Understanding the Importance of Door Hardware for K-12 Schools

According to a survey conducted by the National Center on Education Statistics, 1 in 4 U.S. public schools lack classroom doors that can be locked from the inside. Many of these doors lack the ability to visually confirm whether the handle is locked or not. To understand why these features matter when it comes to school safety and security, consider the potential risks faced without these features in place.

During school lockdown procedures, teachers are often required to ensure their classroom doors are always locked to maintain safety. This involves carrying keys to lock and unlock doors as needed, for instance, when returning from lunch or restroom breaks. However, this system can sometimes lead to uncertainty about whether a door has been properly locked after re-entering the classroom, as there's no direct way to verify the lock from the inside.

To address this concern, a teacher would have to step out into the hallway, close and lock the door from the outside, and then check the door's exterior handle to confirm it was securely locked.

During a lockdown drill, this would be no problem, but in the event of a real lockdown scenario, highlights the significant risks teachers and students face without the proper door hardware solutions in place.

Understanding Door Hardware for Schools

While there are many types of locks and lock functions available for use on classroom doors, each has its own set of benefits and challenges. In addition, security requirements are specific to each school and each doorway within. Lock functionality, or the way a lock “behaves”, has been standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to make them easier to understand and compare. The standards that govern lock functionality are ANSI/BHMA A156.2 (bored) and ANSI/BHMA A156.13 (mortise). These two standards detail every function by number and include a description of operation.

Under the traditional classroom function (ANSI mortise F05/bored F84), as outlined above, the door is lockable only by key from the outside. To overcome the risks associated with this function, look for locks with a classroom security function (ANSI mortise F09/bored F88) that allows the door to be locked by key on the inside, removing the risk of a teacher having to enter the hallway to lock the door. Another option is locks with a classroom security intruder function (ANSI mortise F32, F33, F34). These locks operate like the classroom security function previously mentioned but in the case of the F33 and F34 functions, also have the added strength of a deadbolt. Again, in the case of a lockdown, the staff can use their key on the inside of the room without having to go into the hallway and expose themselves to potential harm.

Implementing Visual Indicators

Corbin Russwin’s classroom intruder functions offer an optional visual confirmation of the lock status: secure or unsecure. Adding visual status indicators to locks provides several distinct advantages. Status indicators are a user-friendly solution to instantly verify if a door is secured (green) or unsecured (red). As simple as this may seem, this indicator prevents teachers from asking “Did I turn the key the right way to lock the door?” and allows for a quick response in a crisis.

Today’s locks and next generation exit devices can be outfitted with visual indicators on the inside, outside, or both. These devices are available as full assemblies that include visual indicators, or can be added later using retrofit kits. In this way, schools with dated locks can take advantage of a new safety feature without the cost and time inefficiencies associated with rip and replace procedures.

Electronic Access Control for Schools

Eliminating the use of traditional keys altogether is also an option utilizing Electronic Access Control (EAC) systems. These types of systems harness wired or wireless infrastructure to offer significant benefits for school security by allowing access through PIN codes, proximity cards, or mobile devices, thereby reducing the risk associated with lost or stolen keys. These systems can assign varying access levels to different individuals and specify permissible access times to certain areas, enhancing control over who enters and when. They also provide an audit trail, detailing access events, and allow for the instant authorization or deauthorization of credentials from a central location.

For example, wireless Wi-Fi locks offer a cost-effective way to expand access control by leveraging existing Wi-Fi infrastructure to program and monitor locks, making it easier and more affordable to expand a school’s access control footprint to more doors. Real-time wireless locks also provide immediate visibility into door status, support various credentials, and can be installed using existing infrastructure without invasive drilling. Wired access control locks, including low-voltage hardwired and Power over Ethernet (PoE) options, require more extensive infrastructure but offer unparalleled control and compatibility with multiple credential types. These electronic solutions not only enhance school security by facilitating easier lockdowns and access management, but also ensure compliance with emergency egress and fire codes, crucial for maintaining safety and avoiding code violations in educational settings.

The Time Is Now

In an era where the security and safety of educational institutions is under constant threat, the importance of robust door hardware and access solutions has never been more paramount. With strategic implementation, these solutions do more than just prevent unauthorized access at schools. They streamline mobility between spaces, secure restricted areas, provide visibility into who has access to those areas, and, most importantly, provide durable security and safe egress in the case of an active threat.

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