QQ: What’s new? And what’s existing?
When applying NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code, how do you determine whether to reference the chapters for "new" or "existing" occupancies?
5
11, 2018
2
11, 2018
FF: Employees Only
How does a building owner or property manager justify locking and partially blocking a door that is clearly marked with an exit sign above it? #wordless
1
11, 2018
Decoded: Where are fire door inspections required by code?
The answer: In almost every US state. With that said, having it required by code and having it enforced by the AHJ are sometimes two different things.
31
10, 2018
WW: Happy Halloween!
It's that time of year again...when teachers get creative and their classroom doors become the canvas. Don't forget the rules of holiday door decorating!
30
10, 2018
Editorial: The Security Industry’s Role in School Safety and Security
Recent news reports have questioned the motivation behind the security industry’s involvement in improving school security. This editorial represents my perspective.
29
10, 2018
Bullpen Doors
In case you haven't had enough baseball, John Cohrs of Central Indiana Hardware sent me this photo of the bullpen door from last night's World Series game (nice hardware!).
26
10, 2018
FF: Classic Fix
Fire marshal to restaurant owner: "This door requires panic hardware because the occupant load is over 50 people." Restaurant owner: "Done!"
25
10, 2018
School Safety Specialist Academy
Requiring each school district to employ a certified school safety specialist seems like a great way to ensure that the right information gets to each community. Does your state have such a program?
24
10, 2018
WW: I’m at a loss for words…
I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's Wordless Wednesday photo. This is in direct conflict with everything I learned about life safety in hardware school.
23
10, 2018
FEMA PrepTalks: Rethinking School Safety
Michele Gay is the mom of Josephine Gay, a first-grade student who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Michele brings a different perspective to what we do every day. Please watch.
22
10, 2018
Classroom Security – 4 Questions
It has been 74 days since I have written about classroom barricade devices. This refresher is posted by request, and in honor of Safe Schools Week.
19
10, 2018
FF: Put a cork in it.
The accessibility standards require sliding door hardware to be "exposed and usable from both sides" when the door is open. Here's a creative solution...
18
10, 2018
QQ: Field Preps for Auxiliary Fire Pins
Can less-bottom-rod (LBR) fire exit hardware with an auxiliary fire pin be installed on an existing fire door? If you have anything to add, please weigh in!
17
10, 2018
WW: Special Knowledge and Effort
These doors are an egress problem waiting to happen, and on an assembly occupancy where large numbers of people may need to exit quickly...
16
10, 2018
Share with your family and friends…
These two videos regarding closed doors and double-cylinder deadbolts will save lives - IF you help spread the word. Who will you share this post with?
15
10, 2018
Decoded 4: Codes for Electrified Hardware (with AIA CEUs!)
Of all the code requirements that apply to doors and hardware, electrified hardware raises the most questions. Here's a training opportunity to help!
12
10, 2018
FF: Steve’s got this.
I don't think there's anything more that needs to be said, except thank you to Ian Baren of Katonah Architectural Hardware for today's Fixed-it Friday photos.
11
10, 2018
WWYD? Hole, No Strike
On a fire door assembly, is it acceptable to drill/cut a hole in the frame for the latchbolt, and not install the strike?
10
10, 2018
WW: Works just fine…
Eyal Bedrik of Entry Systems Ltd. sent me this Wordless Wednesday video...who can diagnose the problem?
9
10, 2018
Fire Door Decommissioning Labels
What's the proper protocol when a fire door assembly has been installed where it is not required? If you're considering the use of decomissioning labels, read this first.
8
10, 2018
Form, Function & Fire Safety: A Clearer View of Fire-Rated Glass and Framing
This video does a great job of summarizing the code requirements that apply to glass and glazing used in fire door assemblies and egress doors. Thanks TGP!
5
10, 2018
FF: Fragile Door
Don't worry about this fragile door, the "fix" has completely solved the problem. Thank you to Colin Watson of Allegion for today's Fixed-it Friday photos!
4
10, 2018
Decoded: Code Requirements for Hotels and other Residential Occupancies (November 2018)
Code issues are not uncommon in hotels, apartment buildings, and other residential occupancies. My next Decoded article addresses some things to look for.
3
10, 2018
WW: Hotel Hinges
Considering the liability a hotel could face if their fire door assemblies failed to perform during a fire, the repair methods employed by many hotels seem pretty irresponsible.
2
10, 2018
Church Pair Revisited
Do you know what I love even more than photos showing a door problem? Photos showing a solution! Do you have any before-and-after photos to share?
1
10, 2018
WWYD? Fire Door Safety Week
The British Woodworking Federation offers dozens of resources to increase awareness about fire door assemblies across the UK. What types of tools do we need in the US?
28
09, 2018
FF: Mechanical Ingenuity
This door is on an auto repair shop that was broken into, and it looks like they have taken matters into their own hands...
27
09, 2018
Fire Door Latching – After the Fire
What happens to fire exit hardware during a fire test, and why doesn't the force of the hose stream actuate the touchpad and cause the door to unlatch?
26
09, 2018
WW: Work It Out
Have your friends and family started noticing hardware problems and code issues? Or do they still roll their eyes when you stop to take photos to submit for Wordless Wednesday or Fixed-it Friday?
25
09, 2018
OSFM Letter on Classroom Security
Thank you to everyone who forwarded this letter from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. I appreciate your help keeping track of what is happening in each state.
24
09, 2018
WWYD? Push-to-Exit Switch
Are pneumatic switches required as the auxiliary release devices for sensor-release electrified locking systems? Or are other types of switches acceptable? Please share your insight and experience!
21
09, 2018
FF: There, I fixed it.
Most people don't realize how much force the components of a door closer have to withstand. I don't think this repair is going to handle the pressure for long.
19
09, 2018
WW: Movie Theater – No Exit
Someone obviously knew that they were rendering the exit unusable...I just wonder if anyone confirmed that this egress door was no longer required.
18
09, 2018
QQ: Turn-Buttons vs. Push-Buttons
Are turn-buttons on cylindrical locks compliant with the accessibility standards? The answer to this question is really up to the AHJ, but here are a few things to consider...
17
09, 2018
WWYD? Sensors for Electrified Hardware
What's the best/most reliable/most secure technology for a request-to-exit sensor in an access control system? If you have a preference, tell me why in the reply box (please).
14
09, 2018
FF: Double Closer – Bamburg, Germany
According to Bob Larson of Builders Hardware & Supply Company, these double closers are doing a good job of controlling this 7-foot x 12-foot pair of doors at the Bamburg Cathedral...
12
09, 2018
The Popular Mechanics Guide to Safer Schools
At this point I've probably read hundreds of articles on school safety and security, and written dozens of blog posts and articles on the topic myself. This one was a pleasant surprise.
12
09, 2018
WW: Water Feature
I have never seen anything like these Wordless Wednesday videos that were sent to me by Mary Hinton of Mulhaupt's, Inc. This may be more than a rain drip can handle.
11
09, 2018
QQ: Break-Glass Switches
I've received this question many times over the years...Can a break-glass switch be used to unlock a door in the means of egress?
10
09, 2018
Spam and a UHP
What's a UHP? An Unidentified Hardware Product that I need your help to identify. But first, a note about spam - and not the canned ham-like version.
7
09, 2018
FF: It ain’t pretty…
Although this is not one of the most beautiful solutions I've seen, I couldn't think of a code issue as long as the hold-opens are above the minimum clear headroom of 80 inches. What do you think?
6
09, 2018
‘Bulletproof’ Classroom Doors
I agree that these doors are "an extremely discreet solution," but the last time I checked on the feasibility of using bullet-resistant doors on classrooms, there were several common objections.
5
09, 2018
WW: College Dorm Exit Stair
This summer I visited quite a few colleges, and this dorm left me Wordless. :( Can you find all of the code-related issues with these fire doors and egress doors?
4
09, 2018
Who’s at fault?
Could a locksmith be held liable for installing non-code-compliant hardware or will a facility manager face liability for failing to maintain openings in code-compliant condition?
31
08, 2018
FF: Pair Power Transfer
This pair of doors had one of my least favorite applications to begin with, and then access control was added. It's a challenging modification, and something is missing here.
30
08, 2018
My heart just stopped
Clothesline to tie the hardware? Duct tape to prevent smoke from coming in around the door? Solutions to address these risks have been available for decades. Why are we substituting duct tape?
29
08, 2018
WW: Retail at the Beach
When some people go to the beach, they take photos of sunsets and sea creatures. I take photos of doors, panic hardware, and non code-compliant attempts to mitigate water infiltration. Enjoy! :)
27
08, 2018
WWYD? Library Entrance
Do these doors on a college library meet the requirements of the International Building Code (IBC)? Why or why not? WWYD if you were the AHJ?
24
08, 2018
FF: Switched/Sensor Bar
Although electromagnetic locks are easier than some other electrified hardware to retrofit, I try to avoid using them in schools whenever possible. How about you?
23
08, 2018
The stories behind NFPA 3000
As I have mentioned before, it's one thing to look at a code or standard and see a book. It's another thing to look at a code or standard and understand the driving force behind it.