AboutDominick G. Kasmauskas Expertise Former NFPA Fire Service Section, Director, Executive Board. NJ Certified Firefighter, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Haz Mat Instructor. Volunteer Firefighter since 1974, Capt. Lieut. and President. National Fire Academy Fire Officer II certified. Presently a Regional Manager for the Natl Fire Sprinkler Assn and a certified fire protection specialist and a certified code enforcement official in NY State.
Experience Various awards and citations.
My oddest "call" was at my company picnic, in a remote area, when someone at the picnic had heart failure. While trying to perform CPR I was also giving directions to ALS and BLS to get to the scene.
Every alarm is an accomplishment.
Expert: Dominick G. Kasmauskas Date: 5/13/2008 Subject: re: doors unlocked while occupied (business)
Question I have read your previous answer about doors remaining unlocked and have a couple further questions. First, what is the definition of "occupied?" Obviously, after business hours I can lock the door while I am cleaning up (I hope!), but is there a number/type of persons who can be in the building at that time? It is a small wine bar with only one exit. Secondly, during non-business hours, can I have a small group of people in the building and lock the door if I leave a key visibly in the deadbolt lock? I have a double door where one is fixed but when unlocked can be pushed open. There is no crash bar. This has been passed by our Fire Marshal. Thank you for your help.
Answer Nancy~
Great research. Do you know if your State or County or City uses NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and/or NFPA 1 Uniformed Fire Prevention Code and/or the Intl Fire Code?
This would help in my answer.
Having owners/employees is usually not a problem as they are "intimate" with the building. Having a small group of people there, it's hard to make a decision without seeing the facility and knowing the size and distanceto the egress.
Not much help here, but it seems that you have already communicated with the right person.
Thanks for contacting us and I'd be glad to follow up if i know what Codes you are under.
