Highlights of NFPA 101
The
Life Safety Code - 1997
Regarding Doors, Frames and Hardware
This
outline is based on Hardware Specialties' interpretation of the code, all information must
be verified and approved by a registered architect, professional engineer,
and/or authority having jurisdiction.
Numbers in brackets ( ) refer to applicable section of the publication.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Locks, Latches and Alarm Devices (5-2.1.5)
Locks shall not require the use of a key, tool, or
special knowledge or effort for operation from the inside of the building...
* except as specifically allowed by NFPA 101
* exterior doors shall be permitted to have key-operated locks from the
egress side as long as:
exception is permitted in chapters 8 - 13 for the
specific occupancy, and on or
adjacent to the door there is a sign (THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHEN THE
BUILDING IS OCCUPIED), and locking device is of a type that is readily
distinguishable as locked, and key is immediately available to any occupant
inside the building when door is locked.
where permitted by chapters 8 - 31, key operation shall be permitted, provided that the key can't be removed when the door is locked from the egress side
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stairwell Reentry (2-5.1.5.2)
every stair enclosure door shall permit reentry to the interior of the building, or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stair doors simultaneously upon initiation of the building fire alarm system
selected doors shall be permitted to have locking
hardware provided that
* at least 2 levels are unlocked
* there aren't more than 4 stories between unlocked floors
* the top or next to the top floor is unlocked
* signage on the stair side identifies unlocked doors
* signage on the stair side of locked doors indicates the location of
nearest unlocked door in each direction
stairs serving less than 4 stories do not need to comply
existing installations as permitted in chapters 8 - 31 do not need to comply
stairs serving a building permitted to have a single exit in accordance with chapters 8 - 32 do not need to comply
compliance is not necessary where specifically allowed by chapters 12 or 14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delayed Egress Locks (5-2.1.6.1)
approved, listed, delayed egress locks shall be permitted
in buildings protected by an approved fire detection system or sprinkler
system, where permitted by chapters 8 - 31, provided that
* doors unlock upon actuation of the fire protection system
* doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the locking mechanism
* doors unlock upon disablement of the fire protection system
* an irreversible process releases the lock within 15 seconds (ahj can
approve a delay of up to 30 seconds) upon application to the release device
(15 lbf for not more than 3 seconds)
* initiation of the release process activates a signal in the vicinity of
the door
* after release, locking shall be by manual means only
* signage on egress side of door (push until alarm sounds. door can be
opened in 15 seconds)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Access - Controlled Egress Doors (5-2.1.6.2)
where permitted in chapters 8 - 32, doors in means of
egress shall be permitted to have an approved entrance and egress access
control system, provided that
* a sensor on the egress side unlocks the door upon detection of an occupant
approaching the door
* loss of power to the sensor unlocks the door
* loss of power to the lock unlocks the door
* manual release device adjacent to the door unlocks the door
* manual release device must have signage (PUSH TO EXIT)
* manual release device results in direct interruption of power to the lock,
and door remains unlocked for at least 30 seconds
* fire protection system automatically unlocks the door, and the door
remains unlocked the fire protection system is manually reset
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panic Hardware (5-2.1.7)
actuating portion of device extends at least 1/2 the width of the door leaf
device must be mounted between 30" and 44" a.f.f.
requirements for which doors must have panic devices are listed within the individual occupancy chapters - means of egress doors in assembly and education occupancies with an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall be permitted to have a latch or lock only if it is panic hardware
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closers (5-2.1.5.3)
doors designed to normally be kept closed in a means of egress shall be a self-closing door and shall not be secured in the open position, except
where allowed by NFPA 101 or the ahj, doors can be
automatic closing, permitted that:
* upon release of the hold-open mechanism, the door becomes self-closing
*door can be easily released manually
*automatic releasing mechanism is activated by the building fire protection
system
* upon loss of power to the hold-open device, the door becomes self-closing
* release by means of smoke detection of one door in a stair enclosure
results in closing of all doors serving that stair
Note: A standard door closer with no hold-open mechanism is self-closing. A door closer with an electric or battery operated hold-open mechanism actuated by the fire protection system is automatic closing.