Sports Complex – Glass Gate system

[Julien Boisvenue]

Hello to all,
I have a request from our Sports Complex. Referring to the OFC, they’ve asked us for our input on the installation of gates inside the Sports Complex. These glass gates would be used to control and help people navigate inside the complex. They would be outward swinging, have bar codes sensors for card swiping for quick and easy access when entering, etc. I’ve added a picture for reference.

As for the OFC, I’ve got section 2.7.1 – Means of Egress and Occupant Load and 2.7.2 – Door Hardware
As for the OBC, I’ve got section Part 3, Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility, section 3.4 – Exits

Am I on the right track with these codes?

Thanks!

Julien

 

 

[Nicholas MacGillivray]

first I would think that a building permit is required here because you are altering a means of egress. if they havent yet, i would refer them to the building dept.

as for door hardware, if they are outward swinging with no need to swipe, then the door hardware wouldnt be an issue. also, they are interconnected with the fire alarm to automatically unlock when the alarm is active?

next would be the fire safety plan, the plan would have to be altered to show these gates.

i would verify if there was a permit taken for the installation of these gates first, if they have been installed as they look like they have been, then i would request some for of documentation to show that there can be used here either from an engineer or architect.

[John Wilson]

I would refer them to the Building Department as they are altering a means of egress which makes a bldg permit required. Once they’ve been installed, then OFC is there to ensure the releasing mechanisms etc are properly maintained.

At minimum, they need an Architect and quite possibly an Electrical Engineer to provide the design & calculations for the building permit. A quick flip thru the OBC gets me the following, door swing (OBC 3.3.1.10), exit width calculations (OBC 3.3.1.12, 3.3.1.16, 3.4.3.1., 3.4.3.2., 3.4.3.4.), exit obstructions (OBC 3.3.1.22.) , latch mechanisms (OBC 3.3.1.12, 3.3.2.6), visibility of the panels (OBC 3.3.1.18, 3.4.1.8).

These are the type of situations where fostering a good relationship between the Building and Fire Departments is crucial for efficiency and ensuring things are properly addressed. I also recognize that the sports complex is likely municipally owned and that emphasizes the need to ensure the proper process is followed.

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