Opinion: Main exit door locks

Inquiry:

00-07

Subject:

Main exit door locks

Code:

1997 UBC 1003.3.1.8 - Type of Lock or Latch (Exception #1) and 1997 UBC 1007.2.5 - Panic Hardware (Exception #1)

Submitted by:

MN B.O. Uniformity Committee

Approved by:

Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official

Issue Date:

January 12, 2000

Question:

Can the use of key-locking hardware as contained in these exceptions be applied to more than one door in a structure? Can there be more than one "main exit"?

Answer:

Yes. There are a number of design situations which could have more than one "main" entrance/exit. This of course depends on the circulation patterns, location of parking lots and public ways, etc.

Comments:

Many buildings have several accesses to the exterior that are utilized by the public, as it is impractical to have only on main entrance/exit from the parking areas or public ways.