South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 8 - BUILDING CODES COUNCIL
Article 9 - INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
Section 8-916 - IFC 1010.2.14 Controlled egress doors in Groups I-1 and I-2 as well as I-4 (Adult Day Care occupancy only)
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024
Electric locking systems, including electro-mechanical locking systems and electromagnetic locking systems, shall be permitted to be locked in the means of egress in Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies where the clinical needs of persons receiving care require their containment and Group I-4 Adult Day Care occupancies where the clinical needs of person receiving care require their containment. Controlled egress doors shall be permitted in such occupancies where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or an approved automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, provided that the doors are installed and operate in accordance with all of the following:
1. The door locks shall unlock on actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic smoke detection system.
2. The door locks shall unlock on loss of power controlling the lock or lock mechanism.
3. The door locking system shall be installed to have the capability of being unlocked by a switch located at the fire command center, a nursing station or other approved location. The switch shall directly break power to the lock.
4. A building occupant shall not be required to pass through more than one door equipped with a controlled egress locking system before entering an exit.
5. The procedures for unlocking the doors shall be described and approved as part of the emergency planning and preparedness required by Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code.
6. All clinical staff shall have the keys, codes or other means necessary to operate the locking systems.
7. Emergency lighting shall be provided at the door.
8. The door locking system units shall be listed in accordance with UL 294.
Exceptions:
1. Items 1 through 4 shall not apply to doors to areas occupied by persons who, because of clinical needs, require restraint or containment as part of the function of a psychiatric or cognitive treatment area.
2. Items 1 through 4 shall not apply to doors to areas where a listed egress control system is utilized to reduce the risk of child abduction from nursery and obstetric areas of a Group I-2 hospital.
