403.5.3 Stairway door operation.
BC § 403.5.3
Doors opening into interior stair enclosures shall not be locked from either side. However, a door locked from the stair side may be permitted provided that such door is equipped with an automatic fail safe system for opening in the event of the activation of any automatic fire detection system, or when any elevator recall is activated, or when any signal is received from the fire command center. Such door shall be deemed as openable from the stair side. Stair reentry signs shall be posted throughout the stairway indicating that reentry is provided only during fire emergencies. Such signs shall be in accordance with Section 1031.4.2. Exception: In schools classified as Group E occupancies that require "lockdown drills" as per Section 807 of the New York State Education Law, stairway egress doors from occupied spaces are permitted to be locked from the side opposite the egress side for the duration of the lockdown drill, provided they are openable from the occupied side for egress and are unlocked upon directions from the school administrative personnel following the completion of the lockdown drill.
