Help with an article about balancing life safety and security?

[LGreene]

As some of you know, I have a monthly column in Doors & Hardware, the publication distributed to the members of the Door & Hardware Institute as well as other subscribers. My column covers various door-related code issues, and I've been writing it for almost 3 years.

The magazine would like to run a feature article (not part of my column) on life safety / security and would like your help. This article would also highlight this discussion forum if the editor is able to find enough content in the responses, which would hopefully bring us more members.

The main topic of the article is "balancing life safety and security"...here are some questions to get the conversation started:

a) The code requirements for fire doors and egress doors are often at odds with security protocols. As security personnel become more educated with respect to codes, are we achieving a balance between life safety and security? Do you have any examples of how this balance was achieved in your local jurisdiction?

b) Are you seeing more frequent requests for variances related to security - for example, security interlocks, locks that only release upon fire alarm, delayed egress locks on Assembly occupancies, special security measures for schools to use during an intruder situation? How do you balance the need for increased security with the need to protect life safety?

c) Access control and electrified hardware are complicated, and the code requirements for the various applications can be difficult to interpret and verify. What methods are you using to ensure that installed hardware (for example, Access Controlled Egress Doors) is code-compliant?

d) Modifying existing fire doors for access control / security hardware can affect the fire door's ability to perform as designed. Are you actively reviewing fire door inspection documents to ensure that the doors are code-compliant?

e) Can you share any specific examples of situations where a compromise between life safety and security was reached?

As always, THANK YOU!!! I appreciate the insight you share!

 

[cda]

5000!!!!!!! ok who won the pool???

Not much help as far as your question:::::

The main topic of the article is "balancing life safety and security"...here are some questions to get the conversation started:

a) The code requirements for fire doors and egress doors are often at odds with security protocols. As security personnel become more educated with respect to codes, are we achieving a balance between life safety and security? Do you have any examples of how this balance was achieved in your local jurisdiction?

b) Are you seeing more frequent requests for variances related to security - for example, security interlocks, locks that only release upon fire alarm, delayed egress locks on Assembly occupancies, special security measures for schools to use during an intruder situation? How do you balance the need for increased security with the need to protect life safety?

Variance is an eight letter word, when it comes to adopted codes. The code does not allow requirements to be “waived”. There can be “alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment” We normally follow what the base code requires. We will listen to any proposal and evaluate it against the intent of the code. We have not had any requests lately that they could not comply with the IBC.

We try very hard to stick with what the code requires, and have been able to make the owner happy and meet code.

c) Access control and electrified hardware are complicated, and the code requirements for the various applications can be difficult to interpret and verify. What methods are you using to ensure that installed hardware (for example, Access Controlled Egress Doors) is code-compliant?

We normally require plans and obtain a permit to install access control devices, or electric exit hardware. We require them to identify doors that will be locked down and submit manufacture’s specification sheets. We compare what is submitted to what the IBC requires. Once approved and installed we do an acceptance test. We do have a local amendment that a Knox device can be required on the exterior of the building to release electric locking devices, so the firefighters can enter the building.

d) Modifying existing fire doors for access control / security hardware can affect the fire door's ability to perform as designed. Are you actively reviewing fire door inspection documents to ensure that the doors are code-compliant?

We have not started requiring third party inspection of doors. We do a visual to see if the door closes, latches, and is in good condition.

e) Can you share any specific examples of situations where a compromise between life safety and security was reached?

Sorry have not done anything out of the ordinary in a long time, and try to avoid it.

As always, THANK YOU!!! I appreciate the insight you share!

 

[cda]

Anyone else have some input ????