Knurled Hardware

[mshields]

Never even heard this term before today. But I'm told that it is required on door hardward on the outside of electric rooms in Mass.

Question from the architect I'm working on was weather or not this is required in RI?

Anybody know?

Incidentally, Knurled means that the metal has a texture to it such that in a power outage someone feeling around knows not to try to exit into the electric room. Or so I'm told.

 

[rr]

Strange. I've never heard of this before. Let us know more info once you find out.

One would think that with Emergency fixtures and glow-in-the-dark directional tape, this device wouldn't be needed.

 

[DaveTap]

We used to knurl parts in the machine shop for better gripping or to create a press fit, its similar to the texture on most socket wrench handles... but I've never heard of it indicating not to open a door. Maybe under ADA for blind people? I know exit floors are designated for elevators, and I vaguely remember somthing like that about emergency exits.

 

[Rockyd]

E5-04/05
1003.8(New); IFC (B) 103.8(New)

Proponent: David Bibber, representing Eastern Regional Code Action Committee

Add new text as follows:

1003.8 Mistaken egress. All doors, passageways and stairways that are neither a menas of egress nor provide access to a means of egress and are located or arranged so as to be mistaken for a means of egress, shall be clearly identified in an approved manner as to their actual purpose.

Reason: In order to reduce the likelihood of persons being misdirected during egress, signals such as door types, differing colors, knurled doorhandles, signs or other visual and tactile clues should distinguish egress doors from those leading elsewhere, particularly if the alternative path is more hazardous. If a door or stair that is not a part of a means of egress could be mistaken for a means of egress or access thereto, a sign should be placed on the door, indicating that it is not an exit and stating it's actula purpsoe.

Sourc: Legacy code, BOCA National FPC, Section F-610.4


More here ...

 

[JES2727]

I was told, maybe 10 or 12 years ago, that the texture on the door handles was required, and that it was to alert blind people. I assumed it was an ADA requirement.

John