Section 408.10645. Locks, fastening devices, and closing mechanism.

(1) Employees shall be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. A device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors.

(2)   A latch or other fastening device on an exit door shall be provided with a knob, handle, panic bar, or other simple type of releasing device. Slide bolts, hasps, hooks and eyes, and similar types of locking devices that are difficult to open against door pressure shall not be installed or used.

(3)   A fire door to a stair enclosure or horizontal exit shall be provided with a reliable self-closing mechanism and shall not, at any time, be secured in the open position.

(4)    An exit route door may be locked from the inside only in mental, penal, or correctional facilities and then only if supervisory personnel are continuously on duty and the employer has a plan to remove occupants from the facility during an emergency.

History: 1979 AC; 1990 AACS; 2015 AACS.