The Builders Hardware Manufactures Association (BHMA) says education and inspections are essential for assuring a safe egress for building occupants during emergencies.

"Products and technology exists to allow safe egress while also preventing unauthorized access," said Ralph Vasami, director of codes and regulatory affairs for BHMA. "Tragic incidents emphasize the necessity for codes and for vigilance on the part of building owners and managers in safeguarding means of egress."

BHMA says it is in support of having door inspections and maintenance requirements included in building codes. It also proactively promotes ANSI/BHMA standards that pertain to proper operation of fire doors and doors in the means of egress.

"The task of inspecting all means of egress from every building in the country is enormous-no one agency can be expected to do it all," said Vasami. "As such, it is necessary to develop simple inspection procedures for building owners to follow.

For that small percentage of owners and managers that will not bring their properties up to code, enforceable building codes must be in place."