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
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2016
Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update
The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2016
Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool updated to factor in waste management
The costs and benefits of managing 29 types of waste are now included.
Wood | Sep 6, 2016
Atlanta suburb prohibits wood-framed construction for high rises
The new building code prevents any structure with more than three stories from being built from a CLT frame.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016
Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity
A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.
Regulations | Aug 31, 2016
FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds
The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Green | Aug 29, 2016
Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030
No net GHG emissions will be allowed.
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2016
Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects
The Multifamily Green Advantage targets existing buildings.
Codes | Aug 24, 2016
Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts
The recent floods and wildfires in Alberta are being cited as proof.
