Model Code Comparison: Controlled Egress

A previous Locksmith Ledger article addressed the model code requirements for delayed-egress locks, which under normal operation delay egress for 15 seconds, or 30 seconds when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

For many years, delayed-egress locks were the most restrictive hardware that could be used on the egress side of doors in healthcare facilities, but this application wasn’t feasible for every location. For example, in a memory-care facility, a patient who exhibits exit-seeking behavior could activate the lock repeatedly, initiate the audible alarm and possibly even leave the facility unaccompanied if a staff member didn’t respond in time.

Beginning with the 2009 editions of the model codes, sections were added to give certain types of healthcare facilities a more secure option for their egress doors. There were a few changes to these code sections over subsequent editions, and the term “controlled egress lock” since has become the commonly used term for this application.

These locks are allowed by the model codes in healthcare facilities where patients require containment for their safety or for security. During normal operation, the doors don’t allow free egress. If evacuation were necessary, the doors would be unlocked by one of the required emergency overrides or by facility staff. The release methods required by the model codes are intended to help to ensure a balance of life safety and security. 

This article will compare the requirements of the I-Codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), with the NFPA codes such as NFPA 1 – Fire Code, NFPA 5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code and NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code. States and local jurisdictions may modify these model codes, and requirements can vary from one edition to the next. It’s crucial to check the adopted codes to verify the requirements for a specific project’s location.

Classifications

Remember that this application applies only to certain types of healthcare units and isn’t allowed by the model codes in other use groups or occupancy types. The model codes describe the locations for controlled-egress locks in different ways, but the intent is that they’re allowed in healthcare facilities where the clinical needs of patients require their containment. These locks aren’t allowed in every type of healthcare unit.

The purpose of this system is to prevent elopement, for example, to prevent a patient who has dementia from leaving a facility unaccompanied. The typical locations for controlled-egress locking systems are memory-care units, behavioral-health treatment areas, maternity wards and newborn nurseries, and possibly emergency departments or pediatric areas, depending on the AHJ’s interpretation.

I-Codes. The I-Codes allow controlled-egress locks in Institutional Use Groups I-1 and I-2, where the clinical needs of patients who receive care require their containment. Before the 2015 edition of the I-Codes, this section was limited to Use Group I-2. Use Group I-1 includes buildings where more than 16 people (excluding staff) reside in the facility on a 24-hour basis and receive custodial care in a supervised environment. Examples of these facilities are alcohol- and drug-rehabilitation centers, assisted-living facilities, congregate care facilities, group homes, halfway houses, residential board and care facilities and social-rehabilitation facilities.

Institutional Group I-2 includes buildings used for medical care on a 24-hour basis for more than five people who are incapable of self-preservation. Examples of I-2 occupancies are foster-care facilities, detoxification facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals. 

NFPA. The NFPA codes address controlled-egress locks in the occupancy chapters related to new and existing healthcare occupancies and ambulatory healthcare. In these occupancies, controlled-egress locks are allowed where patient special needs require specialized protective measures for their safety. 

Both sets of model codes allow some of the automatic-release methods to be omitted on doors that serve areas where specialized security measures are necessary, including behavioral-health units and maternity areas where listed child-abduction systems are in use.

Fire Protection

I-Codes. For controlled-egress systems, the IBC requires the building to be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system or approved automatic smoke- or heat-detection system.

NFPA. The NFPA codes require the facility to be protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system AND either a complete smoke-detection system throughout the locked space or the ability to remotely unlock doors from an approved constantly attended location within the locked space.

Action Upon Emergency

I-Codes. When the fire alarm or sprinkler system is activated, controlled-egress locks must unlock and allow free egress, but, as stated previously, there are exceptions for some types of units. The IBC doesn’t require the locks to release automatically upon fire-alarm or sprinkler-system activation when installed on doors that serve psychiatric or cognitive treatment areas or for units where a listed child-abduction system is in use. 

NFPA. The NFPA codes require controlled-egress locks to unlock for immediate egress upon activation of the smoke-detection system or upon waterflow in the automatic sprinkler system. NFPA doesn’t require the automatic release where patients require specialized security measures or pose a security threat. 

Action Upon Power Failure

I-Codes & NFPA. When power fails, both sets of model codes require controlled-egress locks to unlock immediately in the direction of egress, but again, some units are exempt from this automatic release — psychiatric or cognitive treatment areas and locations where a listed child-abduction system is used. The NFPA codes don’t require controlled-egress locks to unlock upon power failure in units where patients require specialized security measures or pose a security threat. And similar to delayed-egress locks, the codes aren’t specific about backup power, but separate battery backup in the power supplies for these locking systems isn’t recommended.

Remote Release