ASSA ABLOY launches interactive egress calculator

NEW HAVEN, Conn.—Today, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions introduced the ASSA ABLOY Egress Calculator, an interactive tool that helps select the proper code-compliant doors and hardware for various openings based on individual states’ adopted version of the International Building Codes.

“ASSA ABLOY has always been committed to not only providing customers with the best possible solutions, but also with tools and training that educate them on how to make strategic decisions about their facilities’ openings and access control,” Katie Flower, AOC, CSI, CDT, training specialist at ASSA ABLOY Academy, said in the announcement. “We’re excited to offer customers with ASSA ABLOY Egress Calculator as another resource in our suite of digital tools and trainings, which are available for free.”

Originally developed as an Excel spreadsheet for customers, a more interactive tool to make the tedious process of finding code-compliant hardware requirements simpler seemed like a natural evolution. Architects, designers, contractors, life safety personnel and others can access this tool via a desktop, tablet or smartphone at a project job site or in the office.

The calculator determines the:

• Occupant load of a room or space;
• Minimum opening clearance needed for exit and exit access doorways; and
• Required swing direction of doors.

It can also provide references to the minimum hardware requirements for side-hinged and pivoted swinging doors, and fire and/or smoke-related doors, based on the exceptions for each occupancy type.

Staying knowledgeable about building codes and standards as they change over time and between location of projects is a big challenge for architects, designers and contractors. ASSA ABLOY’s Egress Calculator helps industry professionals quickly stay apprised of the codes and standards in the palm of their hand, though it does not replace the need for them having their own copy of the code.

ASSA ABLOY will be hosting Egress Calculator training sessions on Sept. 17 and Oct. 1 to teach how to best utilize the tool.