The recent mass shooting at a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo., prompted an article in the Colorado Springs Independent asking if building codes could reduce the carnage in such incidents.
Building codes have focused on fire safety with interior corridor doors being easy for anyone to open. This strategy is at odds with what law enforcement would like to do—close down portions of buildings by blocking corridors in order to isolate a shooter or potential victims.
Locking down parts of a building could do more harm than good in certain circumstances. If corridors are locked to prevent a shooter from gaining access to one section of the building, it might prevent people from escaping.
Electronic locking devices might be viable options for some buildings. Codes allow for these in sensitive areas such as in hospitals' newborn nurseries, which often are located behind locked doors to guard against kidnappers.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
U.S. Appeals Court says general contractors can be cited for subcontractor violations
Ruling will prompt review of OSH decision that said GCs cannot be held liable for subs’ violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2019
Tall mass timber code changes receive final approval
New provisions to be included in the 2021 International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
ASHRAE’s Low-Rise Residential Buildings standard update now available
Performance measures are at least 50% more efficient than 2006 IECC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2019
Study compares labor hours for various low-slope roofing options
Type of roof covering, project parameters, tool management, and crew efficiency all impact profitability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2018
New York’s ‘Scaffold Law’ under fire for driving up project costs
Lawmakers under pressure to reform law that makes contractors 100% liable for work-site injuries.
Codes and Standards | Dec 19, 2018
Guidance for water utilities on indoor recycled water use released
Provides recommended ranges on 13 different parameters of water quality.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2018
Development in Africa, Asia, and uptake in air conditioning will require more efficient buildings
Dramatic action will be needed for global building sector to cut carbon in line with international agreements.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2018
Emissions for buildings and construction have peaked, UN says
Greener buildings have led to leveling off of GHGs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2018
Urban flooding causing economic loss, social disruption, and housing inequality
Extensive suburban development, aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, and more intense rainfall mean more flooding.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2018
California’s transportation problems could prevent state from reaching carbon reduction goals
Governor’s carbon neutral-by-2045 ambitions at odds with car culture.