Special Locking Arrangements

The addition of special locking arrangements in a building is a renovation that can affect the building’s means of egress or exiting. Persons or companies engaging in life safety and property protection contracting, such as locksmithing or door hardware sales and consulting, are required to be licensed with this office pursuant to R.S. 40:1646. Therefore, a plan review by this office is required prior to installation pursuant to R.S. 40:1574.

L.A.C. 55:V:3211 defines Special Locking System as follows:
Electronic, magnetic and/or pneumatic locking systems and/or equipment actuated from a remote location. These systems are typically powered by the building power but may be battery powered only as well. The term includes, but is not limited to, access control, delayed egress, electrified hardware, magnetic locks, health care locks, pneumatic, pin, card reader, proximity, biometric, video/telephone, electronically controlled egress door assemblies, pedestrian and vehicle gates and remote control and wireless access systems and equipment. This would include any necessary mechanical equipment to complete the installation of the system.

In order to install, service, maintain and repair special locking systems, a firm and its technician(s) must be licensed through the OSFM and obtain a locksmith, security or special locking endorsement. Special locking systems, with the exception of automatic vehicular gate systems, require annual certification.

The NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the IBC contain provisions for special locking systems. Special locking arrangements are categorized for plan review as follows:

1. DELAYED-EGRESS LOCKING SYSTEMS
2. ACCESS-CONTROLLED (SENSOR RELEASED) EGRESS DOOR LOCKING SYSTEMS
3. SPECIALIZED CARE LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS
4. ELECTRIC STRIKES AND LATCH RETRACTING DOOR HARDWARE
5. ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED (ELECTROMAGNETICALLY LOCKED) (HARDWARE RELEASED) EGRESS DOORS
6. OTHER (MISCELLANEOUS) TYPES

Memorandums

2019 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2019-01
Special Locking Arrangements

Interpretive Memorandum 2019-02
Specialized Care Locking Arrangements

2018 Interpretive Memos

Interpretive Memorandum 2018-03
Classroom Security for Existing Educational and Day Care Facilities