2 Sep 2008

Innovations in door hardware have enhanced student safety

Security is an important issue in all schools, especially in the K-12 setting where back to school is upon us.

Innovations in door hardware have recently emerged to meet the new security needs of educational institutions. Canadian Schools have implemented “Code Red” lock down procedures to protect the staff and students from danger. In Code Red situations the teacher is instructed to close and secure the classroom door to prevent access from the hallway.  This is a dramatic departure from the need to merely secure classrooms to prevent vandalism and theft. 

“Classroom security” mortise and cylindrical locks were developed to quickly enact a lock down. A traditional classroom lockset requires the door to be locked from the outside, while the inside lever remains operable. This simple action actually creates vulnerability by forcing the teacher to open the door, insert a key in the outside cylinder, turn the key to lock the door and then close the door. The act of locking the door from the outside may expose the faculty member and all classroom occupants to danger.  

A solution exists.  Imagine the same lockset with a cylinder on the inside that does the same thing as the cylinder on the outside, that is, locks the outside lever.  You now have a “security classroom function” lockset that can easily be secured from inside the room.  The inside lever remains operable all the while, allowing free egress from within. Some manufacturers also offer basic instructions on the inside trim that show the direction to turn the key, eliminating precious seconds spent fumbling with the lock and key.

The performance of a classroom security lock can be affected by two factors: torque strength of the hardware and key control. A lock with weak torque strength could possibly be compromised by applying excessive force to the lever. A broken lock could allow free access to the room. Likewise, poor key control can invite theft or unauthorized duplication of keys. Sloppy key control can leave an entire facility vulnerable to threats.

Yet another option that is rapidly becoming popular in schools is networked electromechanical hardware that enables near instantaneous facility-wide lockdowns. Locks on classroom doors can be connected to a facility-wide security system, giving centralized control and greater ability to respond to a crisis.   

Today’s school locking hardware is designed to save lives. This is a dramatic departure from past generations when classrooms were secured in off hours to prevent vandalism and the theft of supplies and equipment.

Article by Chris Moore, vice-president of sales for ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions Canada.