Guide to the use of Ladders and Step-ladders in Work at Height

Guide to the use of Ladders and Step-ladders in Work at Height 

Guide to assist in the use of Ladders and Step-ladders in compliance with the Work at Height during Camera, EM Lock, Detector, Strobe, Hooter and cabling etc installation at Site. The Work at Height Regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. They place responsibilities on employers, and any person who controls the work of others.

If you are an employee or working under someone else’s control you should:

a) Report any safety hazard to them.

b) Use the equipment supplied properly, following any training and instructions.

1.    Employers responsibilities:

As an employer you should do all that is practicable to prevent anyone from falling. The regulations set out a simple structure for managing and selecting equipment for work at height.

Employers must:

• Avoid work at height where they can.

• Use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height.

• Use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.

• Take other additional suitable and sufficient measures to prevent a person falling a distance liable to cause personal injury including any additional training and instruction that may be required.

The regulations require the employer to ensure:

a) All work at height is properly planned and organised

b) All work at height takes account of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety

c) Those involved in work at height are trained and competent

d) A risk assessment is undertaken to ensure safe working

e) Equipment for work at height is appropriately inspected

f) The risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled

g) The risks from falling objects are properly controlled.

2.    Planning

a) Ensure that no work is done at height if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do it other than at height.

b) Ensure that the work is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in as safe a way as is reasonably practicable.

c) Plan for emergencies and rescue.

d) Take account of the risk assessment carried out under regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

3.    Inspections

‘Inspection’ is defined by the regulations as ‘such visual or more rigorous inspection by a competent person as is appropriate for safety purposes’.

You should ensure (as far as is reasonably practicable to do so) that each individual place at which work is to be done at height is checked on every occasion before that place is used.

You should keep records of the formal periodic inspections until the next inspection has been carried out.

1.    Before starting

All employers should have procedures in place to ensure that ladders are only used where other safer means of access cannot reasonably be used.

Before site works begin:

• Identify all types of work where ladders are used;

Where work has to be done at height:

• Identify if other safer means of access can be used such as

    - tower scaffolds; or

    - powered access such as a cherry picker or a scissor lift.

• Identify the remaining short-duration work for which ladders can still be used.

2.    Carrying ladders and step-ladders

a) When carrying or handling ladders/step-ladders, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), e.g. gloves and safety footwear affording good grip should be considered.

b) Ensure you know how to get the ladder(s) on and off the vehicle safely.

c) Carry ladders/step-ladders in accordance with the correct manual handling procedures and ensure that there are enough people to carry the weight safely.

d) No other equipment should be carried at the same time as ladders/step-ladders.

e) Plan the route to the working area for the easiest/clearest access path. Seek assistance with any access through doorways, sensitive areas or with long / heavy ladders.

f) Carry ladder/step-ladder in a position that enables maximum visibility of the planned route.

g) Never carry ladder/step-ladder in extended/open state.

1.    Set-up of ladders

a) All ladders should be identifiable by a unique serial number and be inspected by a competent trained person at least every six months. Documented records of inspections should be maintained.

b) As well as the formal inspection by a trained competent person, ladders should be given a pre use visual check by the user before being brought into use each time.

c) Where defects are found, either at the formal inspection or pre-use check stage, the equipment in question should be isolated to stop other persons using it and reported to the person responsible for the repairs or replacement.

d) It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that nothing about the way that ladders are erected, or used, affects the safety of the user or any other person.

e) Ladders should be erected on firm level ground at an angle of four units up for every one unit the base is away from the wall. Ladders should only be erected and used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

f) Ensure that the ladder will not reach into an area where there are exposed live electrical conductors, or in an area where other hazards may exist. Safe working distances from overhead power lines can be obtained from the local supply generating authority.

g) The top of the ladder should rest against a solid surface and able to withstand the applied loads.

h) If the ladder is to be used to gain access to a working platform the top of the ladder should extend at least one metre beyond the working platform to ensure a firm hand hold whilst gaining access / egress.

i) Wherever possible, tie a ladder to prevent it from slipping. This can be at the top, the bottom or both. Preferably both stiles should be tied at the top. An eyebolt inserted into the wall of the building can be used to assist tying the ladder at the top. Never tie a ladder by its rungs only. Fixing devices using a rung and a stile may be employed.

j) Methods of securing the bottom of a ladder include, stabilising devices, sand bags, stopper mats, staking and tying, blocks or digging into a firm level base.

k) There should be at least a two rung overlap on extension ladders up to five metres in length and a three rung overlap on ladders over five metres.

l) Extension ladders should be raised and lowered from the base ensuring that the latching hooks are properly engaged.

m) In any area where people are likely to be passing through, ensure that a colleague stands near the foot of the ladder at all times unless guarding is erected. Appropriate men at work signage should be used.

1.    Use of ladders

a) Only use ladders for short duration work – a maximum of 30 minutes, depending upon the task you are doing.

b) Only use ladders for light work – carry no more than 10kg when climbing or working on a ladder.

c) Whenever possible when working from a ladder, try and maintain three points of contact with it at all times (e.g. both feet and one hand). Wherever practicable, when a particular task requires two hands to be used and is of short duration, the ladder should be secured, and the use of a safety harness or line should be considered.

d) Ladders should never be used near doors unless all reasonable precautions have been taken to protect the user, i.e. barriers, lock the door, a second person or leave the door open.

e) Position the ladder close enough to the task so as to facilitate safe working without the risk of over reaching.

f) When ascending/descending you should face the ladder with the hands in contact with the stiles. Hands should be kept free of tools or equipment when ascending / descending the ladder. If hand tools or power tools are to be used, the use of a tool belt and/or holster should be employed.

g) Where practicable, the use of a hoist line should be considered to raise equipment to the working position.

h) Only one rung at a time should be climbed on each step up or down the ladder.

i) Only one person should use the ladder at any one time.

2.    Set-up of step-ladders

a) All step-ladders should be identifiable by a unique serial number and be examined by a trained competent person at least once every six months. In addition the following checks should be carried out before use.

b) The steps should be checked for excessive damage to treads, sides, hinges and metal or rope stays.

c) All treads should be clean and free from contamination likely to cause slippage such as grease or oil etc.

d) Ensure that there are no splinters or rough edges. These could cause you to pull your hand back and lose balance.

e) If any defect is found that cannot be immediately rectified, remove the stepladder from use.

f) Always use steps of adequate height for the job. Never work higher than three treads from the top of the step-ladder unless the step ladder is designed so that a handrail or handhold is available above this level.

g) Never stand on the top platform or bucket area unless they are platform top steps provided with a suitable handrail above the platform.

h) Steps should always be opened to their full width.

i) Never leave articles on any tread of the steps.

j) Move the steps as necessary to maintain a comfortable and balanced position at all times. Do not over-reach.

k) Steps should never be placed near doors unless all reasonable precautions have been taken to prevent the door being opened and striking the steps. Post notices on the other side of the doorway or lock door.

l) In any area where people are likely to be passing through ensure that a colleague stands near the foot of the steps at all times unless guarding is erected. Appropriate men at work signage should be used.

m) Always ensure that the surface on which the steps are mounted is flat and free from stones and any other debris that would impair a good working foundation.

n) Avoid side-on working, face the task to make sure the step-ladder is more stable.

3.    Use of step-ladders

a) Only use step-ladders for short duration work – a maximum of 30 minutes depending upon the task you are doing.

b) Only use step-ladders for light work – carry no more than 10kg when climbing or working on a step-ladder.

Integrating access control and fire systems

Integrating Access Control and Fire Detection Systems 

Most fire jurisdictions require that all doors are automatically unlocked during a fire alarm emergency to ensure a fast exit for those inside the building and a fast entry for the firefighters to do their job. This means the door locking methods (typically electric strikes or electro-magnetic locks)—that are powered and controlled by an Access Control Unit (ACU)—must be kept unlocked during a fire alarm emergency. Fire relay is key product to execute this operation.

What is a fire relay or Output Module?

A output module or control module or fire relay is a switch that sits between the fire system control panel and the power source to the door locking methods. While there are different types of fire relays and different ways to configure them, the job of a fire relay is simple: when there’s a fire alarm, the fire relay unlocks the selected doors.

In an access control system, the fire relay is typically installed inside or near the ACU, and connects the ACU to the fire alarm control panel—as shown in this diagram. Any brand Access Control System can be integrate with Fire, some brand have dedicated port on controller, someone not. You need to verify before getting order. Below arrangement we have test in our experience centre.

Installing a fire relay can be expensive. Follow these tips to get the best pricing.

Lack of a fire relay is one of the most common and expensive surprises we see during customer site surveys. If you’re working with an existing building fire system and it doesn’t already provide a fire relay, you’ll need to get a quote from your building’s fire system provider to install one. 

Unfortunately, the cost of installing a new fire relay can vary significantly. We’ve seen fire relay quotes ranging from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000, but there are ways to negotiate for the best pricing. It’s best to include a fire relay as part of your lease agreement with your building management company. If that’s not an option, ask them to negotiate for a fire relay with the building fire system provider on your behalf. Your building management company will likely get better pricing.

If you are building out a new space, you can make a fire relay a part of the general contractor bid so it’s included in the fire alarm system design. Similar to the building management company, your general contractor who is in a position to give repeat business to the fire system provider is more likely to obtain better pricing. Before ordering verify contractor confidence and related document.

Each every manufacture has this module or relay to operate 3rd party equipment Like: Access Control, PA system, Fire Damper, Smoke Damper, AHU etc. If you have Edwards Fire Panel, then only Edwards’s module will be work with proper programming same as Notifier, ESSER, Autronica, GST, Gent any addressable fire brand. If you are not confirm lets contacts us we will guide you free of cost. Last month in this magazine have one article “How to Find a Qualified Fire Alarm Repair Company”, read and safe your property.

As per NFPA the control outputs from a fire alarm control unit can also be sent out on a signaling line circuit (SLC) to an addressable output module, which can open or close a contact based on information sent from the fire alarm control unit on the SLC to the COMM terminals. This is beneficial because multiple output modules can be controlled by the same SLC, which can control each module separately. For example, all output modules controlling all of the door hold opens in a building could be on the same SLC, but based on the specific input to the control unit, only specific doors can be closed. If all of these modules were on the same control circuit, the control unit would only be able to close all the doors.

 Fire Codes Apply for Electromagnetic Locks

An electromagnetic lock (EM Lock) is essentially an electromagnet in a housing mounted on the door frame, and a steel armature mounted on the door wing. When the magnet is energized, it bonds to the armature and locks the door. To allow access or egress, a switch must be provided to de-energize the electromagnet. It can be difficult to determine which set of code requirements to follow. However, code compliance is crucial when this product is used in an access- or egress-control system. Unlike most locks, electromagnetic locks typically require external release devices such as motion sensors or request-to-exit switches to allow building occupants to exit. In addition, secondary means of releasing the mag-lock are often mandated by the codes, and the requirements vary depending on the type of locking system used.

Prior to the 2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), the set of code requirements typically used for doors equipped with electromagnetic locks was the section called Access-Controlled Egress Doors. The 2009 edition added a second set of requirements that could be used, called Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors. Either of these two sets of requirements can now be used, depending on the application.

The basic difference between these two sections is that the original section, Access-Controlled Egress Doors, required a sensor and push button as release devices, while the new section, Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors, allows a door-mounted release device instead. This could be panic hardware or a latchset with a request-to-exit (RX) switch, or a bar with an electronic touch sensor.

A building could have several AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction), and more than one code may be enforced for a particular project. The most commonly used model codes in the U.S. are the International Building Code (IBC), the International Fire Code (IFC), and NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, but state and local codes sometimes include modifications that affect the use of electrified hardware. It’s usually best to follow the most stringent set of requirements that have been adopted in the project’s jurisdiction.

Here is a summary of the requirements for both sections from the 2009 IBC:

1008.1.4.4 Access-Controlled Egress Doors

·        Applies to entrance doors in a means of egress and entrance doors to tenant spaces.

·        Allowed in Use Groups - A (Assembly), B (Business), E (Educational), I-2 (Institutional - Hospitals & Nursing Homes), M (Mercantile), R-1 (Residential - Hotels, Motels, & Boarding Houses), and R-2 (Residential - Apartments & Dormitories).

·        A sensor must be mounted on the egress side to detect an occupant approaching the doors. Doors must unlock upon a signal from the sensor or loss of power to the sensor.

·        Loss of power to the lock must unlock the doors.

·        A manual unlocking device (push button) shall result in direct interruption of power to the lock – independent of the access control system electronics. When the push button is actuated, the doors must remain unlocked for 30 seconds minimum. The push button must include signage stating “Push to Exit” and must be located 40” to 48” vertically above the floor and within 5’ of the doors. Ready access must be provided to the push button.

·        If the building has a fire alarm/sprinkler system/fire detection system, activation of the system must automatically unlock the doors. Doors must remain unlocked until the system has been reset.

·        Entrance doors in buildings with an occupancy in Group A, B, E or M shall not be secured from the egress side during periods that the building is open to the general public.

1008.1.9.8 Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors

·         Applies to doors in a means of egress and doors to tenant spaces. The 2009 IBC includes a limitation to doors “not otherwise required to have panic hardware,” which was removed in the 2012 edition.

·        Allowed in Use Groups - A (Assembly), B (Business), E (Educational), M (Mercantile), R-1 (Residential - Hotels, Motels, & Boarding Houses), and R-2 (Residential - Apartments & Dormitories).

·          The door must be equipped with listed hardware mounted on the door leaf, which incorporates a built-in switch to directly release the electromagnetic lock and unlock the door immediately.

·         The release device must have an obvious method of operation, and must be readily operated with one hand under all lighting conditions.

·            Loss of power to the listed hardware must automatically unlock the door.

·          When the new section was added to the 2009 IBC, the technical committee made a change to the proposed language which caused some confusion. A limitation to doors that are “not otherwise required to have panic hardware” was included in the 2009 edition, but it appears that this was not the intent. The limitation was removed and the intent clarified in the 2012 edition of the IBC, and as long as the switch in the panic bar releases the mag-lock, a door required to have panic hardware can be equipped with a mag-lock.

·        With the addition of Section 1008.1.9.8 – Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors, the door-mounted release device can be used instead of the sensor and emergency push button. Note that this section does not require the mag-lock to release upon activation of the fire alarm or sprinkler system when a door-mounted release device is used. But there are a few issues that are still unclear, even with the 2012 changes.

·           The door must unlock upon loss of power to the “listed hardware,” which in this case is the door-mounted release device. Loss of power to some types of request-to-exit switches will not unlock the mag-lock. We may see a future change to the language so that loss of power to the electromagnetic lock is required to unlock the door, but the code currently addresses the release device.

·        I-2 occupancies (Institutional – Hospitals & Nursing Homes) are not included as acceptable locations for electromagnetically locked egress doors. This use group was added to the Access-Controlled Egress Doors section in the 2009 edition of the IBC, so hopefully the new section will catch up and include the I-2 use group in the future.

·        UL 305, the UL Standard for Panic Hardware, doesn’t address the use of panic hardware to release an electromagnetic lock. There is also a section of the IBC which states that certain doors shall not be equipped with a latch or lock unless it’s panic hardware. This should be changed to reflect the use of a mag-lock released by panic hardware.

The following summaries address each type of system where a mag-lock might be used, and the related model code requirements:

Sensor Release: A sensor automatically unlocks the electromagnetic lock to allow egress.

This is the most common type of system where electromagnetic locks are used. In past editions of the model codes, the applicable section referred to “access-controlled egress doors” which often gave the impression that the requirements applied to all doors with an access control system. A typical access control system which controls access but utilizes a lever handle or panic hardware to allow free egress is not required to comply with this section. The intent is for this section to apply only to electrified locks that are released by a sensor, and the title of this section has been changed in the model codes to clarify the intent.

For these systems, a sensor on the egress side of the door opening must detect an approaching occupant and unlock the door. The door must also unlock upon loss of power to the sensor or locking system, upon activation of the building fire alarm or automatic sprinkler system (until manually reset), and upon actuation of an auxiliary switch – typically a push button. This switch must be located 40-48 inches above the floor and within 5 feet of the door, must be readily accessible, and must be marked “PUSH TO EXIT.” Pushing the button must directly interrupt power to the lock, independent of the other electronics, and the door must remain unlocked for at least 30 seconds.

Recent editions of the IBC/IFC and NFPA 101 include virtually identical egress requirements for these systems, and all of these model codes currently require the UL 294 listing for these applications. It’s important to note that when this type of system is installed on a door that is required by code to have panic hardware, the panic hardware is required in addition to the electromagnetic lock.

Door-Hardware Release: A switch in the door-mounted hardware releases the electromagnetic lock to allow egress.

This type of system typically utilizes a request-to-exit (RX or REX) switch in the lever handle, panic hardware, or sensor bar mounted on the door. Again, the requirements of the IBC/IFC and NFPA 101 are very similar. The model codes require the hardware mounted on the door to have an obvious method of operation, and to be readily operable with one hand and under all lighting conditions. Operation of this door-mounted hardware must directly interrupt power to the electromagnetic lock, and the door must unlock immediately. The door must also unlock upon loss of power to the locking system, and the UL 294 listing is required by the current model codes. Note that this section does not require an auxiliary push button beside the door, or for the door to unlock upon activation of the fire protection system, although some local codes or AHJs may mandate these additional safety overrides.

Delayed Egress: Doors are locked to delay egress for 15 seconds under normal operation but allow immediate egress during an emergency.

There are two types of egress:

·        Free means that someone can exit an egress door without any delay by using only a single motion, such as turning a lever or pushing on a panic bar.

·        Delayed means that there’s a timed delay before someone can pass through the egress door and exit. Typically, this delay is 15 seconds.

Delayed egress is used to:

·        Discourage casual use of certain doors, so pedestrians can’t leave a premises or steal merchandise.

·        Deter elopement of patients, children or inmates from a protected area of a facility.

·        Make possible access control in both directions through selected openings.

Often, delayed egress systems include panic hardware with delayed egress circuitry, but electromagnetic locks are also available with this function. The lock includes an integral timer which allows the door to be opened 15 seconds after an attempt to exit is made – or 30 seconds when approved by the AHJ. The activation switch may be part of the mag-lock, or the timer may be initiated by an external RX switch.

To ensure free egress in an emergency, delayed egress locks must unlock immediately (no 15-second delay) upon activation of the fire protection system or sprinkler system, and upon loss of power. The capability of allowing immediate egress by a switch at the fire command center or other location may also be required.

Under normal operation, the delayed egress lock prevents egress until a force of 15 pounds, maximum, is applied for not more than 3 seconds; an audible alarm will sound in the vicinity of the door, and in 15 seconds the door will unlock to allow egress. After the device has been released by an attempt to exit, it must be rearmed manually - current codes do not allow delayed egress locks to rearm automatically.

Doors with delayed egress locks must also include signage stating, “PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS.” When a delayed egress lock is installed on an inswinging door, or when an AHJ approves a 30-second time delay, the signage must reflect the applicable operation. Specific requirements for the signage can be found in the model codes, and current codes also require the UL 294 listing for delayed egress locking systems.

The model codes include some additional limitations based on the use group or occupancy classification. For example, past editions of the IBC/IFC prohibited the use of delayed egress locks in assembly, educational, and high hazard occupancies, but the 2018 editions include exceptions for doors serving classrooms with an occupant load of less than 50 people, and for secondary exits from courtrooms. Delayed egress locks are allowed in those locations when the jurisdiction has adopted the 2018 edition of the model code, or when approve by the AHJ.

Controlled Egress: In health care facilities where patients require containment for their safety or security, doors may be locked in the direction of egress under normal operation but must allow emergency egress.

The IBC and IFC allow this application to be used in some health care units in hospitals, nursing homes, and other Group I-1 and I-2 facilities. These units might include memory care, maternity, pediatrics, or other areas approved by the AHJ. NFPA 101 includes these requirements in the chapters that cover new and existing health care facilities, and the code allows the doors to be locked where patients’ special needs require specialized protective measures for their safety or security.

According to the IBC and IFC, the building must have an automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system, and activation of these systems must unlock the doors to allow egress. Loss of power must also automatically unlock the controlled egress doors, as well as a switch that directly breaks power to the lock - located at the fire command center, nurses station, or other approved location. A building occupant must not be required to pass through more than one door equipped with a controlled egress lock before entering an exit. The automatic-release requirements listed here do not apply to areas used for psychiatric treatment, or hospital units where listed infant abduction systems are installed.

All clinical staff members must have the ability – including keys or credentials – to unlock the doors for emergency egress, and these procedures must be included in the facility’s emergency plan. Training and drills are crucial in order for staff to be familiar with the egress protocols. Systems used for controlled egress must be listed to UL 294, and emergency lighting must be present at doors equipped with these locks. The requirements of NFPA 101 would not change the type of locks used in these systems (fail safe electrified locks), but the Life Safety Code does include slight variations to the required safety systems and procedures.

Stairwell Reentry: Stairway access doors may be locked on the stair side but must unlock to allow building occupants to leave the stairwell if it becomes compromised during a fire.

The IBC and IFC require all stairwell doors that are lockable on the stair side to have electrified locks that can be remotely released by a switch at the fire command center, or other approved location. (Note: Stair discharge doors may be locked to prevent access to the stairwell but must allow free egress.) For high-rise buildings, the IBC and IFC require the stairwell to be equipped with a two-way communication system if doors are electrically locked. Consult the IBC/IFC for exceptions related to buildings with a single exit stair.

The NFPA 101 requirements for stairwell reentry differ from the IBC and IFC, so it’s very important to refer to the adopted code to verify what is required. For example, NFPA 101 allows doors to be mechanically locked on the stair side when serving four stories or less – the IBC and IFC require these doors to be electrically locked, or never locked. NFPA 101 also exempts some occupancies from the reentry requirements, and includes a section detailing the criteria for “selected reentry” – which allows some doors to be mechanically locked and others to allow reentry.

If mag-locks are used on fire-rated stair doors, the door must be equipped with additional latching hardware to maintain the fire rating. In addition, the mag-locks must meet the applicable requirements on the egress side – sensor release, door hardware release, delayed egress, or controlled egress. Fail-safe electrified locks or fail-safe trim for fire exit hardware is commonly used; fail safe electric strikes are not listed for use on fire door assemblies.

Elevator Lobby Egress: Doors secure the elevator lobby and prevent access to the tenant space but must allow emergency egress from the lobby.

Currently, the IBC and IFC require each elevator lobby to have code-compliant egress via at least one exit. This could include direct access from the lobby to an exit stairwell, or free egress from the lobby to a corridor that leads through a tenant space to an exit. This means of egress must not be restricted, except with a delayed egress lock (most occupancy types) or an exit alarm.

NFPA 101 does allow egress through elevator lobby doors to be restricted during normal operation, if the doors allow emergency egress. The application must be allowed by the applicable occupancy chapter. For example, Chapter 11 (Special Structures and High-Rise Buildings) allows elevator lobby exit access doors to be locked “in other than newly constructed high-rise buildings.” Therefore, this application would not be allowed by NFPA 101 in new high-rise buildings.

The building must have a fire alarm and sprinkler system, and the lobby must have a smoke detection system. Activation of any of these systems (except by manual pull stations), or loss of power must automatically unlock the doors to allow egress. The doors must remain unlocked until the system is manually reset.

The elevator lobby must have a two-way communication system connected to a central control point that is constantly staffed by people who can provide emergency assistance. The electrified hardware must be listed to UL 294, and any latch-releasing hardware on the door must comply with the egress requirements of NFPA 101.

Because the IBC and IFC do not include a section similar to NFPA 101 regarding elevator lobby doors, some cities and states have modified the IBC/IFC to allow these doors to be electrically locked. These modifications typically require fail safe locks which unlock automatically upon activation of the fire protection system, as well as communication between the elevator lobby and a security desk or other location.

Security Interlock: Two or more doors are interlocked so that when one door is opened, the other door cannot be opened; commonly used on clean rooms and high-security applications.

Mag-locks are often used in security interlocks, but this application is not currently addressed in the model codes except when related to a prison sallyport. This type of system could impede egress, so each application must be approved by the AHJ, and additional safety features may be required. For example, to avoid entrapment in the room or vestibule, the AHJ may require emergency override switches in both locations, as well as an override switch on the exterior that is controlled by a key or credential. These switches will allow the doors to be unlocked for access or egress if one door is in the open position, preventing the use of the other door. In most security interlocks, the locks are automatically unlocked upon activation of the fire protection system, to allow free egress. Consult the AHJ to determine what is required.

In most cases, only one of these sections will apply to a particular door opening equipped with a mag-lock. The exception would be a stairwell door that must meet the stairwell reentry requirements on the stair side but would have one of the other applications on the egress side. Remember, refer to the applicable model codes and any state or city modifications to determine whether additional limitations apply, and consult the AHJ if more information is needed.

Code Comparisons - Occupancy Classifications

I-Codes. Until the 2018 edition of the IBC, delayed-egress locks were allowed in all use groups except A – assembly, E – educational and H – high hazard. Beginning with the 2018 edition, delayed-egress locks are allowed on the secondary exits that serve courtrooms (typically assembly occupancies) if the building has a sprinkler system. The 2018 edition also allows delayed-egress locks on classroom doors in educational occupancies if the calculated occupant load served by the door is fewer than 50 people. This gives schools an option if they’re looking for a way to prevent elopement of young children or students who have special needs.

NFPA. The NFPA codes are less restrictive and allow delayed-egress locks in areas of low and ordinary hazard contents, although the Life Safety Code includes restrictions depending on the occupancy. For example, delayed-egress locks aren’t permitted on the main entrance or exit doors that serve assembly occupancies, and they also are prohibited on airport jetway doors. Lodging or rooming houses can have only one door that has a delayed-egress lock per escape path, and residential board and care facilities are permitted to have delayed-egress locks only on exterior doors. The other occupancy classifications aren’t subject to similar limitations.

Code Comparisons - Required Fire Protection System

I-Codes & NFPA. Both sets of model codes require buildings that have delayed-egress locks to be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system or approved automatic smoke- or heat-detection system. This requirement allows either type of system, although the change to the 2018 IBC that applies to courtrooms specifically requires a sprinkler system.

Code Comparisons - Activation Time

I-Codes & NFPA. Both sets of model codes require the delayed-egress timer to begin when a force of 15 pounds is applied for no more than 3 seconds. Prior to the 2015 edition of the IBC, the timer was required to begin after someone attempted to exit for 1 second. The activation time required to initiate the 15-second (or 30 second) timer is permitted to be less than 3 seconds, but it can’t be more than 3 seconds.

Code Comparisons - Automatic Release Delay

I-Codes & NFPA. When the timer is activated, the model codes require the delayed-egress lock to release in the direction of egress after 15 seconds; the AHJ might approve a time delay of 30 seconds. After that period, the door will be unlocked in the direction of egress, and another attempt to exit will allow the door to be opened.

Code Comparisons - Rearming After Activation

I-Codes & NFPA. When the timer of a delayed-egress lock is activated and the lock allows egress after 15 (or 30) seconds, the model codes require the lock to be rearmed manually.

Code Comparisons - Audible Alarm

I-Codes & NFPA. Both sets of model codes require an audible alarm to sound when a delayed-egress lock is activated, but the codes don’t mandate a specific type of alarm. Some products incorporate a continuous alarm, while others have an intermittent sound or even a verbal countdown.

Code Comparisons - Signage Requirements

I-Codes. Signage must state "PUSH [PULL] UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.” These signs are required for doors equipped with delayed-egress locks (see exception for Group I) and must be mounted above and within 12 inches of the door exit hardware. Beginning with the 2015 edition, signage is required to comply with the visual character requirements of ICC A117.1 – Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. In Group I – institutional occupancies, the AHJ may allow signage to be omitted for certain types of treatment areas.

NFPA. The required text for the signage is the same as that required by the I-Codes: “PUSH [PULL] UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 [30] SECONDS.” The NFPA codes require signage for delayed-egress locks to be readily visible, with letters not less than 1 inch high, a stroke width of one-eighths of an inch and a contrasting background, durable and located on the egress side of the door adjacent to the release device.

Code Comparisons - Action Upon Alarm Activation

I-Codes. When the fire alarm or sprinkler system is activated, delayed-egress locks must allow immediate egress automatically. This ensures that building occupants can exit quickly during a fire.

NFPA. The NFPA codes are more specific regarding the types of system activation that must unlock the delayed-egress locks for emergency egress. These doors must unlock with no delay in the direction of egress upon the activation of a sprinkler system, not more than one heat detector or not more than two smoke detectors.

Code Comparisons - Remote Release

I-Codes. To allow immediate egress when necessary, the I-Codes require delayed-egress locks to be capable of being deactivated by a switch at the fire command center or other approved locations.

NFPA. Remote release isn’t mandated by the section of the Life Safety Code that addresses delayed-egress locks.

Code Comparisons - Action Upon Power Failure

I-Codes & NFPA. When power fails, both sets of codes require delayed-egress locks to unlock immediately in the direction of egress. A common question about delayed-egress locking systems is whether battery backup is allowed in the power supply of the electrified hardware. The model codes don’t address this specifically, so it often is left up to the AHJ to decide whether delayed-egress locks must release upon loss of the main power to the building or continue to delay egress on standby power. However, based on the requirements of NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code, I don’t recommend using independent battery backup in the power supply of the delayed-egress lock. If the fire-alarm system and delayed-egress locks are powered by two different standby power systems, the hardware might not interface properly with the fire alarm after the loss of main building power. Using the same standby power source for the fire-alarm system and delayed-egress locks is preferred.

Code Comparisons - Emergency Lighting

I-Codes & NFPA. Emergency lighting is required by both sets of model codes, on the egress side of the door on which a delayed-egress lock has been installed. It’s important to check for the presence of emergency lighting before you install delayed-egress hardware.

Code Comparisons - Quantity of Locks per Egress Path

I-Codes. For most use groups, only one delayed-egress lock is allowed per egress path. This has changed from past editions of the I-Codes, where a building occupant could encounter only one delayed-egress lock before going through an exit. In Group I – institutional occupancies, such as hospitals, nursing homes and day care facilities, the I-Codes allow two doors that have delayed-egress locks per egress path, with a maximum combined delay of 30 seconds. In Group I-1, Condition 1 and Group I-4, the exception permitting two doors that have delayed-egress locks mandates that the building is equipped with a sprinkler system throughout.

NFPA. For most occupancy classifications, the NFPA codes don’t restrict the number of delayed-egress locks per egress path. Only in lodging or rooming houses does the Life Safety Code limit delayed-egress locks to one device per escape path.

Required Listings

I-Codes & NFPA. Both sets of model codes require delayed-egress locking systems to be listed to UL 294 – Standard for Access Control System Units. If a delayed-egress lock will be installed on a fire-door assembly, it also must be listed to UL 10C – Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies or NFPA 252 – Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies. In addition to the other listings, panic hardware that has delayed egress as a feature must be listed to UL 305 – Standard for Panic Hardware (I-Codes & NFPA) and in some cases BHMA A156.3 – Exit Devices (NFPA only).

If you are a system integrator or access automation installer or even a distributor, it is important to know how to select the best code application for access system on behalf of the customer. Majority of the datasheets and catalogues are not really useful unless you already know what you are getting into. If need any further information contact us on ssaintegrate@gmail.com.

Further Reading

For more on codes and delayed-egress locks:

IBC sections for Delayed Egress:

·        2021 – 1010.2.13

·        2018 – 1010.1.9.8

·        2015 – 1010.1.9.7

·        2012 – 1008.1.9.7

·        2009 – 1008.1.9.7

NFPA 101 sections for Delayed Egress Electrical Locking systems: 7.2.1.6.1