ADA, Life Safety and Fire Code Compliant Hardware

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs the proper hardware in common area applications where it is important to consider and implement hardware that is accessible and usable for people with varying capabilities.   Life Safety and Fire Safety considerations can also impact the types and functions of hardware that are allowed to secure a door. It is imperative to understand when hardware can  put a person's health and safety at risk; and what hardware is preferred or prohibited in certain applications.    It bears understanding that use, occupancy, egress plans and age of the building can all affect they types and functions of allowed hardware on your door.