Here are 7 key considerations for school administrators when it comes to assessing door openings and security in your school:
1. Easy Exit: Doors should allow building occupants to exit freely during emergencies.
It's important to choose security solutions that won’t trap people inside a room. Entrapment can occur if a secondary locking device is used and prevents emergency egress, or if someone installs a device without authorization to intentionally block others from entering or leaving a room.
According to code, doors in pathways for evacuation (known as means of egress) should be able to be unlatched from the inside without the need for a key, tool, special knowledge or significant effort. The operation of the door should be intuitive, such as turning a lever handle or using panic hardware. In most areas, the hardware should unlatch the door with a single releasing motion, simultaneously releasing all latches. Additionally, many barricade devices don't follow the rules and guidelines set by the government, which can violate the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and make it difficult for people with disabilities to use the doors.
2. Locking and Unlocking: Lockable doors should be able to be unlocked from the outside with a key or other approved means.
This allows school staff or emergency responders to enter when necessary. If an unauthorized person locks a classroom or another space, current codes require that an authorized person can unlock the door from the outside using a key or other approved means. Immediate access to the room is crucial during emergencies or any disruptive situations. Some security devices may hinder access and egress, which would not comply with the requirements outlined in the model codes.
3. Operability for Everyone: Door hardware should be operable by all building occupants, including small children and people with disabilities.
To ensure that everyone can easily operate door hardware, there are specific requirements outlined in the model codes and accessibility standards. These standards state that the hardware should be able to be operated with one hand, without grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
The standards also place limits on the amount of force required to operate the hardware. The allowable force depends that needs to be met. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design require hardware to be operable with no more than 5 pounds of force. The model codes and ICC A117.1 limit operable hardware to 15 pounds of pushing/pulling motion, or 28 inch-pounds of rotational motion. The best approach is to use hardware that meets the requirements of both standards.
Currently, there is no official certification available to verify if a security product complies with the ADA standards or other accessibility requirements. If a manufacturer claims that their product is compliant, it is advisable to conduct further research to understand the basis of their statement.
4. Panic Hardware for Assembly Spaces: Doors serving assembly spaces, where large groups of people gather, must be equipped with panic hardware.
This allows for quick and easy exit during emergencies. According to building codes, if a door serves an assembly space or an educational area with more than 50 people, the I-Codes typically require the door to be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. The NFPA codes also require panic hardware for doors serving these spaces, but when the occupant load is 100 people or more. Similar to the locksets on classroom doors, it's important to be able to lock doors with panic hardware from the inside during a lockdown without hindering the ability to exit. There are panic hardware options available that allow for locking from the inside, and using a locked/unlocked indicator can help show the status of the door. Adding a barricade device to a door that is required to have panic hardware is a violation of the model codes and can impede emergency evacuation. Modifying panic hardware may also void its certification.
5. Impact-Resistant Glazing: Glazing in doors or adjacent to door hardware should be impact resistant to delay unauthorized access.
In many school districts, classroom doors are required to have vision lights or sidelights as per the Board of Education Standards. These windows allow for oversight of the classroom space. Main entrance doors and secondary entrance doors to schools usually have windows or glazing in and around them. If the impact-resistance of the glazing in these doors is not addressed, the glass may be a weak link. When it comes to school entrances, various organizations such as the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission and the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) recommend the use of secure vestibules. These vestibules should have doors and glazing that are resistant to forced entry.
6. Limited Opening Force: Doors should be openable with a limited amount of force.
The codes and standards set limits on the amount of force needed to manually open a door. For most interior swinging doors that are not fire-rated, the maximum force required is 5 pounds. However, for exterior doors and fire doors, the model codes allow for a maximum force of 30 pounds to set the door in motion and 15 pounds to fully open the door. This ensures that everyone, including those using wheelchairs, can open the door manually. Automatic operators may be required in some locations to assist with door opening. To ensure that individuals using wheelchairs can easily open doors manually, there should be clear space called "maneuvering clearance" on each side of the door opening. In cases where a door cannot meet the accessibility requirements for manual operation, an automatic operator can also be used to bring the door into compliance.
7. Fire Door Compliance: Fire doors play a crucial role in deterring the spread of smoke and flames during a fire.
It's important to ensure that fire doors are properly installed, closed, and latched to provide the necessary protection. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there have been approximately 4,800 fires in schools and other educational facilities each year between 2010 and 2020. Fire door assemblies play a vital role in the passive fire protection system of a building. They help prevent the spread of smoke and flames during a fire and protect the means of escape. These doors are subject to strict regulations outlined in codes and standards to ensure they perform as intended during a fire. Any alterations made in the field must adhere to specific guidelines, and all components used must be listed for use as part of a fire door assembly. Installing non-listed products or modifying fire doors and frames in the field can void their fire rating and compromise their performance. To provide effective protection, fire doors must be closed and latched when a fire occurs.
When implementing security measures, it's important to find a balance between security and safety. Compliance with accessibility requirements and fire safety regulations is always essential. School administrators should consult the specific codes and regulations in their jurisdiction and work closely with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure compliance. By following these 7 steps, school administrators can enhance the security of their facilities while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff.
