Can extended code classes open new markets for locksmiths?

The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) has been holding a convention in the Orlando/Kissimmee area for the last two weeks. I went mainly to find some answers about the fire and life safety code classes taught by the institute.

Code knowledge is an important topic since it’s just good business sense for locksmiths who do commercial work. No one wants to be responsible for someone’s death or injury due to improper hardware they installed.

In addition, state legislators developing locksmith laws have been including continuing education classes and specifying classes in fire and life safety codes knowledge.

DHI’s Director of Technical Services Keith E. Pardoe wrote a guide for AHJs (Authority Having Jurisdiction) entitled, Swinging Fire Doors with Builder’s Hardware. In it he writes that codes are documents designed to ensure buildings are constructed and properly maintained to protect the lives and property of occupants in all types of facilities, be it residential, commercial, industrial, institutional or recreational.

DHI offers a separate certification to become a fire door assembly inspector (FDAI) in a program that encourages annual inspections. Based on an 80-point inspection requirement, DHI provides those who complete the class with an Inspection Report form to use when doing inspections. Building owners will be able to keep the paperwork on file to show they are in compliance with code requirements.

Pardoe, who I had the opportunity to interview at the convention, believes it would be a good fit for locksmiths. After all, who better to first alert a customer to a fire and life safety issue than a locksmith instead of any number of AHJs including building or fire inspectors or code enforcement officers?

According to Pardoe, only about 5 or 6 locksmiths per year out of 600 annual participants take any of their classes. Those who do generally take classes related to electrified hardware instead of a code class. DHI’s 24-hour class Using Codes and Standards cost $1,050 for members and $1,305 for non-members. The fire door assembly inspector class costs $2245 for members and $2745 for non-members. Prerequisites to taking the class are 4 other DHI courses. Initial membership in DHI for individuals is about $500 for various fees, but only $250 per year to renew.

The least expensive way for commercial locksmiths to obtain this necessary knowledge is through a local locksmith association. Local associations can contact Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) Education Coordinator Kerry Eppler to set up their 8-hour code training session. Eppler said ALOA acts as a liaison for locksmith associations by providing qualified trainers and materials. When asked about pricing, she said, ALOA charges the association for the trainer’s fee, plus travel and accommodations and course materials. Prices can vary according to those expenses. The locksmith association, in turn, sets the price for the course contingent upon what ALOA charges and any other expenses the association may incur such as renting facilities, etc. Eppler gave an example of an upcoming 8-hour fire and life safety course for the New Mexico Locksmith Association. The class costs $150 for members ($170 for non-members), plus $45 for the book.

ALOA’s 8-hour class no doubt meets the necessary criteria for continuing education and knowledge that an average commercial locksmith would need. Pardoe’s mention, however, of the FDAI certification may open up an untapped market for locksmiths who invest the time and money to acquire the certification.

For more information about DHI’s programs, go to http://www.dhi.org/. For more information about ALOA’s programs, go to http://www.aloa.org/.