Rear doors in B's, M's with thumbturn deadbolts

[cheyer]

Can't remember if this has been discussed or not....IFC 1008.1.8.3 says that the main exterior doors are permitted to use key hardware with some conditions........now for the "other" doors that aren't the "main" doors, but still can be used for egress (i.e. convenience doors, other non-required doors without exit signs).....would you allow thumb-turn

deadbolts or only single-action hardware for these?

I know this may get into "door operations" IFC 1008.1.8.....but I really don't see tight grasping or pinching with these?....

Comments?

 

[LGreene]

The IBC contains a requirement which says that doors have to unlatch with one operation. I'm not sure if the IFC has the same requirement. Here is the language from the 2009 IBC:

"1008.1.9.5 Unlatching. The unlatching of any door or leaf shall not require more than one operation.

Exceptions:

1. Places of detention or restraint.

2. Where manually operated bolt locks are permitted by Section 1008.1.9.4.

3. Doors with automatic flush bolts as permitted by Section 1008.1.9.3, Exception 3.

4. Doors from individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R occupancies as permitted by Section 1008.1.9.3, Exception 4."

 

[Gene Boecker]

The fire code has the same language.

However, it's important to note the scoping of Chapter 10 in the IFC:

1001.1 General.

Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1029 shall apply to new construction. Section 1030 shall apply to existing buildings.

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There is no requirement in 1030 to remove those existing devices. If it's new construction, then they cannot be installed - a single operation is required. But an existing configuration installed prior to the adoption of the 2003 IBC/IFC codes is allowed to remain as is.

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> Also note that there are provisions for addressing means of egress issues in Chapter 46 of the 2009 IFC; specifically Section 4604. But, nothing in there either about changing the door hardware.

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