It is extremely important to understand how the level of security change will affect the compliance code of the building. There are different models and installation methods depending upon the type of door on which the exit device is being installed.
Fire Door Assemblies
Fire doors are installed to ensure that occupants have enough time to safely exit the building, in addition, to protect the fire from damaging other parts of the building before it can be contained. Due to this reason, it is very important to seek approval on the changes being made to the hardware of fire doors before being implemented. It’s wise to have any changes that exceed regulation be checked with the door manufacturer before implementation. Else an inspector must be sent to the location to determine the safety of the alterations and this can be pretty expensive.
Egress Doors
Depending upon the building’s use and the building occupancy, Egress doors have a number of regulations. Egress doors are doors, which are required to be unlatched with just one operation, however, there is some exclusion. Double-sided deadbolts can be used in some situations. Commercial locations, houses of worship, and assembly occupancies that are lower than 300 occupants can use a double-sided deadbolt. There must be a sign adjacent to the door stating that the door must remain unlocked when occupied if a double cylinder deadbolt is being used. It is also required that the lock can easily be distinguished between the locked and unlocked states. It is highly recommended that you speak directly to a professional about your commercial location since there are a number of regulations and exceptions and failure to do so can become costly for a business.
Accessible Route Door
Under most recent Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications, when opening a lock on an accessible route door, it must be able to be operated by applying a maximum of five pounds of force. These regulations also require that any lock hardware does not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. There are a number of specifications and exceptions for accessible route doors; just like with egress door exit devices. In order to ensure that your locks are up to regulation, and assure you won’t be facing liability in the future, it is wise to an exit device expert.
Before deciding what changes you would like to make with your facility, it would be worth calling one of our technicians. We will be able to go over different options with you, while also ensuring that your building will continue to be up to regulation. Contact us today and we would be happy to help!