Effective: January 01, 2026 | Last Revised: March 01, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect life safety, comply with applicable fire and building codes, and preserve University assets by:

  • Prohibiting the propping of doors except by approved, fire alarm tied hold-open devices.
  • Preventing unauthorized alteration, removal, or tampering with door hardware.
  • Prohibiting the addition of unapproved hardware, signage, or décor on doors, frames, and door windows.
  • Ensuring doors receive proper maintenance only by qualified personnel.
  • Keeping all door egress paths clear and fully operable at all times.

This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors on University property.

Policy Statement

  1. Propping Doors
  • The propping of doors is prohibited campus-wide.
  • The only acceptable method to hold a door open is through a device that is integrated with the building’s fire alarm system (i.e., an approved automatic hold-open device that releases upon alarm).
  • Propping by wedges, tape, furniture, trash cans, magnets, or any non-approved method is prohibited and may violate state law and fire code.
  1. Tampering with Door Hardware
  • No door hardware (locks, latches, closers, hinges, strikes, exit devices, electric hardware, etc.) may be altered, removed, disabled, or tampered with for any reason by anyone other than qualified Facilities Services personnel.
  1. Adding Hardware, Signage, and Décor to Doors
  • No doors, frames, or door windows may have additional hardware, signs/advertisements, or decorations added without prior authorization from Facilities Services Lock Shop and Fire Safety.
  • Who can add hardware? Only Facilities Services may add hardware, at its sole discretion and approval.
  • Where can signage be posted? Never on doors or door windows. Use designated memo boards and approved posting locations to avoid obstructing visibility, violating ADA field-of-view requirements, damaging finishes, or creating fire hazards.
  • Why is décor restricted? Decorations can obstruct exits, camouflage egress paths, interfere with latching, and contribute to rapid fire spread. They also cause permanent finish damage and repair costs.
  1. Removing Door Hardware
  • Door hardware must never be removed by unqualified persons. Removal or disabling of life-safety hardware may be punishable under state and federal law.
  • Only qualified Facilities Services personnel, with prior approval from the University Lock Shop and Fire Safety, may remove hardware when necessary.
  1. Maintenance of Doors
  • All door maintenance—including adjustment, repair, and lubrication of any lock, closer, hinge, exit device, electric strike, reader, or other component—shall be performed exclusively by the Facilities Services Lock Shop.
  • The use of unapproved lubricants (e.g., WD‑40) or substances that attract dirt and harm internal mechanisms is prohibited.
  1. Storage of Items in Door Egress
  • No obstructions may be placed or stored in any part of a means of egress.
  • Doorways must not be locked, blocked, or obstructed, and doors must be able to open to a full 90 degrees at all times to provide safe, immediate exit in an emergency.
  • Items such as carts, boxes, trash receptacles, easels, display boards, furniture, and décor are not permitted in egress widths or door swing paths.
  1. Compliance
  • All community members and departments must comply. Departments are responsible for ensuring staff, student workers, and contractors adhere to this policy and University posting and event guidelines.

Reference Codes:
• International Fire Code (IFC) 2006: §§ 703.2, 1003.6, 1028.2, 1028.5
• Kansas State Fire Marshal guidance (door propping / life safety)

Implementation

  1. Roles and Approvals
  • Facilities Services Lock Shop: Sole authority for door hardware additions, removals, repairs, adjustments, and lubrication.
  • Fire Safety: Reviews requests for hardware/signage/decor affecting life safety and egress; approves fire-alarm–tied hold-open devices and related installations.
  • Departments/Units: Ensure staff and contractors follow this policy; submit requests and obtain approvals before any work or posting.
  1. Request and Approval Process
  • Hardware Changes (Add/Remove/Modify):
    • Submit a Work Order Form request to Facilities Services Lock Shop.
    • Fire Safety review/approval is required for any change impacting egress, fire rating, or alarm interfaces.
  • Signage or Décor Requests:
    • Use designated memo boards and approved locations.
    • Any exception for door-adjacent signage must be reviewed by Lock Shop and Fire Safety for ADA and life-safety compliance.
  • Hold-Open Devices:
    • Only automatic, fire-alarm–connected hold-opens approved by Fire Safety may be installed/used.
  1. Communication and Signage
  • Post “Do Not Prop Doors,” “Keep Egress Clear,” and similar life-safety reminders at problem locations as needed.
  • Incorporate policy reminders into event planning, contractor orientations, and department onboarding.
  1. Monitoring, Reporting, and Enforcement
  • Monitoring: Facilities, Fire Safety, and Building Managers will monitor for violations during routine rounds.
  • Reporting: Report violations immediately to Facilities Services or University Police (for imminent hazards).
  • Remediation:
    • Unauthorized items on doors/frames/windows will be removed.
    • Obstructions in egress will be cleared.
    • Unauthorized hardware will be corrected by the Lock Shop.
  • Cost Recovery & Sanctions: Departments, contractors, or individuals may be charged for damages, corrective work, and restoration. Repeated or willful violations may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of privileges.
  1. Maintenance Standards
  • Only approved lubricants and methods will be used by the Lock Shop to avoid damage and ensure code compliance and proper operation.