Treadle-activated security locks on exit doors

June 10, 1981
Mr. William B. Reitze
Vice President
Chief Environmental Scientist Health,
Safety and Environment Department
Johns-Manville Sales Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Reitze:
This is in response to your inquiry of May 21, 1981, concerning an electronic door opening device used with a security system.
The installation of treadle pads in front of exit doors which release the security lock as soon as the employee steps upon the treadle appears to comply with 29 CFR [1910.36(d)(2)], provided the treadle pad system will open during a power failure or the locks will open during a power failure. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 contains no provisions allowing approval or endorsement of equipment. Alteration or misapplication of an otherwise safe piece of equipment could easily create a hazardous condition beyond the control of the manufacturer. For this reason, the compliance of a door opening system can only be determined by the safety and health professionals observing it actually in use under specific conditions.
If we may be of further assistance, please call or write.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto Chief,
Division of Occupational Safety Programming
[Corrected 2/6/2004]