FF: Multicultural Madness
When I stopped for a snack yesterday, I didn't expect to be called into service on a defective door that was threatening to crush someone while simultaneously preventing egress. The fun never stops...
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WWYD? Is a 15-second delay too long?
Should the model codes be modified to require immediate egress through doors with delayed egress locks during emergencies other than fires?Â
WW: Furniture Store
I know of several fires where the fire door protected the store from a fire in the warehouse; the doors in this photo won't be providing any protection whatsoever...
Retail Store Entrance – Fire Doors?
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you may remember that our annual Fathers Day tradition is to go to Ogunquit, Maine, walk along the Marginal Way, do some shopping, have lunch, and then play on the beach (here are some photos from last year).
Back-2-Basics: Lock Functions
When a hardware consultant writes a specification, itâs common practice to sit down and discuss the project with the architect, at least for the more complicated jobs. The topic of lock functions seems to arise at almost all of those meetings â usually someone in the room needs a refresher on how the basic functions work. In fact, when I was teaching our specwriter apprentices a few weeks ago I said, âDonât ask the architect if he or she wants a storeroom function lock, ask if the door should always require a key to enter.â A manufacturerâs catalog may show 50 different lock functions (or more!) and itâs difficult or impossible to remember how each function works.
WW: Antiquing!
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...
WW: Don’t Dowel Doors
Paul Elliott sent me these Wordless Wednesday photos of retail egress issues he has run across. When he mentioned the dowel to a store employee, the employee said, "No problem. Weâll untie it if thereâs a fire." No joke.
WW: Special Knowledge and Effort
Most egress doors are required to be readily openable with no special knowledge or effort. The door must unlatch with one operation, and the operable hardware must be mounted between 34 inches and 48 inches above the floor. There are several problems with this Wordless Wednesday dutch door found at a cell phone store...
Back-2-Basics: Panic Hardware
Panic hardware, also known as an exit device (or fire exit hardware when used on fire doors), is designed to provide fast and easy egress to allow building occupants to exit safely in an emergency. Code publications define panic hardware as, "a door-latching assembly incorporating a device that releases the latch upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel.â Panic hardware may also be used because of durability or ease of use, even when it is not required by code.
Throwback Thursday – Reed Exit Device
I don't recall ever seeing this type of device in person and I didn't find any information online, so I went to my go-to resource - three treasured books by Adon Brownell, HAHC. And in the Architectural Hardware Specifications Handbook (1971), I found it - the hinged crossbar...
Code Jeopardy!
If you'll be attending the conference, I hope to see you in some of our sessions - 3 of the Code Jeopardy classes are more "basic" (but very educational!) questions, and 3 classes have "advanced" questions (on need-to-know topics!). This is a fun way to learn about codes - yes, I said "FUN!"
WW: Beyond the Door
I know that many of us are door-focused, but sometimes other portions of the egress route leave me wordless. How is it possible that problems like this - very obvious problems - remain unresolved for years (decades?)?
In wake of Bronx fire, NYC mayor signs executive order
Last week, NYC Mayor Eric Adams signed an executive order that strengthens fire safety enforcement and outreach in the city. In addition, proposed city council legislation was filed that would increase penalties for non-compliant doors.
Back-2-Basics: Panic Hardware
Here's an updated version of an in-depth summary of the code requirements and selection criteria for panic hardware. Feel free to share it with anyone who needs to get back-2-basics on panic hardware and fire exit hardware.
New ADA Accessibility Guidelines
News from the Access Board regarding the updated ADA Accessibility Guidelines which were originally published in 2004, revised in 2005, and published for public comment in 2007:
Urban Exploration
I think I may have found the perfect hobby for myself. Not that I need anything else to keep me busy, but I recently discovered the art of Urban Exploration, which combines my love of photography, architecture, and adventure. According to Wikipedia, Urban Exploration (AKA urbex or UE) is "the examination of the normally unseen or off-limits parts of urban areas or industrial facilities."
Leaving Las Vegas
My trip to CoNEXTions 2012 in Las Vegas last week was a whirlwind! There were so many people that I didn't have a chance to catch up with - I don't know if I can wait until CoNEXTions 2014 in Dallas!
Recent News
Georgia school shooting: A hero emerges - Christian Science Monitor
Codes are a Minimum
When we apply the building codes and accessibility standards, it's important to remember that codes establish the minimum acceptable level of safety / accessibility. The video below is a candid illustration of a door that is code-compliant, but still doesn't provide access for all (if you have trouble with the embedded video, click here to go to the article and video on KOIN.com).
Doors of Burlington, Vermont
Last month I spent a long weekend in Burlington, Vermont, and of course I came home with some door photos to share...
Define: Occupied
The word "occupied" is not defined in the IBC or the IFC. When a term is not defined in these publications, the "ordinarily accepted meaning" applies, as defined in Merriam Websterâs Collegiate Dictionary...
Decoded: Locks Used Only for Security Purposes
The IBC exempts locks used only for security purposes from the mounting height requirement. The accessibility standards exempt locks operated only by security personnel. What's the difference?
WWYD? Retail Exit Routes
Are AHJs allowing retail stores to make temporary changes in their egress routes to help slow the spread of COVID-19? If yes, are there some guidelines to help ensure safe egress?
WW: “Cooler” Security Solution
Mark was minding his own business at a family get-together in a local events venue (with an occupant load of >100 people), and there was a door calling his name from the back of the room. You can see why in today's Wordless Wednesday photos. :D
www.schlage.com/social
I guess it's a sign of the times. In the old days, if you were lucky enough to get your name in the newspaper, that was a very big event (unless you were in the police blotter). One time I was on TV and I had my whole family standing by to press *record* on the VCR at just the right moment. My friend's elderly grandfather saw me on the news and almost knocked over his oxygen tank in his excitement. But with the advent of social media - Facebook, Youtube, blogging, etc., appearing in the media is a daily or weekly occurrence for many of us.
WW: Army/Navy Store
I received today's Wordless Wednesday photo from Charles Anderson, and yes - he contacted the fire marshal...
Reed Construction Data
There's a great resource for code information on the Reed Construction Data site. It includes information for all 50 states, major cities, and some counties, and lists contact information for many of the AHJs in each jurisdiction.
Restaurant Egress
I'd be rich if I had a dime for every time I explained that panic hardware is required for Assembly and Educational occupancies with an occupant load of more than 100 people (per IBC 2000 or 2003, NFPA 101) or more than 50 people (per IBC 2006 or 2009). Well, maybe I'd just have a bunch of dimes, but I've said it lots of times and sometimes people still have a hard time remembering it. Here's a true story that will help.