Navigating Compliance: Top 10 Common Fire Code Violations for Commercial Exit Doors



Introduction:
Compliance with fire codes is crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants in commercial buildings. This article highlights the top 10 most common fire code violations related to exit doors and emphasizes the importance of adhering to these regulations. Additionally, it promotes Automatic Door and Hardware as your trusted source for all commercial doors, replacement parts, and hardware to address compliance concerns effectively.

**1. Blocked Exit Paths:**
   - Violation: Obstructing exit paths leading to exit doors.
   - Solution: Ensure exit paths are clear and unobstructed to facilitate swift egress.

**2. Inadequate Door Width:**
   - Violation: Exit doors not meeting required width specifications.
   - Solution: Install doors that meet or exceed the minimum width standards outlined in fire codes.

**3. Lack of Proper Signage:**
   - Violation: Absence of proper exit signage or inadequate visibility.
   - Solution: Install clear and visible exit signs with proper illumination for easy identification.

**4. Non-Compliant Door Hardware:**
   - Violation: Using door hardware that doesn't meet fire code requirements.
   - Solution: Choose fire-rated and code-compliant door hardware for all exit doors.

**5. Missing Panic Hardware:**
   - Violation: Failure to install panic hardware on doors where required.
   - Solution: Ensure panic hardware is appropriately installed on exit doors for quick and easy egress during emergencies.

**6. Propped Open Exit Doors:**
   - Violation: Exit doors being propped open, compromising fire compartmentation.
   - Solution: Implement measures to prevent exit doors from being held open unless equipped with compliant hold-open devices.

**7. Faulty Exit Door Latching:**
   - Violation: Exit doors not securely latching.
   - Solution: Regularly inspect and maintain exit door latching mechanisms to ensure proper functioning.

**8. Inadequate Fire Resistance:**
   - Violation: Using non-fire-rated doors where required.
   - Solution: Install fire-rated doors in locations specified by fire codes to resist the spread of fire and smoke.

**9. Insufficient Number of Exit Doors:**
   - Violation: Failing to provide an adequate number of exit doors based on occupancy and size.
   - Solution: Assess building occupancy and dimensions to determine the appropriate number of exit doors and install accordingly.

**10. Blocked Emergency Exit Routes:**
   - Violation: Emergency exit routes blocked by storage or other obstacles.
   - Solution: Regularly inspect and enforce policies to prevent the blocking of emergency exit routes.

**Why Choose Automatic Door and Hardware:**

1. **Comprehensive Door Solutions:**
   - Automatic Door and Hardware offers a wide range of commercial doors, ensuring compliance with fire codes and regulations.

2. **Code-Compliant Hardware:**
   - Find a variety of fire-rated and code-compliant door hardware to address specific requirements for exit doors.

3. **Expert Consultation:**
   - Rely on the expertise of Automatic Door and Hardware's knowledgeable team for guidance on selecting compliant doors, replacement parts, and hardware.

**Conclusion:**
Avoiding common fire code violations related to exit doors is essential for the safety of occupants in commercial buildings. Choose Automatic Door and Hardware as your trusted partner for all your commercial door needs, ensuring compliance with fire codes and prioritizing the well-being of building occupants.

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