FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Harry Schmitz Sumner Rider & Associates 212-297-2128 or Mike Tierney Standards Coordinator BHMA 860-533-9382

New BHMA / ANSI Standard A156.29

NEW YORK, NY -- The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) announces a new ANSI / BMHA A156.29 American National Standard for Exit Locks, Exit Locks with Exit Alarms. Exit Alarms, Alarms for Exit Devices for the safety and security of building occupants.

Developed by BHMA, the new standard was approved by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on November 20, 2001.

ANSI / BHMA A156.29 incorporates revisions of parts of A156.5 Auxiliary Locks. In effect, A156.29 is a "spin off" from A156.5 in recognition of the increased importance of locks, alarms and other devices that control egress from a building.

The building hardware products described in A156.29 directly affect building security and the safety of building occupants. A separate standard for these product categories is expected to facilitate the development of policies with respect to safety and security and the adoption of ANSI / BMHA standards in building codes.

"The performance of the apparently contradictory functions of allowing for rapid egress while thwarting unlawful intrusion requires locks, alarms and other devices specifically designed for these purposes," said Mike Tierney, BHMA standards coordinator. "Heightened interest in security and safety has spurred the recognition and adoption of a separate standard for these product categories."

The standard establishes general requirements as well as operational tests and finish tests for these products. In addition, it gives descriptions and type numbers of exit locks and exit alarms.

Revisions include increased performance requirements with respect to the recommended tests and a slam test not part of the earlier standards has been added. Testing of products in accordance with this standard allows for certification to the ANSI / BHMA standard to be established by third party testing laboratories.

For more information, or to purchase copies of the ANSI/BHMA A156.29 Standard, please visit the web site at www.buildershardware.com. Purchased standards are available as printed documents or as electronic files (PDF) for immediately downloading from the web site. You can also order standards by phone by calling 800-699-9277.

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