As a business owner, you work hard to protect the well-being and safety of both your employees and customers. You wouldn’t dream of deliberately putting them in harm’s way, but sometimes what you don’t know can put them at risk. That’s why it is important to make sure your building, including your doors, is up to code and follows all safety regulations. Check for these common code violations and correct the problem before you get cited, or someone gets seriously hurt.
OBSTRUCTED EXITS
All exits must remain clear and cannot be blocked (even for a few minutes while you complete a task). This means boxes, crates, carts, and equipment must be away from the exit door at all times. If an emergency arises, stopping to clear access to the exit door can put lives at risk. Check storerooms and work areas to make sure the exit door is not blocked.
DEADBOLT LOCKS
It may be tempting to add deadbolt locks to your exit doors to improve security, but if traditional deadlocks are locked the door cannot be opened quickly in an emergency. Opt to install side hinge deadbolts or security hinges instead. These locks prevent would-be thieves from prying your doors open or putting the lives of employees or customers at risk.
The latching mechanism on an exit door must be such that it can be operated with a loose grip or closed fist. Door knobs do not fit the bill, as they require a firm grasp and the ability to twist the knob. If your exit doors have doorknobs instead of levers, it is time to replace them.
DOOR KNOBS INSTEAD OF LEVERS
The latching mechanism on an exit door must be such that it can be operated with a loose grip or closed fist. Door knobs do not fit the bill, as they require a firm grasp and the ability to twist the knob. If your exit doors have doorknobs instead of levers, it is time to replace them.
LOCKED EXIT DOORS
Many exit doors are located at the back of the building or in back rooms used for storage. It is easy to overlook unlocking the door when you enter your business in the morning, but forgetting to unlock it is a code violation and may put the lives of customers and employees at risk should an emergency occur. Make sure everyone knows who is responsible for unlocking the door first thing in the morning.
Of course, there are other violations you can face that have nothing to do with the locks on the doors. Because your doors must be easy-to-access for everyone, including those in a wheelchair, there are strict regulations about height and space, too. In general, the entryway to the door must be 32 inches wide with a clearance of 36 inches. For double doors, the width must be at least 48 inches, and both doors must swing in the same direction. The hardware to open the door must be located no higher than 48 inches from the floor, and it must not require the user to have a tight grasp or to twist the wrist to operate it.
The Flying Locksmiths Can Help
If you need assistance with your doors to make sure you are compliant with local and federal codes and your customers and employees are safe, The Flying Locksmiths can help. We provide emergency commercial service 24/7. Contact us today to get started.