes that will carry us forward into the future. I'm excited about what's next - you can read about it in today's post!
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01, 2023
23
12, 2022
FF: Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…
I received this photo on New Year's Eve 2021 from Cathy Kopp of Norwood Hardware, and I kept it filed away until the holiday season rolled around again. I will be taking some time off next week to recharge, and I hope you do too. See you next year!
22
12, 2022
Panic Hardware Requirements – Follow-Up
When panic hardware is required by code for doors serving a particular room or space, is the panic hardware required for ALL of the doors in the means of egress from that space, including corridor doors, stair doors, and finally – the exterior doors?
21
12, 2022
WW: I don’t know what to say.
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photos from Paul Goldense of Goldense Building Products, and I really have no words. But if I know Paul, this door's problems will be resolved immediately, if not sooner.
19
12, 2022
WWYD? Panic Hardware Requirements
I have an opinion on this question that I will share tomorrow, but I'd love to know how you are seeing the model codes applied in the field. A question arose recently regarding which doors require panic hardware, and the answer required "proof" from the IBC...
16
12, 2022
Fixed-it Friday Finale: Farvel Danmark!
It has been wonderful to work remotely from Denmark, but it's time to go back to reality. I am headed home tomorrow, so here's one last post to share a few more of the beautiful doors of Copenhagen. Enjoy!
15
12, 2022
New: Schlage ND78/ND98 Classroom Security Function
Schlage recently announced a new classroom security function for the ND series Grade 1 cylindrical lockset and I have received some questions about how this new function is different from our previous classroom security lock. Today's post explains...
14
12, 2022
WW: Dragon Fire Protection
Have dragons been protecting the Old Stock Exchange from fire for the last 400 years? Or maybe the building's original position with canals on three sides and foundations on wood piles extending into the water below could have been a factor?
13
12, 2022
QQ: Low Energy Operator / A156.10 Application
Today's Quick Question: Can a low energy automatic operator that is certified to BHMA A156.19 be installed on a door that is required to comply with BHMA A156.10? What do you think?
12
12, 2022
Webinar: Automatic and Power-Assisted Doors
In case you missed this webinar from the U.S. Access Board, the recording and handouts have recently been made available on the Accessibility Online website. The webinar description and link are in today's post.
9
12, 2022
FF: Kronborg Castle
I saw the door in today's Fixed-it Friday photos at Kronborg Castle, which was the setting for Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. Today it is known by many as Hamlet's Castle. Of course I can't resist sharing some other photos from the castle as well...
8
12, 2022
Communicating Door Follow-Up
When I posted my updated Decoded article about communicating doors earlier this week, I remembered these photos. I think that looking at an issue in different ways can really help to get the point across, so here goes...
7
12, 2022
WW: Global Fire Door Problem
I saw the door in today's Wordless Wednesday photos when I went to a salsa lesson at a dance studio in Copenhagen last week. When the studio is open for business, the door is propped open with a rock. Clearly, propped-open fire doors are a global problem.
6
12, 2022
Decoded: Communicating Doors Between Sleeping Rooms
The code requirements for communicating doors between hotel rooms have not changed, but a new question has come up...have you ever seen these requirements applied to shared bathrooms between dorm rooms? WWYD?
5
12, 2022
Locksmith Ledger: LCN 6400 COMPACT Installation
Have you seen the new LCN 6400 COMPACT automatic operator? A recent Locksmith Ledger article details the installation of this product, which won the 2022 Best New Product Award from the Security Industry Association.
2
12, 2022
FF: “Fixed” Doors
I spotted the huge "doors" in today's Fixed-it Friday photos on the front of a library, and of course I had to go check them out. The wood panels give the impression of books, and I figured that the doors would be closed at night for security...
1
12, 2022
Doors of Christiania
I will have to get back to reality soon, but for a little while longer I'll be spending my mornings wandering and my afternoons and evenings working. A few days ago my morning jog took me to an area called Christiania, where I found lots of interesting doors.
30
11, 2022
WW: (No) Maneuvering Clearance
Although I have seen some modifications to make the very old buildings in Copenhagen more accessible, the restroom entrance shown in today's Wordless Wednesday photos was an extreme example of a lack of access.
29
11, 2022
December Training
As 2022 winds down (that was fast!), we have one more Webinar Wednesday with sessions on stairwell reentry and delayed egress requirements, along with a recently recorded Security in 30 presentation. Happy December!
28
11, 2022
Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Danish Style
Depending on the desired look, either aged bronze or oil-rubbed bronze may be the right hardware finish for a particular project, but it's important to know what to expect. I'm seeing lots of great examples as I walk the streets of Copenhagen.
23
11, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving…from København
Although I won't be cooking the traditional turkey and stuffing this year, I am wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to any of you who will be celebrating! Today's post includes some more photos from my travels over the last week.
22
11, 2022
Christianshavn Preschool
It's hard to miss this preschool in my neighborhood (I'm temporarily working from Christianshavn, Copenhagen), but I'm guessing most people don't notice that this preschool has the same problem with elopement that is common in the U.S.
21
11, 2022
Nørrebrohallen Doors
Remember when I used to take the kids on family road trips or international voyages, and I would post about the interesting doors I saw in our travels? Well, this is one of my favorite weeks of the year, and I'm in Copenhagen!
18
11, 2022
FF: School Library
Scott Tobias of arkaSpecs sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo taken in a school library. This door leads to a closet, but what if this was the egress side of the door? Do you think the paint job would be code-compliant?
17
11, 2022
WWYD? Egress Through a Swimming Pool Enclosure
It is not uncommon for a building to have a means of egress that passes through a swimming pool enclosure. I have run into this several times before and I'm wondering how you are seeing it addressed in the field. WWYD?
16
11, 2022
WW: Insect (and Egress) Control
Today's Wordless Wednesday photos were taken by Chris Arnold of Melbourne Locksmith in Australia, who was called in to fix a screen door lock. These screen doors are blocking egress in a public building, where apparently the insects are a nuisance.
15
11, 2022
QQ: Dwelling Unit Entry Door Fire Rating
With all of the recent attention on fire door assemblies in residential occupancies, today's Quick Question has come up several times: How is the required fire rating for apartment entry doors determined?
14
11, 2022
It’s All About Transparency: How Fire-Rated Doors and Frames Contribute to Sustainable Buildings
LEED, the Living Building Challenge, Declare Labels, the 2030 Challenge, Health and Happiness and Beauty Petals...this article on sustainability - written by Tim Weller of Allegion, explains sustainability design and how it applies to our industry.
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11, 2022
FF: Conflicting Signage
One of my favorite retired fire marshals sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photos, which illustrate one of his pet peeves. Could signs like this delay or deter egress during an emergency? What do you think?
10
11, 2022
New Industry Resource: BHMA Codes in Context
To help educate and inform stakeholders about changes related to doors and hardware, BHMA has developed a new resource called Codes in Context. I filmed a short video for BHMA's Spotlight Series, highlighting this project.
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11, 2022
WW: Not An(other) Exit
Tim Weller of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photo...if I had a nickel for every time I saw an egress door changed to "not an exit" by someone whose authority was based on their access to a printer or a Sharpie, I'd be rich! :-|
8
11, 2022
Update! QQ: Mag-Lock / Panic Hardware Clarification
There is a change coming in the 2024 IBC related to doors that are required to have panic hardware and are also equipped with electromagnetic locks. I have updated the past post on this topic to include the change.
7
11, 2022
Security vs. Accessibility
When evaluating security, it's important to remember that there are adopted codes and standards that must be followed. With proper planning, doors can meet the requirements for accessibility, egress, fire protection - AND security (convenience too!).
4
11, 2022
FF: 1 1/3 Pulls
I saw this "fix" during my travels in Indiana and Pennsylvania over the last couple of weeks. Any theories about the reasoning behind the pulls shown in these Fixed-it Friday photos? I have no ideas.
2
11, 2022
WW: SMH (= Shaking My Head)
Austin Bammann of CIH sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos and I have no words left. How do we reach retailers to educate them about their door openings??
1
11, 2022
2021 Model Code Update – What’s New?
I'm on my way to Pittsburgh, and I hope to see some of you at the DHI conNextions conference! PLEASE come to one (or both!) of my sessions on Wednesday, or stop by the Allegion booth during exhibit hall hours!
31
10, 2022
NFPA: The Future of Crowd Monitoring
Over the weekend, a tragic crowd crush occurred at a Halloween event in Seoul, South Korea. Although this incident occurred on a narrow street, a crowd crush can also happen inside of a building. As with all life safety issues, we must continue to be vigilant.
28
10, 2022
FF: Closer/Holder Fix
You may have to look closely at this Fixed-it Friday photo from Brian Lavallee of Doors by LAVA Inc. Have you ever seen this "creative" application in use?
27
10, 2022
QQ: Fire Exits vs. Fire Doors
UPDATE: I just saw a great example of a door opening that was a "fire exit," incorrectly marked as a "fire door," so I have updated this post to include new photos. Is a fire exit the same as a fire door? Are the code requirements for each of these openings the same?
26
10, 2022
WW: Yet another restaurant exit
Colin Watson of Allegion sent me today's Wordless Wednesday photos, and if you look closely, I think you'll be Wordless too. What is it with these restaurants and their exits??
25
10, 2022
Updated FDAI Cards
If you are involved in conducting fire door inspections or educating people about fire doors, I have updated our laminated fire door inspection card and it's now available!
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10, 2022
November Training
Don't worry...it's not actually November yet! But there's some training coming up next week that I don't want you to miss - including a couple of sessions that I'm presenting. I hope to see some of you there!
21
10, 2022
FF: At the Airport
People always send me photos with a note saying, "I saw this door and thought of you..." I LOVE getting those messages (who wouldn't?)! And last week when I was flying home from the BHMA meetings, I saw these doors and thought of YOU! :D
20
10, 2022
FAQs About Flush Bottom Rail Requirements
The accessibility standards mandate a flush, smooth surface at the bottom of a door to avoid catching a wheelchair footpad, crutch, cane, or other mobility aid on a protrusion. Some of the most frequently-asked questions on this topic are answered in today's post.
19
10, 2022
WW: What could go possibly wrong?
I've received questions before about how to secure certain areas of a stadium or sports arena, and in many cases there is not a code-compliant way to do so without negatively affecting egress. Today's Wordless Wednesday photos give me chills.
18
10, 2022
Locksmith Ledger: Altering Fire Door Assemblies – Job Site Preparations vs. Field Modifications
After last week's focus on fire doors for Fire Prevention Week, several people asked about altering fire doors in the field. This recent article that I wrote for Locksmith Ledger covers the requirements and limitations of NFPA 80.
17
10, 2022
Classroom Locks vs. Door Barricades: How to Secure Classrooms Safely
Today begins the annual observance of America's Safe Schools Week, and I recently spent some time with Mark Williams of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), talking about how to safely secure classroom doors. Watch our video in today's post.
14
10, 2022
Fire Door Assemblies: Protect the Door
Wrapping up Fire Prevention Week is our final category in the hardware set: Protect the Door. Although these are not typically the most complex components of a fire door assembly, proper product selection, installation, and maintenance are crucial.
13
10, 2022
Fire Door Assemblies: Control the Door
Earlier this year, a fatal fire in a Bronx apartment building demonstrated the importance of code-compliant fire door assemblies that are closed and latched when a fire occurs. Today's post addresses NFPA 80's three categories of fire door operation.
12
10, 2022
Fire Door Assemblies: Secure the Door
Because fire door assemblies are such an important part of the passive fire protection system of a building, the model codes and referenced standards require fire doors to be closed and latched during a fire. Learn more in today's post.