Schools

In the ever-changing landscape within schools it is near impossible for facility managers, engineers and maintenance technicians to keep up on all those codes that they are mandated to follow. We have heard countless times that there are so many systems in a school, doors have not been a huge priority over many years. Unfortunately, school door safety and security have been front and center with many tragic events in recent memory.

At Oregon Door Consultants we take life safety very seriously. That is why we have created a door inspection program to address lack of thorough knowledge and understanding as it relates to doors and door systems. Together we work closely with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to make sure that your facilities are meeting or exceeding the code requirements.

Code Requirements for Schools in Oregon and Washington

Regardless of your geographical region within Oregon or Washington the local code requirements come straight out of the International Fire Code.

City of Portland uses the 2016 City of Portland Fire Code. Similarly, the rest of Oregon uses the 2014 Oregon Fire Code.  While, Washington State (other than Seattle) has adopted the 2015 International Fire Code.

Therefore as a result, each of the codes above mirror one another in referenced chapters and paragraphs within those chapters. Outlined below are the chapter and verse in all three codes:

701.1 – Scope
The provisions of the chapter shall govern maintenance of the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings. New buildings shall comply with the International Building Code.

701.2 – Unsafe conditions.
Where any components in this chapter are not maintained and do not function as intended or do not have the fire resistance required by the code under which the building was constructed, remodeled or altered, such component(s) or portions thereof shall be deemed an unsafe condition, in accordance with Section 110.1.1. Components or portions thereof determined to be unsafe shall be repaired or replaced to conform to that code under which the building was constructed, remodeled, altered or this chapter, as deemed appropriate by the fire code official.

Where the extent of the conditions of components is such that any building, structure or portion thereof presents an imminent danger to the occupants of the building, structure or portion thereof, the fire code official shall act in accordance with Section 110.2.

110.1.1 Unsafe conditions
Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe or deficient because of inadequate means of egress or which constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or which involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition

703.1.2 – Smoke barriers and smoke partitions.
Required smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall be maintained to prevent the passage of smoke. All openings protected with approved smoke barrier doors or smoke dampers shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 105.

703.1.3 – Fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions.
Required fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions shall be maintained to prevent the passage of fire. All openings protected with approved doors or fire dampers shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 80.

703.2 – Opening Protectives.
Opening protectives shall be maintained in an operative condition in accordance with NFPA 80.

NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives 2013 Edition, is the standard in which fire doors are inspected. Since the 2014 Oregon Fire Code, 2016 City of Portland Fire Code, and the 2015 International Fire Code (adopted by the State of Washington) requires compliance of smoke barriers and smoke partitions as well as fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions it makes understanding which doors and door systems fall under which code and how to interpret each opening a nightmare.

Is your head spinning yet? We know it is, so it really was a trick question. Here at Oregon Door Consultants we get it!  Most importantly, we understand that it takes a whole lot of knowledge in order to inspect and report on doors and door systems.

The reality is that you can’t be subject matter experts in everything. So instead of muddling through give us a call. We would be honored to help make sure that all your school door safety and security needs are met in your facilities and that they are functioning like they should. Above all, like you we have kids in the school system, and we must make sure every door in every school functions exactly how it should.

Contact us and let we will be your strategic partner.