2.10 Checklist: Approval of Locks on Elevator Lobby Doors (PDF) (printer-friendly)
Reference: 2007 CBC, Section 1008.1.3.4
When approved, exit doors from elevator lobbies may be locked when equipped with an approved unlocking system. Projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In no case will an elevator lobby be allowed to be locked if one of the required means of egress for the floor passes through the elevator lobby per CBC Section 1017.5 exception 2. When applying for the permit the following checklist must be signed, completed and placed on the plan by the architect.
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The elevator lobby is located in an office building.
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The lobby door does not serve an Assembly Occupancy.
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The entire building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system.
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Sprinklers on the floor are of the quick response type.
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A monitored fire alarm system capable of alerting all occupants is installed throughout the building.
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Smoke detectors are provided within 5 feet of the door on both the inside and the outside of the door, or smoke detectors are part of an open area protection system covering the room, corridor, elevator lobby, or enclosed space on each side of the door and are located and spaced according to their listing.
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An illuminated exit sign complying with 2007 CBC Section 1011 is installed at the door.
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An approved listed releasing device is provided. (Note: Fire alarm manual pull stations are not acceptable.)
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This device shall be located between 30 inches and 44 inches above the floor and within 6 inches of the frame. The device shall be installed on the wall adjacent to the latch outside the door. Where there is no space on the latch side, including double leaf doors, devices shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall, preferably on the right side.
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The door shall unlock (but stay latched) immediately and automatically on any of the following conditions:
a. Activation of the releasing device.
b. Loss of power to the lock circuit, or access control system.
c. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device such as a smoke detector, heat detector, sprinkler water-flow detector, manual pull station, etc. on the floor.
d. Activation of any fire alarm notification appliance such as horns, bells, strobes, voice alarm, etc., on the floor.
e. Loss of power to the smoke detection system.
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No override of the egress control system is allowed.
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A sign shall be provided above each EXIT releasing device.
a. The sign shall have appropriate instructions, depending on the type of device. EXAMPLE: "PUSH BUTTON BELOW FOR EMERGENCY EXIT". In addition, it may add, "ALARM WILL SOUND".
b. The color of the lettering shall be in high contrast with the background.
c. The words shall be in sans-serif upper case letters, raised 1/32-inch minimum, and shall be a minimum 5/8-inch in height.
d. Written characters shall be accompanied by Braille symbols. The symbols shall be contracted Grade 2 Braille. Dots shall be 1/10 inch on center in each cell with 2/10 inch space between cells. Dots shall be raised a minimum of 1/40 inch above the background.
e. The sign shall be located directly above the EXIT releasing device at 60 inches above the floor to the centerline of the sign. Note: See CBC Section 1117B.5 for additional information concerning signage.
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All electrical wiring shall be in metallic raceway or equivalent protection as approved by the Department of Building Inspection.
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No override of the lock release is permitted.
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"Buzzing in" is not equivalent to the above requirements.
In addition to the requirements above, the following features may be used:
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A local alarm may be initiated by activating the releasing device. This alarm may include a local silence feature. The releasing device may be connected to the fire alarm system, but only as a supervisory point. Its activation shall not initiate any public alarm or notify the Fire Department. The door lock circuit may include remote switches or card readers for controlled access. The door lock may be operated by a remote manual lock release ("buzzing in").
