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Hardware for Doors in Dog Training Center

M

midwestFCO

Bronze Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2010
Messages
62
Location
OH
Hello,

2009IFC/IBC

Occupant load is 49.

Non-Sprinkled, Type VB construction. Use group B.

I am looking for advice on what type of hardware would be permitted on egress doors in an existing building that was changed to a dog obedience center. They have two doors that have levers which they are concerned (rightfully so) a heavier dog may jump up on and open the door. One of the doors opens up to the parking lot which is about 25' from a pretty busy road. The other one opens up on the side of the building, but a dog could still make its way to the road. Neither of these doors would be considered the main entrance. My issue, I cannot really find anything that allows them to put a second security style lock on the door. They have offered to install a "gate" in front of the doors which would have to be opened prior to getting to the exit. They've also asked about putting some type of a pin that has to be taken out to let the lever move (they saw this someplace else apparently, not sure exact the design). I am tempted to let them put the knobs back in-place since these doors are not required to be accessible per IBC Chapter 11, but the plans submitted for the occupancy specifically called out all doors having ADA compliant levers. Anyone seen anything that would be approved or have thoughts on re-installing the knobs?
 
If the doors are allowed to swing in (occ. under 50 maybe?) that would be the best solution.....but.....

As much as I do not like it, under the building code, 3409.5 exception 2 may get them out of lever action.....ADA is a different animal....WOOF!

3409.5 Alterations.

A building, facility or element that is altered shall comply with the applicable provisions in Chapter 11 and ICC A117.1, unless technically infeasible. Where compliance with this section is technically infeasible, the alteration shall provide access to the maximum extent technically feasible.

Exceptions:

1. The altered element or space is not required to be on an accessible route, unless required by Section 3409.6.

2. Accessible means of egress required by Chapter 10 are not required to be provided in existing buildings and facilities.
 
The knobs would be the easiest if the doors are not required to be accessible. Changing the doors to inswinging would be pretty expensive, and if it's a large space the calculation may put you over 50 occupants. I don't know of anything in the code that would allow you to put a second lock on the doors, and pulling out a pin before operating a lever sounds like a bad idea. They could adjust the door closers so the doors require 15 pounds of force to open. Unless you have a local code that limits the opening force, 15 pounds should be acceptable and I think it's unlikely that a dog would turn the lever and push the door open.
 
OP stated 49 occupants. If it's a change of use, I'd require the levers, it's code. As Lori said, pump up the pressure on a closer. If it's not a change, go with the exception. JMHO
 
If plans were submitted for this change of use building, I would contact the designer of said plans

and have them provide a solution.

The "increased pressure" on the installed hardware closers seems to be the most cost feasible

solution IMO.

.
 
Accessible egress is not mentioned.....

3409.3 Change of occupancy.

Existing buildings, or portions thereof, that undergo a change of group or occupancy shall have all of the following accessible features:

1. At least one accessible building entrance.

2. At least one accessible route from an accessible building entrance to primary function areas.

3. Signage complying with Section 1110.

4. Accessible parking, where parking is being provided.

5. At least one accessible passenger loading zone, when loading zones are provided.

6. At least one accessible route connecting accessible parking and accessible passenger loading zones to an accessible entrance.

Where it is technically infeasible to comply with the new construction standards for any of these requirements for a change of group or occupancy, the above items shall conform to the requirements to the maximum extent technically feasible. Change of group or occupancy that incorporates any alterations or additions shall comply with this section and Sections 3409.4, 3409.5, 3409.6 and 3409.7.
 
Thanks everyone.

It was a change of use from B/S1 to strictly B. The approved occupancy load is 49, but realistically there would likely not be more than 15 people in the building. The doors are outward swinging in block walls, so to make them swing in would be costly. They are marked exits but no panic hardware, just levers.

I too laughed a little when they came to me with the concern, but they claim they already had a lab do the one on the side, which is what really concerned them about the door by the street. I think I will go the 15 pound route and then offer up the knobs if they still have issues. I just appreciated them bringing it to my attention and asking rather than the usual do it and hope we do not notice.
 
Crazy question: is there some way you could tweak the hardware to make the lever flip UP to open, instead of down?

I realize it wouldn't stop the bear in cda's video, but you could put some type of up arrow on door next to the handle to make it extra obvious to humans, and in my opinion it would probably still not become a problematic "specialized knowledge or effort".
 
They could maybe do away with one of the doors, however the one they're most worried about would be needed due to the distance/remote location the space is from another "exit".

I had not thought about changing the way the lever turns but that would likely do the trick. I am not really sure I have ever even seen one to that, except in my Dad's camper when I was a kid...but that whole thing was "tweaked". Ha Ha

I still think I am going to try the opening force and look at the other exit again to see if they can just make it a door and not an exit.
 
Yikes said:
Crazy question: is there some way you could tweak the hardware to make the lever flip UP to open, instead of down?I realize it wouldn't stop the bear in cda's video, but you could put some type of up arrow on door next to the handle to make it extra obvious to humans, and in my opinion it would probably still not become a problematic "specialized knowledge or effort".
Click to expand...
That's an interesting idea. I have seen some hotel rooms with the lever mounted vertically, to prevent someone from putting something under the door (like a modified coat hanger) to grab the lever and pull down to retract the latch. I looked into this a while ago and couldn't find anything to prevent someone from mounting the lever this way. It would depend on the type of lock whether the lever can be mounted vertically, but it's a good thought.
 
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