|
Authorized Dealer Liberty Safes
Authorized Dealer National Security
Member
|
 |
|
DON'T BREAK
THE LAW: LIFE SAFETY CODES AND DOOR PANIC HARDWARE. |
The Problem:
SECURITY VS. THE LAW
PANIC HARDWARE
Panic exit door hardware is designed to allow people to exit
easily and safely from a building in an emergency. The main
criterion for an exit device is that it must open in one
motion. These devices must be easy to use so that even small
children or physically impaired adults can operate them. A
basic latch or deadbolt with a push bar or push paddle that
releases the lock satisfies this requirement.
Unfortunately, the ease of exiting rear doors can leave stores
vulnerable to theft and can tempt store owners to illegally
modify these rear exits.
OBSTACLES, ADDITIONAL LOCKS, CHAINS, OR BARRIER (BURGLAR)
BARS
Illegal attempts to deter theft through rear doors include
obstructing the EXIT door with piles of boxes or chairs;
adding locks; replacing panic hardware; placing "barrier bars"
across the doors; and even chaining exit doors.
DON'T DO IT!
Adding any obstacle or device to the panic hardware could
cause confusion or panic if someone needed to exit from the
door in a hurry. They should be able to expect that the door
would release with no other motion than a simple push.
Life Safety code NFPA 101T, which is the basis of most model
building codes, says that no other lock may be installed on a
door equipped with a panic or fire exit device. In fact, even
a chain hanging nearby would be in violation of the life
safety code if it is there for the intention of locking the
exit device.
Ironically, it is not even legal to have "barrier bars" or
additional deadbolts on the door for use after business hours.
Someone has the right to exit a location without prior
knowledge or skill even if they are illegally in that
location.
IN SWINGING DOORS
Because the use of exit devices is required by life safety
codes, inswinging doors have been prohibited on most
occupancies. When adding or changing locks on an inswinging
door, the first consideration is whether the opening requires
an exit device. If it does, it will also be necessary to
re-swing the door so it opens outward.
WHAT
YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
1.
Comply with Life safety codes.
It saves lives. Make certain that all exit and Fire exit doors
are free from obstruction and fitted with panic hardware
certified to comply with Life Safety codes.
2.
Protect yourself.
Select panic hardware that deters theft through the back door.
For example, the
Arm-a-dor product from Sargent & Greenleaf is a
compliant panic hardware device that acts like a barrier bar
when the door is closed (greatly reducing the risk of
break-ins from outside). There are models with alarms that
sound when the door is opened and the unit can be integrated
into your store alarm system so unauthorized door openings can
be detected. |
|
|
 |
