Allow for temporary door locks during emergency situations

Temporary door locks allowed during emergencies

The law allows public buildings to use temporary door locking devices during shelter-in-place, emergency lockdowns, or drills. Use is only for the length of the event. Using one on a fire exit or on a path to an exit needs prior approval from local fire, law enforcement, or a code official, and only during those events. The device is for active-threat emergencies, must engage and be removed without opening the door, must work from the exit side without a key, and be removable from the entrance side only with a key or credential. It cannot change door closers or panic/fire-exit hardware, is not permanently mounted to the door assembly (nonblocking parts may be fixed), must be no higher than 48 inches above the floor, come off with one motion, and not reduce the door’s fire rating while meeting National Fire Protection Association standards. Buildings must include these devices in safety plans, drills, and training for staff and first responders. The ban on blocking fire exits still applies, except for these approved, temporary uses.