Total Door Systems Champions Life Safety Education in High-Rise Architecture

High-rise buildings present unique challenges when it comes to fire safety, and ensuring occupant safety remains paramount. However, confusion surrounding life safety standards and overlapping building codes can lead to non-compliant designs that fail to adequately prevent smoke migration – a potentially fatal oversight in the event of a fire. Patricia Yulkowski, president and CEO of Total Door Systems, a Waterford, Michigan-based manufacturer of integrated door systems designed to protect against smoke and fire migration, recognized this critical issue.

"This isn’t about assigning blame," Yulkowski emphasizes. "It’s about educating a generation of architects and designers and prioritizing the right course of action to protect lives."

In response to this need, Total Door Systems launched a comprehensive series of AIA-approved webinars several years ago, specifically aimed at educating architects on life safety standards and design best practices. To date, the company has hosted over 10,000 architects, designers, and engineers in its webinars and live educational events. They have also launched the "Know Your Code" series on their website and across various social media platforms, consistently sharing valuable safety insights at industry events throughout the year.

The topics covered in these educational initiatives are meticulously designed to address critical areas of concern. Examples of class titles include: "Smoke Containment Strategies for Elevator Hoistways and Lobbies," "New Code Requirements For Fire-Rated Doors And Hardware," and "Integrated Fire and Smoke Door Systems: Specifying Your Own Safety Net."

According to Candace Kitchen, a customer service specialist at Total Door Systems who spearheaded the education effort after observing the prevalent confusion about life safety standards during her daily interactions with architects, "For the past three years, our webinars have consistently ranked among the highest-selected choices for architects, designers, and engineers pursuing AIA courses." Kitchen further notes, "We regularly receive feedback from architects expressing how incredibly helpful our courses have been in enhancing their understanding of how to effectively protect life in high-rise buildings."

Understanding the Unique Risks of High-Rise Fires

High-rise buildings present a distinct set of fire safety challenges that necessitate specialized knowledge and mitigation strategies. The very characteristic that defines these structures – their considerable height – can significantly exacerbate the dangers posed by a fire.

FEMA reported in 2022 that over 15,500 high-rise fires occur annually. Tragically, smoke inhalation is responsible for a staggering 60-80% of fatalities in fire incidents. Elevator shafts and stairwells, normally essential components of evacuation plans, can quickly become conduits for smoke, rapidly spreading it throughout the building and endangering occupants. A comprehensive understanding of these risks is paramount for architects and designers who prioritize safety in their blueprints.

Fortunately, there are proven methods to mitigate potential tragedies. One crucial element is the protection of the opening between an elevator shaft and the corridor. This can be achieved through the use of properly installed fire-rated doors, which effectively limit the spread of smoke into the corridor. A fire-rated door is designed to maintain the integrity of a fire-rated enclosure in the event of a fire, providing building occupants with crucial time to safely exit the burning building.

Total Door Systems: A Legacy of Life Safety

Total Door Systems is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of commitment to life safety. The company manufactures integrated door systems that are meticulously designed with life safety compliance built directly into the system. Total Door products meet all relevant fire codes and guidelines, are BHMA-certified, sustainably manufactured with a UL EPD and UL HPD, and protected by a comprehensive warranty.

"We wanted to streamline compliance with life safety standards as much as possible," Yulkowski explains, "and offer a product that is not only effective but also environmentally responsible and beneficial to people’s well-being."

The Critical Importance of Verification and Fire-Rated Door Certifications

Architects, designers, and anyone involved in the planning or management of a high-rise building should always collaborate with an integrated door manufacturer that can provide verifiable certifications. These certifications serve as confirmation that clients are benefiting from a best-in-class integrated door solution that provides a high level of safety and protection for occupants.

It is essential to always request validation when working with Total Door or any other vendor and to understand the significant value that these certifying bodies bring to the table. Thorough verification ensures that the products being used meet the required standards and will perform as expected in a fire situation.

Industry experts can also personally witness the Total Door difference. Anyone interested is invited to visit Total Door’s award-winning facility in metro Detroit. This facility has received recognition from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and other trade organizations for its excellence in manufacturing processes and commitment to quality.

To learn more about Total Door Systems and their commitment to life safety, contact them at 800-852-6660 or visit totaldoor.com.