Understanding Door Failures: A Critical Step in School Safety
When it comes to tracking door failures/findings, pinpointing the root cause is crucial for making informed decisions and allocating resources effectively.
At DoorCheck, we’ve identified three primary areas where door failures commonly arise: human error, hardware issues, and external factors. By understanding these categories, schools can take proactive steps to address vulnerabilities and enhance overall safety.
1️⃣ Human Error: The Preventable Threat
Human error is one of the most common causes of school door-related safety issues, often leading to significant security vulnerabilities. Whether through mistakes or deliberate actions, issues like propped doors, "dogged" panic bars, unlocked doors, and obstructions that prevent secure closure can compromise both everyday security and emergency preparedness. Identifying and addressing these risks is a critical step toward ensuring schools remain safe and secure for everyone. View Guide
2️⃣ Hardware Issues: The Anatomy of the Door
Hardware issues are an inevitable part of maintaining school doors, and understanding their components is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repairs. Common problems include misaligned latches, worn locks, sticking panic bars, leaking door closers, damaged strikes, and warped frames or thresholds. Regular maintenance, inspections, and consulting professionals for repairs or replacements can help schools maintain secure and functional doors. View Guide
3️⃣ Beyond Human and Hardware: The Other Problems:
Beyond human and hardware issues, environmental and scheduling factors can also impact door functionality. Challenges include damaged signage, malfunctioning card readers, cracked glass panels, HVAC pressure imbalances, and incorrect access schedules. Natural occurrences like humidity, temperature shifts, building settling, and exposure to weather or pests can also compromise door operation. Proactive inspections and proper procedures help address these unpredictable issues effectively. View Guide
Safety is a shared responsibility, and every school deserves the resources to tackle security challenges head-on. That’s why we’ve developed these free, comprehensive guides designed to help safety teams identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they escalate.
These guides are available for download on our website, providing the tools to educate your safety team, improve preparedness, and strengthen your school’s security.
Together, we can create safer schools, one door at a time. Let’s work towards a future where every school feels equipped and confident in its safety measures.