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The life safety code covers a wide range of situations. Many of them are straightforward and in some cases common sense. But there are some issues you probably wouldn’t consider as code infractions.

You need to remember that if there is an exit sign above the door, it MUST be operational and code compliant. There are NO excuses. In the event of an emergency, people will move towards that glowing red sign. Which means when they make it there, they have to be able to get out. Fast. This applies to an employee in the storage room or a patron close to the back of the store. The nearest exit should ALWAYS be free of blockage, debris, and engaged locks.

Life safety code states that exit doors should need only ONE action to open the door. This applies to back doors, restroom doors, side doors, delivery doors, emergency doors, etc. They should be easy to open using the panic bar (when required), or other exit hardware. This means there should be no deadbolt, chain lock or any other security device fitted to the door. The must be no special knowledge required to operate the locking hardware.