What Should a School Consider Before Purchasing Classroom Barricade Devices, Also Known As Temporary Door Locking Devices?

Classroom barricade devices, which are added to existing classroom door openings, are not compliant with the model fire codes and building codes used in most states. These codes, designed to ensure the safety of building occupants, require door hardware that allows free egress, meets the accessibility standards, and does not negatively impact fire protection. In order for other locking methods to be allowable by code, the devices must be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), or the code must be modified. Even if a local code change is made, some devices may not meet the federal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

An additional concern is the potential for an unauthorized person to install the barricade device and secure the classroom in order to commit a crime. Once in place, many devices currently on the market restrict all access from the outside, preventing a school staff member or emergency responder from entering the room to help. School districts are advised to check with legal counsel in order to understand any liability issues that may exist.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

Lori Greene, DAHC/CDC, CCPR, FDAI, FDHI is the manager of Codes & Resources with Allegion.

Featured

  • Case Study Highlights Texas District’s Campus Security Upgrades

    The Taft Independent School District near Corpus Christi, Texas, recently partnered with Intech Southwest Services to revamp its campus security technology system, according to a news release. Intech has released a case study on its website detailing the process that advanced the district’s technology by more than 20 years in less than three weeks.

  • University of Southern Mississippi Starts Construction on Oyster Hatchery

    The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) recently announced that construction has begun on a new oyster hatchery at its Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center (TCMAC) Cedar Point campus in Ocean Springs, Miss., according to a news release.

  • University of West Florida Opens New Laboratory Facility

    The University of West Florida recently announced that renovation work is complete on a new lab building for its campus in Pensacola, Fla., according to university news. Building 80 will serve as the home to the university’s civil engineering program and the Tyler Chase Norwood Construction Management Program.

  • Zurn Releases New Ductile Iron Frame Trench Drain System

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently released the newest addition to its Train Drench portfolio, the Ductile Iron Frame Trench Drain System, according to a news release. The product is designed for heavy-duty applications like airports, military, universities, and more.

Digital Edition