Securing School Doors in Compliance with DHI Standards

Securing School Doors in Compliance with DHI Standards: A Guide for Administrators and Facility Managers

Ensuring the safety and security of school environments is a top priority for administrators, faculty, and parents alike. With growing concerns about unauthorized access and security threats, robust door and lock systems have become essential. At Door Resources, we take school security seriously, ensuring that every door and lock system we install meets the highest standards for safety, durability, and compliance with DHI guidelines.

In this blog, we’ll explore how schools can secure their doors in compliance with DHI standards, and what measures facility managers and administrators should consider when evaluating their door and lock systems.

Understanding DHI Standards for Schools

The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) provides guidelines and best practices for door security, focusing on both functionality and compliance with life safety codes. For educational facilities, DHI emphasizes:

1. Security: Preventing unauthorized access while allowing safe evacuation.
2. Durability: Ensuring that hardware is reliable and built to withstand high-traffic environments.
3. Life Safety: Meeting local fire and safety codes to allow safe egress during emergencies.
4. Accessibility: Ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for inclusivity.

With these priorities in mind, here’s a breakdown of how Door Resources can implement secure door systems for schools:

1. Choose the Right Locking Systems

  

The choice of locking systems is critical for school security. Schools often need a combination of mechanical and electronic locking solutions. Some common systems that Door Resources provides and that comply with DHI guidelines include:

• Cylindrical locks: Easy to install and maintain, cylindrical locks are widely used in classrooms. DHI standards recommend models with security ratings that align with the school’s specific needs.

• Exit devices: For classrooms and exits, panic bars, such as those from Falcon, VonDuprin, or Dor-O-Matic, offer both security and quick egress in case of emergencies. These devices comply with life safety codes and ensure that doors remain securely locked from the outside while still allowing quick exits during emergencies.

• Access control systems: Implementing electronic access controls, like keycard systems, can help limit access to certain areas of the school. Integrating these with mechanical locks provides an added layer of security and ease of access control.

2. Install High-Quality Exit Devices

Schools are high-traffic environments, and doors need to withstand frequent use. High-quality exit devices are a must, especially for fire doors and main exits. VonDuprin, Dor-O-Matic, and Falcon exit devices are among the best options for durability and compliance with DHI standards.

These devices not only ensure that doors remain secure but also facilitate safe egress during an emergency. The durability of these systems is vital, as they must operate reliably even after thousands of uses.

3. Ensure Fire Door Compliance

Fire-rated doors and frames play a key role in containing fires and ensuring safe evacuation routes. Schools must ensure that their fire-rated doors meet local fire safety codes and the standards outlined by DHI. Proper installation and regular inspection of fire door assemblies are crucial to ensure they function as intended during an emergency.

Additionally, fire door hardware, such as closers, should meet specific safety standards to ensure they operate correctly under pressure. Door Resources' expert technicians can provide regular testing and maintenance of doors which are vital to ensure continued compliance. 

4. Implement Classroom Security Solutions

Classroom security is a priority for schools, and ensuring that each classroom door can be locked quickly and securely from the inside is critical. DHI recommends hardware that allows teachers to secure doors without leaving the classroom. Classroom security locks, deadbolts, or intruder function locks are some solutions that align with this recommendation.

When you choose Door Resources to select door hardware for classrooms, we promise to provide the following: 

• Quick lockdown capability: Teachers should be able to lock doors from the inside without opening the door.
• Durability: The hardware should be able to withstand potential physical attacks.
• Safe egress: Doors should remain easy to exit in case of emergencies.

5. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Ensuring door hardware functions properly over time requires regular inspections and maintenance. Schools should schedule regular checks to ensure that exit devices, locks, hinges, and fire door systems comply with DHI and local safety standards. Maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure that the doors remain in top working condition.

6. ADA Compliance

Schools must also ensure that their doors and locking systems are ADA-compliant. This means that door hardware should be easily operable by individuals with disabilities. Lever-style handles, automatic door operators, and accessible thresholds are some solutions to consider when updating or installing door hardware.

Conclusion

Securing school doors in compliance with DHI standards is essential for protecting students, staff, and visitors while ensuring that safety regulations and local codes are met. By choosing Door Resources to help you select durable, secure, and compliant door hardware, schools can create a safer environment that prioritizes both security and life safety. Investing in high-quality exit devices, locks, and regular maintenance can make a significant difference in the long-term security of educational facilities.

For schools looking to upgrade their door security systems, partnering with Door Resources provides you with the right solutions. Whether it's installing Falcon or VonDuprin exit devices, enhancing access control, or maintaining fire door systems, trust Door Resources to help ensure your school remains safe and compliant. Call us today.