Door locking hardware in Boston must comply with the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) and 527 CMR 1.00, requiring single-motion egress, panic hardware in assembly occupancies, and approved electrified locks.
Egress door hardware in Boston follows 780 CMR (which adopts IBC Chapter 10) and 527 CMR 1.00, the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. Doors in the means of egress must unlatch with a single operation; deadbolts requiring a separate motion are prohibited on most exit doors. Panic or fire-exit hardware is required on doors serving assembly or educational occupancies of 50 or more, and on high-hazard occupancies. Electrified access control, magnetic locks, and delayed-egress devices are allowed only with engineering review approved by ISD and BFD, including fail-safe release on fire alarm activation, sprinkler flow, or loss of power, plus a manual release at 48 inches above the floor.
Non-compliant locking hardware is cited by BFD and ISD with orders to remove or replace within a short cure period; continued violations support occupancy revocation in Boston schools, restaurants, and assembly venues.
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