Life Safety Issues with Exit Doors

2. Install the S&G 8470XMP "Adjustoloc" on the inside of the door. This was a surface-mounted assembly consisting of a manipulation-proof safe lock linked with an automatic-retracting deadbolt. The bolt could either be retracted by dialing the right combination from the outside of the door, or by turning a knob on the inside of the door.

Inspectors contended that the first option could lock a person into the SCIF with no means to get out. The defense contractors contended that by the very nature of the work being performed, they required a thorough inspection to make sure all persons were out each and every time the room was used.

The inspectors rebutted that it was possible that the SM182 could be left unattended while persons were working in the room and someone could come by and slide it closed. Inspectors contended that option two required two hands to get out. One hand had to activate the Adjustoloc, while the other was used to activate the lockset below.

S&G worked closely with the defense contractors to satisfy both the governmental customer's requirements and the life safety codes. There was no hope for the SM182 as it couldn't be activated at all from the inside. Focus turned on modifying the Adjustoloc.

A "Day Button" was added to back of the safe lock case. This meant the automatic-retracting deadbolt could be held back for day use. The inspectors didn't like that as it required a person make the effort to turn the button (back to special effort).

The lock was further modified so that once the bolt was thrown back by turning the outside combination, the bolt was continually retracted. Before leaving for the night, a person would use the former "day button" to release the bolt.

The inspectors didn't like that as it still required special knowledge and it still took two actions out to open the exit door. It became evident that both options were unworkable.

S&G, working closely with life safety experts, introduced the 8470 high security exit device (Figure 3). This is an integration of the Adjustoloc and an approved exit device. The process took about 18 months to get right but finally both sides were satisfied.

It is important to note that during this time both S&G and the defense contractors appealed to the governmental customers to assist them with dealing with the local ordinances.

Each SCIF was regulated by a different "customer." Although the work performed in these areas directly related to national security, each customer's response consistently suggested that the local ordinance has to be satisfied, that is, life safety had to be fully addressed before the security needs could be met.

Clearly, life safety always takes precedence over security.

All locking devices are to be of an approved type.

Occupancy load determined by the purpose of the room and its size. Local ordinances have tables to determine what the occupancy load is in an occupancy group. If the occupancy load is minimal (usually less than 50), a lockset can be used on an exit door. If the occupancy is significant (usually 50 or more), exit devices are required on exit doors.

NOTE: If the exit door is part of a fire assembly, lockset or exit device must additionally be rated for fire protection.

Lockets rated for fire assemblies will be identified by the UL™ and F™ emblems on the latch assembly. Approved exit devices undergo testing to meet life safety criteria. Figure 4 shows approved markings which appear on the latch assembly of a lockset.

Push paddles and bars are tested to make sure that a maximum amount of force (usually 30 pounds) is required to activate the device.

Exit devices that are fire-rated are tested to make sure the device will continue to latch during a fire. This usually means the fasteners and latching mechanisms will survive the heat and the fire.

Exit devices that are fire-rated do not feature dog-down assemblies. The intention is to make sure the door will be latched during a fire. Keeping a door closed and latched limits the main fuel, air draft.

There are locking devices that cannot be approved by the very nature of the device. These devices are: door chains, deadbolts, slide-bolts, bars and removable bars and auxiliary locks and latches.

There are exceptions to the rules.

Some occupancy groups that are exempt from certain locking device restrictions.