Page 28 - Security Today, March/April 2025

L O C K S A N D H A R D W A R E
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Creating a Safer World
Choosing the right locks and door hardware
By Karen Keating
ware within a facility is a big responsibility. A
Managing and supporting locks and door hard-
building’s security needs to change over time as
occupancy and use demands evolve, which can
make it even more challenging.
Knowing the basics of common door hardware, including
locks, panic devices and door closers, can be effective in daily op-
erations and emergency situations. Building managers are always
looking for ways to improve safety and should do their due dili-
gence on the types of locks and door hardware available to them.
COMPLIANCE ALWAYS COMES FIRST
Fire and life safety requirements should always be the top prior-
ity when it comes to building security. Staying in compliance with
all fi re and life safety codes is imperative. In almost all locations,
doors along paths of egress must be able to be unlatched with a
single motion, in the direction of egress. All facilities must adhere
to local building and fi re codes to protect the occupants.
Codes will vary by location and are typically based on the
model codes of the International Code Council (ICC) and/or the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); the well-known
door hardware industry blog idighardware.com makes it easy to
access this information.
Locks and door hardware should meet the requirements set by
the American National Standards Institute and Builders Hard-
ware Manufacturers Association (ANSI/BHMA); they receive
product grades for performance benchmarks in each applicable
ANSI/BHMA standard. An overview of how they are evaluated
and certifi ed can be found in the Hardware Highlights section on
buildershardware.com. They must also meet the criteria outlined
in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Ac-
cessible Design and other adopted accessibility standards.
CHOOSE YOUR DOOR LOCKS WISELY
Customers love choice when it comes to door locks. With a myr-
iad of options available, including mechanical, electrifi ed, and
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