I created a new page on the Topics menu which addresses the accessibility requirements for operable hardware, and that got me thinking...are there other common issues that should have their own pages?
If a labeled fire door is installed in a location where a fire door is not required, must the assembly be maintained and inspected according to the requirements of NFPA 80?
We've all seen closers installed incorrectly...the question is how will the control of this door be affected by the installation in this Fixed-it Friday photo?
If you're looking to learn more about school safety and security, there are some upcoming opportunities for training and networking - from Safe and Sound Schools, PASS, Allegion, and me!
Some of the life safety features that we've come to expect in the US are not so common in other countries. This makes awareness of your surroundings even more critical.
Some new resources on school safety and security are available, including documents from BHMA and NASFM, a story from NPR, and two federal websites.
Should the mounting location for a round light be at 43 inches above the floor? Or lower to allow more viewing area? WWYD?
I know these doors aren't actually secured with licorice, and I HOPE this building is under construction and unoccupied. Thank you to Keith Zettler for today's Fixed-it Friday photo.
Webinars...they're the next best thing to being there, right? Since I can't be with each of you in person, I hope you will join me on some of my upcoming (and free) webinars.
OSHA requires emergency exits to be kept clear, to allow workers to exit quickly in an emergency. Failure to comply can result in seriously large fines. #wordless
Do you use our laminated fire door assembly inspection cards? I could really use your help!
I have to admit, it was kind of cool to have someone send in a photo of a door they had seen, when it turned out that the door was on a project that I wrote the hardware spec for!
The extreme weather we're experiencing may open up new opportunities for hardware design...today's Fixed-it Friday photos could be a prototype for a future product. :)
Today's Quick Question: Are the vision lights in double-acting traffic doors / impact doors required to comply with the accessibility standards?
Have you watched the Six Locked Doors documentary yet? And yes, this door has an exit sign. And a "no exit" sign. And an "emergency exit" sign. :(
Anybody know what this is? It's probably not door hardware, but I'm curious, and many of you seem to have a knack for identifying old stuff. I don't remember ever seeing anything like it.
Are the doors on these temporary vestibules required to meet the requirements of the codes and standards? If not, why not? And if yes...why are most of them non-compliant?
Keith Nelsen of Lindquist Security Technologies sent me today's Fixed-it Friday video. I'm guessing it wasn't an intentional "fix", but it's interesting nonetheless.
My next Decoded article explains why it is important for the ADA and all adopted codes and standards to be considered when choosing security products. Let me know if I missed anything!
I can not for the life of me think of any circumstances that would make me consider locking egress doors in a school using this method. Just no. Never. #wordless
This news makes me really happy - there's a new standard thumb turn for the Schlage L9000 mortise lock! Don't worry - the "old" standard thumb turn and the EZ Turn are still available.
Yesterday, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro spoke with Bill Ritter on the show Up Close about recent fires that occurred in NYC, where open doors had a negative impact on safety.
The story here is that the cross-corridor doors in this hospital were scheduled to be 8-foot doors, but the wrong (7-foot) assembly was installed. WWYD?
Is the UL 294 listing required by the model codes for panic hardware with the electric latch retraction / electric dogging feature (EL/QEL)?
There are so many code issues with this "exit" in a children's museum that I'm just going to remain #wordless. Could you quickly operate this door in an emergency?
Fire, panic, and other emergencies can strike anywhere, any time. To offer the highest level of protection, buildings must be code-compliant everywhere, all the time.
This documentary should be required viewing - not just for those of us who are involved in codes, but for anyone who enters buildings (that means everyone).
Restaurants are notorious for creative hardware applications...next time you go out to eat, look around at the doors and send me some photos! :)
The new year (and some rest over the holidays) has renewed my resolve to continue educating school districts and others about the dangers of some types of retrofit security devices...
This Chinese restaurant has 30 tables, which means that the occupant load is probably over 100 people - definitely over 50. What's wrong with this (WW) picture?
Last week I posted some Fixed-it Friday photos showing auto-operator actuators, and I just received some interesting follow-up photos from Paul Stockert of EYP Architecture & Engineering. What do you think?
This video was made by Von Duprin in the 1940's...I'm very proud that I can continue to share the importance of life safety and free egress!
There's no point in installing an automatic operator if the user can not reach the actuator. Do you know where to find the mounting recommendations for knowing-act switches?
If you have supplied doors, frames, and hardware, you've probably had some projects that kept you awake at night. I know I have, but the end result can be so rewarding!
I hope that you enjoy time with family and friends over the next week or so, and I'll see you all in 2020!
When trying to prevent water intrusion at the fire service elevator lobby doors, what type of door sweep or door bottom meets the intent of IBC Section 3007? WWYD?
Another Friday, another "fix." This fire door probably won't perform as designed and tested, should a fire occur. Why does convenience so often win out over safety??
When you're researching a code issue, how do you know which code to follow? Which one supersedes the others? And which AHJ has the final say?
When I was in high school, our school actually had a patio next to the cafeteria that was the authorized "smoking area" for the students. Times have changed.
News reports indicate during a serious fire that occurred last month in a Scotland high school, the lockdown system prevented immediate egress.
I recently shared an announcement about a webinar with 5 panelists who discussed school safety and classroom security. In case you missed it, today's post includes the recording of that webinar.
Check out this opening, installed on a ramp in a restaurant. The building was originally a warehouse for a grain mill and other materials shipped by train during the mid-1800s. Can you see the "fix"?
Kicking off the 10th year of my Decoded column in Door Security + Safety Magazine...time flies!
Today's Wordless Wednesday photo shows a non-code-compliant modification that occurred after project completion. What other examples of post-construction changes do you commonly see?
Today's Quick Question: Are door bolts - like the surface bolts made by commercial hardware manufacturers - allowed to secure classroom doors during a lockdown?
We're kicking off Schlage's 100th anniversary with a new video that provides a fascinating look (really!) into the history of Walter Schlage and the Schlage Lock Company - check it out!
The creative solutions never end! RB Sontag of Allegion sent me today's Fixed-it Friday photo, and if this is a fire door, we've got a problem.
Originally, these doors did not need to lock, but that has changed, and the architect is looking for a way to add code-compliant locks to the doors which have already been installed. WWYD?
I have seen some questionable workmanship in my career, but this has to be one of the least effective strike installations I've ever come across. Can you top it? You can submit photos using the option on the Tools menu.
What are the required opening speed, closing speed, and hold-open time for a low-energy automatic operator? What about a vestibule situation with sequential operation?
