Houston Chapter 28 adopts International Fire Code Section 1010 governing door locking hardware on means of egress. Hardware must allow single-motion unlatching from the egress side, with limited exceptions for delayed-egress and access-controlled systems.
IFC Section 1010 as adopted in Houston Chapter 28 requires that doors on means of egress unlock with one releasing operation, without keys, special knowledge, or effort. Panic hardware is required on assembly Group A occupancies serving 50 or more, and on educational and high-hazard occupancies. Delayed-egress locks may be installed in certain occupancies, releasing within 15 seconds of applied force with audible signaling. Access-controlled egress doors must release upon power loss or smoke detection. Detention occupancies operate under separate provisions. Schools may install classroom barricade devices only if compliant with the dual-action release standard added to Texas administrative rules.
Non-compliant hardware results in fire marshal citations, occupancy denial, and fines up to 2,000 dollars per opening per day under Chapter 28. Insurance impacts may follow.
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