International Building Code (IBC) The International Building Code, 2012 Edition, requires the following: 1008.1.9 Door operations. Except as specifically permitted by this section, egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or spe- cial knowledge or effort. Well, an indicator deadbolt definitely doesn’t require the use of a key from the egress side of the door. Also, a strong argument could be made that, regard- ing its operation, no special knowledge or effort is required. The door is already readily openable until locked, and it’s unlocked in virtually the same way it’s locked, aſter all. 1008.1.9.1 Hardware. Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessi- ble by Chapter 11 shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. Look familiar? With the exception of ADA Standards for Accessible Design. 1008.1.9.5 Unlatching. The unlatching of any door or leaf shall not require more than one operation. Exceptions: 1. Places of detention or restraint. 2. Where manually operated bolt locks are permitted by Section 1008.1.9.4. 3. Doors with automatic flush bolts as per- mitted by Section 1008.1.9.3, Exception 3. 4. Doors from individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R occupan- cies as permitted by Section 1008.1.9.3, Exception 4. The exceptions can be ignored be- cause they aren’t applicable in this sit- uation. The keyword here is unlatch- ing: one operation to unlatch any door or leaf, not one operation to unlatch any door or leaf and set it into motion. Using an indicator deadbolt alone accom- plishes this because moving the thumb- turn unlatches the door. tion quires the ng mechanism t more than s otherwise 1.5.9.4. o the IBC’s quirement needed. for failure — while still giving a visual in- dication. If the bolt ceases to retract, it can still be accessed with just two drill points. 24 KEYNOTES OCTOBER 2015 med sed a push t a lever set re in con- deadbolt. cording to the aforementioned IBC requirements because this would require more than one operation to unlatch the door. So, please, don’t interpret this article as jus- tification for using an indicator deadbolt along with a lever set. Can deadbolts be used in the means of egress and still be compliant with life safety and ADA requirements? In the situation presented at the beginning of this article, I would say yes, definitely. We passed the life safety gauntlet, in my opinion (and the opinion of many others, for that matter). Ultimately, it’s the opinion of the AHJ and/or your state’s, city’s, coun- ty’s, etc. addendums or revisions to the code that matters. I cannot imagine — given the clear and concise wording of the aforementioned codes and ADA standards — there would be a problem with such an installation, but it’s always best to check. Is an indicator deadbolt by itself the answer to all single-occupancy employee bathrooms? Absolutely not. Situations and requirements dictate hardware; we all know that. The point of this article was to demonstrate that if an indicator deadbolt is determined to be the best solution, it’s not explicitly prohibited by current ADA, IBC and NFPA requirements. One final — and very important — factor to remember are the mounting height requirements specified in NFPA 101 7.2.1.5.10.1 (2015 edition) and IBC 1008.1.9.2 (2015 edition). Both codes re- quire the hardware, or deadbolt in this case, to be installed between 34 and 48 inches above the finished floor. Make sure you follow these guidelines because they are incredibly important from an acces- sibility standpoint. Tyler J. Thomas, CFDI, CIL, CRL is an institutional locksmith in Atlanta, GA. He is a proud member of ALOA, the ILA and Clear- Star Security Network. WWW.ALOA.ORG
