Doors are an integral part of a commercial building’s security system. They provide protection against unauthorized access, theft, and intrusion. Therefore, it is essential to have the right safety features in place to ensure that your commercial door is secure and up to code. In this article, we will discuss some of the critical safety features you should look for when installing commercial doors.
Fire Rated Doors
Fire rated doors are an essential safety feature in commercial buildings. These doors are designed to slow down the spread of fire and smoke and provide occupants with enough time to evacuate the building. They are rated based on the amount of time they can withstand fire, ranging from 20 minutes up to several hours. When choosing a fire rated door, ensure that it complies with your local fire codes and regulations.
Panic Hardware
Panic hardware is a safety feature installed on exit doors that allows occupants to exit quickly in case of an emergency. It is essential to install panic hardware to prevent accidents during emergencies or when occupants are trying to evacuate a building. This hardware typically includes paddle style handles that activate the locking mechanism to unlock the door. These are commonly found in schools, hospitals, and other commercial buildings.
Access Control
Access control systems are a safety feature that controls who has access to your building. It helps to prevent unauthorized access, theft, and vandalism. Access control systems can include keypads, card readers, biometric scanners, and proximity readers. With an access control system, you can also restrict access to certain areas of your building, such as server rooms or storage areas. This helps to keep your assets and sensitive information secure.
Security Glass
Security glass is an essential safety feature that prevents forced entry into your commercial building. It is designed to slow down attackers and make it much harder to gain access to the building. There are various types of security glass, including laminated, tempered, and ballistic-resistant glass. When choosing security glass, consider the level of threat and the specific needs of your building. If you’re in a high-risk area, ballistic-resistant glass may be necessary.
Automated Doors
Automated doors are increasingly popular in commercial buildings because they help to improve safety and reduce the spread of germs. They are equipped with sensors that detect movement and open automatically, making it more convenient for people to enter and exit the building. Automated doors also reduce the risk of people getting trapped in the door, making it a safer option than manual doors. When choosing automated doors, ensure that they are compliant with disability access regulations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the safety features discussed in this article play an integral part in ensuring the security of your commercial building. It is crucial to consider these safety features when installing or upgrading commercial doors to avoid accidents, theft, and unauthorized access. Your local building codes and regulations can provide guidance on the specific safety features required for your commercial building. By investing in these safety features, you can protect your assets, employees, and customers, and give yourself peace of mind.