Consumer Awareness Tips on Finding Codes and Regulations in Hawaii.

Consumer Awareness Tips on Finding Codes and Regulations in Hawaii. www.hawaiifiredoors.com 808-943-1425 An excellent place to be able to view codes is your local library. Look in the Government section. When researching Uniform Building Codes, search the chapter titled Means of Egress. Read the chapter titled Means of Egress when researching the Uniform Fire Code. Codes are not normally displayed in their complete form on the Internet. Since the building and fire codes have to be ratified by each state, there will be different year building and fire codes for each state. This is because the codes cannot be implemented until they are adopted and time has been provided for the inspectors to get up to speed. Contact Hawaii Fire Doors.com Hawaiifiredoors.com Fire Door Inspection Services include, at a minimum: Annual Fire Door Inspections Fire Door Code Compliance Completing and Performing Statement of Conditions *Inspect the Door & Door Frame *Perform an Operational test on the Door – (Swing Test; Close Test; Latch Test; Electric Door *Release; Door Bottom Drag; Door Frame Rub; Door Edge Overlap; Coordinator Malfunction) *Inspection of Hinge Assemblies *Inspection of Door Bolts & Locks *Inspect all Fire Exit Hardware *Inspect and Verify – (Thresholds/Saddle; Clearance, Astragal and Gaskets, Kick-Down Door *Holder, Wedge and Door Stop, Protection Plate, Signage properly installed) DOCUMENTATION AVAILABILITY 24 HOURS A DAY www.hawaiifiredoors.com 808-943-1425

Consumer Awareness Tips on Door Closers & Door Controls in Hawaii Ne

Consumer Awareness Tips on Door Closers & Door Controls in Hawaii Ne www.transponderkeyshawaii.com 808-943-1425 The most important thing about door closers has nothing to do with the closers themselves. Before installing, servicing or adjusting a door closer, make certain the hinges are properly lubricated, the hinge screws are tight and the door closes smoothly and latches properly. If the door is not operating properly, no door closer will be able to solve the problems. The purpose of a door closer is to close and latch the door under controlled operation every time, preventing slamming and minimizing the sounds that occur as the door is closing. For the purpose of this article, we will only discuss swinging door closers including overhead concealed, surface mounted and floor closers. Door closing equipment has been around for well over 100 years. Some of the original products are still sold today, such as spring hinges, springs, weights, door checks and door closers. An early Norton closer has the name “Door Check” manufactured into the arms. Door closers come in different applications, configurations, sizes and shapes. They can be mounted into the floor beneath the door, into the header area above the door, and surface mounted onto the face of the door. Each type of door closer has its advantages and disadvantages. Most architects install concealed door closers on the public exterior doors of a building because of the aesthetics. Early pot (traditional) closers would wind up the clock-style spring as the door is being opened. The spring would unwind as the door is closing. To control the closing speed, the spring would drive a piston, forcing fluid through orifices in the cylinder. Many pot closers have two holes in different positions. The first, larger hole would permit faster movement (sweep speed). The second, smaller hole closer to the end of the travel, created sufficient force to close and secure the door (latch speed). Without fluid, the spring would expand rapidly and the door would slam. The standard “streamline” or modern surface-mounted door closer operates using fluid in a rack-and-pinion spring-loaded piston mechanism. When the door is opened, the arm assembly rotates a geared spindle that moves a gear driven piston, compressing the main spring and forcing fluid into the area previously occupied by the piston. The spring pressure increases as the door is opened. The farther the door is opened, the greater the spring pressure. As the door is closing, the spring expands and exerts pressure on the piston. As the piston moves back, fluid is forced back to the area surrounding the spring. The valves that control the movement of the fluid as the spring expands determine controlled opening and closing of the door. If fluid is permitted to move too quickly, the door will slam. If fluid is restricted too much, the door will not close and latch. www.transponderkeyshawaii.com 808-943-1425

Installing locking Devices on Fire Doors

Consumer Awareness Tips on.... Installing Locking Devices on Fire Doors www.hawaiifiredoors.com 808-943-1425 Dealing with Fire Doors is a critical activity of locksmiths especially when deploying access control. This is because converting the means of how the door locks and unlocks will be changed from a strictly mechanical operation to one which will involve electronic controls and electrical activation. Fire doors are considered to be assemblies, comprised of several components: the lockset, door closer and electric releasing device included. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will be very interested in knowing how the new hardware will affect the fire stopping properties of the door, and how the new hardware will affect egress through the door. However, the AHJ will not care at all about how effectively the door will control access into the premises, unless there is a code requirement regarding gaining entry in an emergency. In other words, the AHJ addresses the Life Safety issues and not the Security issues. Access controlled doors which are along the means of egress are focal points for AHJs. Therefore, getting them right should be your mission as a professional locksmith. In our age of specialization and misplaced priorities, frequently you will have to deal with integrators who do not understand locks, architects whose main concerns relate to aesthetics, and building owners who seem to care only about costs. Take also into account that people will be assuming the exits will be operable in an emergency. It is your moral and professional responsibility to do whatever is within your power to assure they are. A fire door should normally be closed and latched, and it should permit free egress at all times. Although the exceptions to these rules are what make designing access a little interesting and fun, assuring that the rest of the situations where there the exceptions do not apply are the job. New revisions to NFPA 80 (NFPA 80 2010) will become effective soon, and many jurisdictions will adapt them into their building code. Codes are the Law, and ignorance of the law is not a defense. If you are dealing with a wood fire door assembly, you might want to consider using an electrified lever. Electrified levers provide an aesthetic solution which provides the same egress capabilities of the original lockset. However they also require wiring of the door. Drilling through a door without altering its fire rating can be performed by either removing the door and shipping it to a shop authorized to do this, or by someone with Perfect Raceway Certification. www.hawaiifiredoors.com

Fire Door Inspection – Top 5 Deficiencies

Consumer Awareness Tips....... Fire Door Inspection – Top 5 Deficiencies www.hawaiifiredoors.com 808-943-1425 As more jurisdictions adopt the 2009 International Fire Code (IFC), the 2009 edition of NFPA 101 – The Life Safety Code, or other codes which reference the 2007 or 2010 edition of NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, more attention is being focused on fire doors and egress doors. Fire door assemblies and certain egress doors must be inspected annually per these publications, and any deficiencies found must be corrected without delay. 1. Painted or missing fire door labels The label found on the edge or top of a fire door and in the rabbet of a fire-rated frame may be made of metal, paper, or plastic, or may be stamped or diecast into the door or frame. Labels must be visible and legible. Some embossed labels can still be read if they are painted, but if a painted label is illegible, the paint must be removed. If labels are missing or can’t be made legible, the Authority Having Jurisdiction may require the doors or frames to be re-labeled by a listing agency. 2. Poor clearance dimensions around the perimeter of the door in the closed position The maximum clearance allowed by NFPA 80 between a fire door and the frame at the head, jambs, and meeting stiles of pairs is 1/8” for wood doors, and 3/16” for hollow metal doors. The maximum clearance at the bottom of the door is ¾” between the bottom of the door and the top of the flooring or threshold. Prior to the 2007 edition, NFPA 80 included a variable requirement for the undercut, depending on the type of flooring. For clearances larger than allowed by NFPA 80, there are gasketing products in development which may be allowed by the listing agencies as an alternative to replacing the door. Shimming the hinges with metal shims may help to correct the problem, and there are metal edges available which are listed for use when a door needs to be increased in width to reduce the clearance. 3. Kick-down door holders A kick-down door holder is a simple mechanical device which is mounted on the bottom corner of the door and flips down to hold the door open. Because fire doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing (there are a few exceptions), a kick-down holder is not an acceptable way of holding open a fire door. A mechanical hold-open feature in a door closer and other types of hold-opens such as wedges, hooks, and overhead holders are not allowed for fire doors either. An automatic-closing fire door is held open electronically, and closes upon fire alarm. This may be accomplished with a wall- or floor-mounted magnetic holder, a closer-holder unit which receives a signal from the fire alarm system or incorporates its own smoke detector, or a separate hold-open unit which is paired with a standard door closer. There is also a battery-operated hold-open available which can be used in some retrofit applications. Existing fire doors may be equipped with fusible link closer arms, which incorporate a fusible link that is intended to melt during a fire and release the hold-open. Current building and life-safety codes do not allow fusible link arms on doors in a means of egress, because they do not allow the doors to control the spread of smoke. Automatic-closing doors must be initiated by the fire alarm system or smoke detection. 4. Auxiliary hardware items that interfere with the intended function of the door These auxiliary items may include creative ways of holding open the door or providing additional security. In many cases the auxiliary items create an egress problem, for example, additional locks or surface bolts (most egress doors must unlatch with one operation), chains or creative devices used with panic hardware, or electronic access control products that have not been installed with the required release devices for code compliance. Hardware used on fire doors must be listed for that use, and items not listed for use on a fire door must be removed. Holes left by the removal of auxiliary items must be filled in accordance with NFPA 80, typically either with steel fasteners, or with the same material as the door or frame. Field preparation for these auxiliary items may also create a problem on fire doors. NFPA 80 limits job site preparation of fire doors to holes for surface-applied hardware, function holes for mortise locks, and holes for labeled viewers. The maximum hole diameter is 1”, except holes for cylinders which may be any diameter. Protection plates may be field-installed, and wood and composite doors may be undercut in the field a maximum of ¾” (check with the door manufacturer first). Field modifications beyond what is allowed by NFPA 80 may void the label and require re-labeling of the assembly. 5. Fire doors blocked to stay in the open position If a fire door is not able to close, it can’t compartmentalize the building and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors are typically blocked open for the convenience of the building’s occupants. Many people don’t understand the function of fire doors, and may compromise life safety without realizing the results of their actions. Educating facilities staff and the building’s occupants on fire door requirements can help to avoid a problem, and/or a fine from the local fire marshal. Aloha & Mahalo Richard Berrios Sr. Fire Door Inspector / Locksmith Fire Doors Hawaii.com www.hawaiifiredoors.com Affordable Locksmith & Son LLC 808-943-1425 www.affordablelocksmithandsons.com Hawaiifiredoors.com Fire Door Inspection Services include, at a minimum: Annual Fire Door Inspections Fire Door Code Compliance Completing and Performing Statement of Conditions *Inspect the Door & Door Frame *Perform an Operational test on the Door – (Swing Test; Close Test; Latch Test; Electric Door *Release; Door Bottom Drag; Door Frame Rub; Door Edge Overlap; Coordinator Malfunction) *Inspection of Hinge Assemblies *Inspection of Door Bolts & Locks *Inspect all Fire Exit Hardware *Inspect and Verify – (Thresholds/Saddle; Clearance, Astragal and Gaskets, Kick-Down Door *Holder, Wedge and Door Stop, Protection Plate, Signage properly installed) DOCUMENTATION AVAILABILITY 24 HOURS A DAY Contact us ..... We do inspections right! Affordable Locksmith & Son LLC 808-943-1425 www.affordablelocksmithandsons.com

A Wake-Up Call for the Locksmith Industry!!

Consumer Awareness Tips - Certified Professional Locksmith's in Hawaii. A Wake-Up Call for the Locksmith Industry!! www.gsa-x09-lkmlocksmithhawaii.com The terms, “asleep at the switch” and “asleep at the wheel” arose from 19th-century American railroading, when it was the trainman’s duty to switch cars from one track to another by means of manually operated levers. If he should fail to do so, trains could collide. You could say that the American locksmith industry has been asleep or at least fairly passive in the last few decades as locksmiths watched the growth of the large home centers and alarm companies encroach upon their security businesses, eating away at their profits. When listings of phony locksmiths ballooned in the last couple of years, the locksmith industry was still slumbering, with most locksmiths minding their own businesses. Yet, some got angry and a few locksmiths took action, such as Illinois locksmith Mike Bronzell who, fed up with the scammers, took legal action against a company that was hurting locksmith businesses in Illinois. I was shocked to see the hundreds of illegitimate locksmiths listed on the internet all over the Nation! “How to Stop a Fraudulent Scam,”?? I realized then that most locksmiths and most locksmith distributors had been nearly asleep as this incredible challenge to the locksmith industry grew while listings of phony “locksmiths” sprouted like wild weeds! You could say that the American locksmith industry has been asleep or at least fairly passive in the last few decades as locksmiths watched the growth of the large home centers and alarm companies encroach upon their security businesses, eating away at their profits. When listings of phony locksmiths ballooned in the last couple of I found out about Larry Friberg’s www.legallocksmiths.com and Mike Bronzell and Gale Johnson and Tim McMullen at ALOA and the efforts that were taken “behind the scenes” to extinguish the burgeoning threat to all legitimate locksmiths. I realized that until more locksmiths and distributors got involved, the scammers were here to stay. Seven months later, it is apparent that the locksmith industry is finally awake. Not that there aren’t people still pretending to be legitimate locksmiths, ripping customers off. For example, a Detroit area locksmith showed me a copy of a handwritten invoice from Dependable Locks Inc. of Clearwater, Fla. He told me the customer was furious after having to pay for an Adams Rite deadlatch with the wrong backset that didn’t work. What was the price for this “service?” The invoice shows $350 for a “new mahahis” and $85 for “libor” (which I assume is supposed to be “labor”) for a total of $435. The real locksmith then put on a new lock and fixed the Adams Rite paddle and charged the customer a total of $250. I know buyers should beware but this example is just one of hundreds of examples of people scammed by guys pretending to be legitimate locksmiths. It’s like MTV’s show, Punk’d, but designed for unknowing customers who need lock help and look in phone books, on the Internet, or call an operator for assistance. Thankfully, a lot is being done to combat such shenanigans. For example, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley filed suit on August 31, 2009, against Dependable Locks and its owners for their “role in locksmith scheme.” The Attorney General wrote: “The defendants have repeatedly taken advantage of vulnerable consumers who are locked out of their homes and cars. By saturating Massachusetts phone books with their false advertisements and overcharging customers for their services, the defendants have not only harmed consumers, but also negatively affected legitimate locksmith companies in the Commonwealth.” Some of the positive actions taken this year came out of an April 16th meeting held at ALOA Headquarters which included representatives from locksmiths, distributors, ALOA, locksmith magazines, Larry Friberg, and me. There was a lot of discussion on how to beat the scammers and one of the decisions was to educate real locksmiths on how to fight the cyber battle and to introduce programs that set real locksmiths apart from scammers. All three locksmith publications agreed to run an article on how to combat deceptive listings on the Internet and how to claim your site back if it’s been “hijacked” (“How to Fight the Cyber Battle: Locksmith Internet Defense 101”). ALOA then helped produce a Public Service Announcement and radio and television spots (ranging from 15 to 60 seconds) were introduced. Two sets were produced, one with the tagline, “Locksmiths You Can Trust,” and another set which allows locksmiths to put in their own company tagline and logo. Tim McMullen, Legislative Manager from ALOA, has been traveling around the country to various locksmith associations to show what has been done. He highlighted the improved FindALocksmith.com website that allows consumers to find reputable locksmiths in their areas. ALOA members can enter data like specialties, shop hours, radius search, and multiple locations. McMullen also introduced to the industry TMP Directional Marketing which has undertaken a $55 million directory advertising program for ALOA. This program allows ALOA members to advertise together under a trademark ad which will be supported by a branded ad. TMP, who has close contacts with the nationwide directories, can cut down on the number of non-members using the ALOA logo. ALOA and TMP Directional Marketing have developed a partnership with AT&T and other phone companies to launch a Yellow Pages Brand AD National Program which will allow consumers to be directed to select an ALOA member thru the ALOA Trademarked Column Listing and ALOA Branded Ad Program. With their help, consumers will hopefully be directed to a trusted locksmith within the Yellow Page books and Internet sites. One of the best and most effective tools for a locksmith to give his customer is the “Locksmith Scam Alert,” a high-quality two-page fold-out brochure that directs the end user, “DON’T BE A VICTIM,” and gives information for the unsuspecting consumer. It offers “Tips on Hiring a Reputable Locksmith,” including “looking closely at the ad to see that the business name is clearly identified.” It advises asking lots of questions, including where the business is located, its actual address, whether the locksmith is insured or licensed, and whether they are certified. It advises consumers to ask for an estimate and “once the locksmith arrives,” to ask for identification. The brochure also offers info about some of the typical scams and gives information on filing a complaint if necessary with ALOA, the FTC (877-FTC-HELP), the Consumer Protection Agency, the Attorney General, and the BBB. It also offers other informational websites, including aloa.org, locksmithwiki.com, and legallocksmiths.com. For the legitimate locksmith, there is an open spot on the front of the brochure to put his company stamp or company label. These brochures only cost 20 cents each and can be ordered from Professional Business Products at 1-800-355-6322 or can be ordered with the locksmith’s phone number and other information in larger quantities. Distributors can also order these brochures and pass them out as a service to their customers. A few months ago, veteran Detroit-area locksmith Jim Mowry from Aaron’s Lock and Key, wrote a vehement letter to AT&T with the help of his attorney, concerning the proliferation of illegitimate locksmith phone numbers and addresses. Understanding the urgency of the request, a meeting was called by AT&T’s Michigan Sales Manager. I watched and listened to his informed presentation of the problem for reputable locksmiths who depend on Yellow Page advertising. Jim said that it only made sense to eliminate some of his advertising with AT&T because it was hard to tell who was legitimate and who wasn’t. The manager and representatives at AT&T listened intently and promised to do what they could to reduce the problem. When the new Yellow Pages book from Oakland County, Mich., was published, AT&T did what it said it would. Most phony listings had been deleted from the book and many had been eliminated on www.yellowpages.com . Google, after hearing numerous complaints, also made improvements, eliminating tens of thousands of copycat and fraudulent listings, but according to Jim, they “still have a long way to go.” Afterward, I realized that legitimate advertisers who advertise with AT&T and Google can rightfully complain and if they do, their messages can be heard. www.gsa-x09-lkmlocksmithhawaii.com 808-943-1425 Call the Best locksmith's in Hawaii Affordable Locksmith & Sons

Don't USe Crooked Scammer Locksmith Companies in Hawaii

CONSUMER AWARENESS TIPS ON HIRING A CERTIFIED LOCKSMITH IN HAWAII.....Affordable Locksmith & Son LLC... We offer these tips: Unlike other states, Hawaii doesn't regulate locksmiths. Finding a Locksmith: * USE YELP- Angies List or ALOA Find a Locksmith site. www.transponderkeyshawaii.com *Find a company before you need it. Get recommendations from friends and family and then save the number in your phone in case of emergency. *Skip Google and instead choose an accredited locksmith in good standing with the BBB. A list can be found on its website (www.bbb.org ) or iPhone App. *You can also check with the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), an organization that abides by a code of ethics and insists on certain training standards requirements (www.mnaloa.org ). * Ask if you are speaking directly with a Locksmith or technician in Hawaii. Not a call center in Florida or New Jersey. *Avoid locksmiths with 800 numbers. Chances are good the company is based in another state. *Call and compare several different locksmiths before deciding whose service you will use. *Ask the person answering the phone for the actual address of the locksmith to ensure reliability. Be wary if they simply answer "locksmith" and refuse to give a full name of the company. Estimates: *Have an estimate emailed to you before any work begins. Be wary of any locksmith who says it cannot provide an estimate until after the vehicle is inspected. *In the estimate, the locksmith should be able to give an exact quote based on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. *The estimate should include a total cost for all work, additional fees, and replacement parts. *Always ask the locksmiths for a worst case scenario, meaning before you ask them to come out, ask them what their highest possible price might be, given your situation. *Read the fine print. Be sure to read any contract thoroughly before signing. Check for additional fees that weren't discussed and understand the terms of any guarantees. Ask what the company will do should the locksmith damage your property and make sure that is in writing as well. *Confirm that the locksmith is insured to cover damage that may result from the repair. *Never just sign a blank work authorization form. On the Scene: *Ask for an ID, a business card, and a license when the locksmith arrives. Locksmiths are required to carry a copy of their licenses. *Be wary if you're told the lock has to be drilled and replaced. A skilled and reputable locksmith should have the training necessary to unlock any door. Although in some instances the locksmith is unable to pick the lock- The technician should give you the option of calling another locksmith out without charging you anything! *After the service is finished, be sure to get an itemized receipt that includes the price of the service call, labor, and mileage. *Don't pay cash. Even mobile locksmiths should be able to accept credit cards or checks. Scammers will often insist that the machine is broken or give another excuse for needing cash. Don't fall for it. Don't be their next VICTIM! Call 808-943-1425 Affordable Locksmith & Sons www.transponderkeyshawaii.com