Page 28 - Security Today, November/December 2024

S E C U R I T Y T R E N D S
types as well as a variety of aesthetically pleasing trim options.
Cylindrical locks. Cylindrical locks, sometimes called bored
locks, are popular due to easier installation and door prepara-
tion. Although they provide an adequate variety of function and
keying options, they do not have the same level of fl exibility as
mortise locks.
Electrifi ed locks. Can be either mortise or cylindrical in design
and feature the addition of a small motor or solenoid that elec-
tromechanically moves the locking mechanism. These types of
locks can be utilized with a switch to remotely lock or unlock the
door, or as part of an integrated access control solution.
Electronic locks. Available is mortise and cylindrical options,
electronic locks feature built-in intelligence and are typically
managed by an electronic access control system. Wireless elec-
tronic locks can be utilized on building interior doors including
classrooms, laboratories and residence hall unit doors to deliver
increased security and effi ciency including centralized lockdown.
Locks with Visual Indicators: A growing trend is the use of
visual indication trims that communicate the status of the lock.
The messaging in the visual indicator window can aid in reassur-
ing students and staff that the doors are locked, providing peace
of mind and confi dence in stressful situations.
Choose an ANSI/BHMA Certifi ed lock from a trusted brand
that is known to be reliable and secure. It should come as no sur-
prise that Grade 1 locks are recommended for most applications
within schools and universities as they provide the strength and du-
rability needed to withstand high traffi c and abusive environments.
Industry best practices for securing classrooms1, based on fi ve pa-
rameters, should be followed in K-12 schools whenever possible.
PANIC HARDWARE FOR PERIMETER,
CORRIDOR AND HIGH OCCUPANCY SPACES
Panic hardware enables occupants to exit a building simply by apply-
ing force to the actuating member in the direction of the door swing.
This force actuates mechanisms in the device that unlatch the door
allowing free egress, which is crucial in emergency exit scenarios.
There are two types of panic devices and, while they are similar
in construction, it is important to understand where they are used.
Panic hardware. Panic exit devices are used on doors required
to have panic hardware, but cannot be used on a fi re door. Pan-
ic hardware typically has the dogging feature, which allows the
latches to be held retracted to create a push/pull function.
Fire exit hardware. Fire exit hardware is required for fi re doors to
ensure doors latch when they close and help prevent the spread of
smoke and fl ames. Fire exit hardware is not permitted to have me-
chanical dogging, but electric latch retraction/electronic dogging is
permitted. When the latch is held retracted electrically, the door must
become positively latched during a fi re emergency by way of an au-
tomatic fail-safe device that is activated by an automatic fi re detector.
In addition to the ANSI/BHMA A156.3 standards, both pan-
ic and fi re exit hardware are listed to UL 305; while fi re exit hard-
ware requires an additional listing to UL 10C. Since panic and
fi re exit devices play a critical role in compliance with fi re and life
safety codes, it is always a good idea to consult with a local door
2 8 hardware or building code expert who can provide guidance on
the right model for the application.
DOOR CLOSERS – AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE
The function of a door closer is not just to close the door; a good
door closer will also control the door in both the opening and clos-
ing cycles to prevent damage and injury caused by abuse, wind or
other factors. Accessibility, as well as fi re and life safety require-
ments, determine how, when and where to apply door closers. Com-
m on use case applications in educational environments include:
Fire Doors: During normal building operation, corridor doors
are typically held open to ensure the smooth fl ow of traffi c.
However, as governed by NFPA 80 as well as local codes and
standards, fi re-rated doors must be closed at the time of a fi re to
prevent spread. Choose door closer models with integrated fail
safe hold open features or combine a mechanical closer with a
separate magnetic holder; these must release upon fi re alarm.
Accessibility: Accessibility standards provide guidance on both
the opening force and time to close in order to protect people with
disabilities. Interior doors that are not fi re doors must be able to be
opened with a maximum of 5 pounds of force. Additionally, door
closers must be adjusted so that it takes at least fi ve seconds for the
door to move from an open position of 90 degrees to 12 degrees
from the latch. A variety of mechanical and automatic door opera-
tors are available to meet these needs by opening type.
Touchless: With a greater attention to health since the pan-
demic, there has been an increase in the use of touchless solu-
tions. Touchless actuators paired together with automated door
openers can reduce the number of touch points throughout
buildings, eliminating the need to make contact with a door.
There are many considerations when choosing door closers
that include frequency of use, projected wear and tear, aesthetics,
as well as the necessary features and functions to comply with
codes and standards. Given that door closers also play a vital role
in fi re and life safety, consulting with a local door hardware or
codes expert is recommended.
INVEST FOR SUCCESS
Many studies have shown that students who feel safe at school
achieve better learning outcomes. Locks and door hardware are
vital components of any safety and physical security plan; this is
not an area to cut corners or neglect. Choose options from trust-
ed and reputable manufacturers that meet industry requirements
for operations, strength and durability. Full compliance with lo-
cal codes, accessibility standards, as well as fi re and life safety
regulations, will ensure that students, faculty and staff are given
the best opportunity to shine and succeed in a
safe environment.
Karen Keating is the senior manager, Brand &
Solutions Marketing, at Allegion.
Best Practices for Securing Classrooms Infographic - https://
us.allegion.com/content/dam/allegion-us-2/web-fi les/allegion/in-
formation-documents/Allegion_Locks_Infographic_115610.pdf
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