Door Hardware and Campus Security: Enhancing Safety in Schools
- By Guy Grace
- March 19, 2025
The importance of investing in school safety cannot be overstated, but knowing where to start implementation of school safety features can be a challenge. A recent survey by the National Center on Education Statistics found that a quarter of U.S. public schools have classrooms with doors that can't be locked from the inside.
Even among schools with doors that do lock, recent legislation reflects a common misconception that simply keeping the doors locked all day will eliminate the potential for an attack, in direct violation of PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) Guidelines.
The good news? Equipping classrooms and schools with doors that meet the needs (and budget) of the district is not only possible, but straightforward and impactful way to enhance school safety. Free resources like the PASS guidelines provide a tiered approach to building a robust school security system, outlining the exact components, hardware, configurations, and integrations necessary to achieve each “tier” of security. From choosing the right lock functions, to status indicators, to a fully integrated panic alarms access system, a more secure school is possible.
For many schools, it all begins with choosing the right lock features and functions that will make the biggest impact when protecting our students and educators.
Choosing the Right Lock Function for Classroom Security
Whether the lock you choose comes equipped with a status indicator or not, the lock set will typically have multiple functions available that you can set to meet the unique needs of your classroom. Each lock function offers benefits and drawbacks, and the ideal choice depends on a school's individual security needs.
To simplify selection, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established lock function standards. Think of them as a user guide that explains how each lock operates (ANSI/BHMA A156.2 for cylindrical locks, ANSI/BHMA A156.13 for mortise locks). These standards categorize lock functions with clear numbers and detailed descriptions.
In a typical classroom setting, the door might only lock from the outside with a key. This poses a security concern, as teachers need a quick and efficient locking mechanism, especially during a crisis. Locks with a "classroom security” function (ANSI F09/F88) address this by allowing teachers to lock the door from the inside using a key, eliminating the need to venture into the hallway.
Another option is a lock with a "classroom security intruder” function (ANSI F32, F33, F34). These functions offer similar benefits to the classroom security function, but some versions (F33 and F34) provide an additional layer of security with a deadbolt. During a lockdown situation, staff can utilize their key within the classroom, avoiding the potential risks of going into the hallway.
Mechanical Upgrades: The Benefits of Visual Indicators
Enhancing classroom security goes beyond just the lock itself and the functions available with the lockset. Visual lock indicators offer a significant benefit by providing a clear way to confirm the door's status with color coding that is easy to understand. This eliminates any confusion for teachers and allows for a swift response during an emergency.
Modern lock technology offers added convenience. Visual indicators can be integrated on both the inside and outside of the door. These can be purchased as complete locksets with built-in indicators or retrofitted to existing locks using convenient kits. This allows schools with older locks to benefit from this crucial safety feature without the need for a complete replacement.
Electrical Upgrades: The Benefits of Electronic Access Control
Mechanical components like status indicators are great options for improving school security when a tight budget is a consideration. But on the scale of “good, better, best,” integrated access control solutions with features like a panic alarms system, video surveillance, and emergency communications systems are considered premier options.
For enhanced security considerations, electronic access control (EAC) systems offer a compelling alternative to traditional keys. These systems can be wired, wireless, or a combination of both, depending on a school's specific needs. They provide access through PIN codes, keycards, or even mobile devices, reducing the concern over lost or stolen keys.
EAC systems provide a robust set of security benefits:
- Granular Access Control: Assign different access levels to different people, controlling who can enter specific areas and when.
- Enhanced Security: Track who enters and exits through an audit trail, and instantly grant or revoke access from a central location.
- Convenience: If cost or wall space is a consideration when choosing EAC solutions, rather than installing wired solutions, wireless locks utilize existing Wi-Fi infrastructure for programming and monitoring, making them cost-effective and easy to expand across a school.
ul>
Access control deployments with panic alarm systems, video surveillance, and integrated communication systems offer the most robust protection for students and staff. Integrated access control locks, available in both wired and wireless configurations, are also an important component that offer features such as local and remote lockdown.
Local lockdown enables each teacher to decide whether to evacuate or lock their own door based on situational awareness, allowing teachers to make intelligent decisions based on their direct surroundings and circumstances. By contrast, remote lockdown allows staff members to secure doors remotely without being close to the door.
Both features offer important advantages and can be deployed as standalone solutions or in tandem. Security professionals most often suggest an application-appropriate solution or hybrid of these two lockdown choices: the centralized route to cover the perimeter of buildings and property combined with the decentralized option for interior doors that gives faculty and staff the added autonomy to respond to events first-hand.
It’s important to note that wireless configurations with remote lockdown capabilities, there is a slight communication delay due to the wireless transmission. Additionally, wireless options require batteries that will need to be integrated into a routine maintenance schedule. However, wireless configurations offer the lowest install cost and lowest energy usage of full EAC systems, and therefore have a lower overall cost over the lifetime of the products compared to wired access control options. While requiring more upfront investment and installation work, wired access control options provide the most control and visibility compared to combined with mechanical hardware options. Both wired and wireless locks are also compatible with various credential types to suit the unique needs of your school and staff. This makes them ideal for schools requiring the highest level of security.
Ultimately, whether your budget allows for visual lock indicators or a full EAC systems integration, the most important contribution you can make to providing a significantly safer school environment is taking the first step forward to upgrade your security strategy. Upgrades outlined in the PASS Guidelines simplify lockdowns and access management, while also ensuring compliance with emergency exit and fire codes—crucial considerations for any educational institution.
Ensuring Classroom Safety with Effective Door Security
School safety is a top priority these days, and the right door hardware plays a big role. Strong locks and other door hardware can keep unwanted visitors out and provide everyone with safe egress in an emergency.
Imagine door hardware solutions as a critical line of defense—they stop unauthorized access, keep people safe, and provide clear visual status for an optimal user experience. But most importantly, they ensure everyone can get out quickly or remain safe if there's ever a crisis event. By prioritizing modern, effective door hardware solutions, schools can create a much safer and more secure environment for students and staff.