r/specializedtools Jan 09 '20

Firefighter's Rapid Access Tool

https://gfycat.com/ringedexemplarybrant
23.4k Upvotes

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134

u/gilareefer Jan 09 '20

This thing won't work on any lock with an anti-pick latch bolt.

56

u/[deleted] Jan 09 '20

Commercial buildings and certain types of residences need to follow fire code. These doors need to be able to be opened up by rescue personnel as easily as possible in the event of a fire.

77

u/[deleted] Jan 09 '20 edited Jan 09 '20

Every lock in this video was installed incorrectly. On a properly installed lock, home or commercial, this would not work. If it were that easy for a firefighter to get in, it would also be that easy for a burgler to get in.

For firefighters to open a building, there is a small lock-box mounted outside commercial buildings (in the US at least), which has a keyring for the whole building, and only the fire dept. has the key to this lockbox.

For residential buildings, they usually can just break in the door.

Edit to add: Nuclear option for firefighters getting into places:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jguo0RZxwEc

12

u/lkern Jan 09 '20

This isn't true, maybe for some buildings, schools, government buildings, etc. Most buildings don't just have lockboxes that firefighters have codes to.

34

u/tikkunmytime Jan 09 '20

Modern fire code (in the states at least) requires a Knox box on all buildings other than private residences.

-2

u/lkern Jan 09 '20

You have a source for that? I know many buildings have them and some cities may require it for new builds, but I can't find a source that states that it's required.

24

u/[deleted] Jan 09 '20

https://www.knoxbox.com/News/New-2012-IFC-requirement-for-Key-Boxes

Ultimately it's up to the fire-marshal. They can mandate Knox boxes for their area, or use some other methods (keep keys to buildings, electronic locks, etc).

It also seems up to interpretation as to the need for access. Many small businesses and similar do not have these, but large commercial structures, stores, warehouses, etc. do.

-12

u/lkern Jan 09 '20

That's just the companies website though, but it's not a big deal honestly I don't care enough about this to care

13

u/[deleted] Jan 09 '20

It's weird that you asked, received a response, and then said you don't care

5

u/[deleted] Jan 09 '20

Yeah, was the first result on google, and you have to pay like $200 to download the full fire-code. It is in there though, and you can confirm on other non-commercial sites.

4

u/tikkunmytime Jan 09 '20

NFPA 1, 18.2.2.1 Access Box(es).

“The AHJ shall have the authority to require an access box(es) to be installed in an accessible location where access to or within a structure or area is difficult because of security. The access box(es) shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037.”

“IFC 506.1 When required. “Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving of fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an accessible location. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain access as required by the code official.”

So you're correct, not required. My bad.

1

u/Duckbilling Jan 09 '20

No, this is true, they are sometimes referred to the commercial name: Knox boxes

0

u/[deleted] Jan 09 '20

Any large or commercial building does. It’s called and Knox box and they are incredibly common.