Is It Illegal To Block Or Lock An Emergency Door

It is against both codes to physically lock doors to prevent an occupant s exit from a building room or space.

Is it illegal to block or lock an emergency door.

Most state laws make it illegal to lock exit doors if the building is occupied. Exit doors are required in businesses and osha requires that you as a business owner comply with certain regulations regarding those exit doors to ensure the safety of yourself and your employees in the event of a fire or other hazardous situation. The bottom line is it illegal to block or lock emergency exit doors. The door does not have to allow people to come in through them only to exit through through them.

And this is not just during business hours but 24 7. However there are two exceptions. The occupational safety and health administration is the agency charged with enforcing workplace safety regulations. Chaining or locking such a door from the inside is a fire building code violation.

What kinds of locks must be on the front and rear doors of my building. Generally no in the united states especially if it is a door designated as part of the egress plan to comply with the fire code certificate of occupancy. Even a thief in the night has the right to safely exit your fec in the event of an emergency.