Florida Fire Code 46-04-4: Exit door locked/not openable from inside

Overview

Fire code 46-04-4 (Exit door locked/not openable from inside) is a Exits and Egress citation with 734 citations across Florida food establishments. A locked exit door can be fatal during a fire.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and Florida fire safety statutes.

Legal reference: 509.032(2)(d) FS

What the Code Says

46-04-4 — Exit door locked/not openable from inside

An exit door is locked, chained, or otherwise secured in a way that prevents it from being opened from the inside without a key or special knowledge during business hours.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

A locked exit door can be fatal during a fire. Occupants fleeing smoke and flames who reach a locked door have no escape route and may not have time to find an alternative exit. This violation has been a direct cause of mass-casualty fire events throughout history. Florida fire code requires all exit doors to be openable from the inside with a single motion (push bar or lever) without keys, tools, or special knowledge.

Legal Requirements

During all hours of business operation, every required exit door must be openable from the inside with a single pushing or turning motion without any key, tool, or special knowledge. Deadbolts, chains, padlocks, or any other locking device that requires a key from the inside must be removed or disengaged during business hours. Panic hardware (push bars) is required on exit doors in assembly occupancies.

Legal Basis

509.032(2)(d) FS — The division, or its agent, shall notify the local firesafety authority or the State Fire Marshal of any readily observable violation of a rule adopted under chapter 633.

— 509.032(2)(d) FS

References

• Florida State Fire Marshal
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Florida DBPR Division of Hotels & Restaurants
• Florida Statutes Chapter 509

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida fire code 46-04-4?

Florida fire code 46-04-4 (Exit door locked/not openable from inside) falls under the Exits and Egress category. An exit door is locked, chained, or otherwise secured in a way that prevents it from being opened from the inside without a key or special knowledge during business hours.

Why is fire code 46-04-4 (Exit door locked/not openable from inside) dangerous?

A locked exit door can be fatal during a fire. Occupants fleeing smoke and flames who reach a locked door have no escape route and may not have time to find an alternative exit. This violation has been a direct cause of mass-casualty fire events throughout history. Florida fire code requires all exit doors to be openable from the inside with a single motion (push bar or lever) without keys, tools, or special knowledge.

What are the requirements for fire code 46-04-4?

During all hours of business operation, every required exit door must be openable from the inside with a single pushing or turning motion without any key, tool, or special knowledge. Deadbolts, chains, padlocks, or any other locking device that requires a key from the inside must be removed or disengaged during business hours. Panic hardware (push bars) is required on exit doors in assembly occupancies.

How common is fire code 46-04-4 in Florida?

Fire code 46-04-4 (Exit door locked/not openable from inside) has been cited 734 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.

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