Inclusive Security Policies: Emergency Egress Considerations

In an emergency evacuation, confusion and panic can escalate rapidly, which is why having a well-prepared and inclusive evacuation plan is essential for the safety of everyone in the building. While it’s instinctive for people sensing danger to try to flee quickly, chaotic evacuations can lead to injuries, property damage, and complications in accountability efforts, such as conducting headcounts.

A structured egress plan provides clear guidelines about what employees and visitors must do and where to go during an evacuation. When occupants know the steps to follow, they are more likely to remain calm and act rationally, ensuring an orderly evacuation and reducing the risk of accidents. An egress plan that considers a diverse range of occupants, including those with disabilities, not only calms nerves but also provides equity in safety provisions. Inclusive egress planning must address the needs of individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.

Security entrances, commonly installed to manage access control, can play a vital role in emergency evacuations, significantly improving their effectiveness. When properly configured, tripod turnstiles, full-height turnstiles, revolving doors, and security portals have features that support safe egress. Features like automated door-opening mechanisms, clear signage, and accessible pathways can ensure equitable safety. Regular training and drills help all occupants understand their roles during an evacuation and familiarize themselves with the facility’s egress routes and protocols.

Building Code Compliance and Manufacturer Expertise

The inclusion of security entrances in an egress plan should comply with building codes and safety standards set by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Building Code (IBC).

Partnering with experienced manufacturers is key to ensuring that security entrances comply with relevant codes and are properly configured for emergencies. Adhering to standards from the NFPA and IBC, with guidance from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), creates a critical balance between access control and safety.

In emergencies, access points must transition from standard operations to allow for quick and efficient egress. For instance, certain turnstiles can rotate freely, enabling people to exit without obstruction. Height restrictions and capacity limits apply, particularly to smaller access configurations that can manage up to 50 individuals but cannot serve as the primary egress route. Additionally, paths near these entrances must remain unobstructed, with adjacent doors equipped to meet panic and fire exit hardware requirements.

Systems designed for modern facilities, such as optical turnstiles, provide a different approach. These mechanisms, often classified as security access turnstiles, can adapt to emergency protocols when connected to other emergency response solutions, such as sprinkler systems. The turnstile’s ability to retract or swing in the direction of people leaving a site ensures smooth movement and can be reinforced by nearby egress routes.

Partnering with experienced manufacturers is key to ensuring that security entrances comply with relevant codes and are properly configured for emergencies.

Other entry points, like revolving doors, offer their own solutions to safety challenges. These doors must collapse under pressure to create an open path, with safety features calibrated to specific thresholds. These doors’ placement within a building—including proximity to stairways or elevators and the presence of adjacent swing doors—is carefully regulated to avoid bottlenecks during evacuation. Capacity is similarly limited, ensuring that these entrances do not become overwhelmed.

High-security solutions, such as mantrap portals, add another layer of complexity. When integrated into egress plans, these portals must fully open during emergencies. Alternatively, if they are excluded from such plans, clear pathways to other exits must be provided. Emergency configurations must account for the ability to open one or both doors, reinforcing flexibility in critical moments.

With each of these designs, expertise plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with rigorous safety codes. Thoughtfully configured systems not only protect occupants but also enhance the overall reliability of a building’s emergency response framework.

Partnering for Successful Egress

Developing an effective egress plan requires collaboration with manufacturers, building managers, and safety professionals. Manufacturers bring expertise in configuring security entrances to align with local codes and building needs. Regular audits and updates ensure that plans remain compliant and effective as regulations and technologies evolve.

An inclusive and well-structured emergency egress plan saves lives and minimizes chaos during critical moments. By incorporating security entrances into these plans and ensuring compliance with safety standards, organizations can protect their occupants while maintaining operational security. Proactive planning, clear communication, and ongoing collaboration with experts are key to creating safer, more resilient facilities.

Joe Seagriff currently serves as Boon Edam’s vice president of sales, having been in the security entrance industry for more than 20 years. During his 12 years with Boon Edam, he has held various roles, including business development manager, enterprise accounts manager, global accounts manager, and most recently director of enterprise accounts for the east region. Seagriff graduated from Pensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Management.