What are the laws for locks on a home for menatlly ill?

[corey2444]

I may have a job to master key an apartment complex that's being turned into a group home for mentally ill.

24 units are being turned into 3 thru 5 bedrooms in each unit maximize occupancy. Front door and each bedroom need keyed entry locks. I've counted 148 locks total.

The CEO of this non-profit wants me to use the existing Kwiksets and buy the cheapest kwikset knockoffs for the doors they'll be adding. I know in a normal apartment complex this is no problem, but with mentally ill people I may need grade 2? No grade 2 in kwikset though. The problem with this is he wants a special deadbolt that can be locked (but not unlocked) without a key from the outside. Unfortunately, this special deadbolt is only sold in kwikset that I can find. I'm hoping kwikset will work. If not I have to go schlage grade 2 and find a solution to that keyless locking deadbolt.

[corey2444]

Oh, and I wanted to say access control is not a solution due to lack of funding.

[MacGyver101]

I'm not sure of the answer as to legality... but, for those who might know, it would help to know what city (or at least what country) this project's taking place in. Building and Fire Codes vary a lot from place to place, in terms of what's allowed and what's not.

[corey2444]

I'm not sure of the answer as to legality... but, for those who might know, it would help to know what city (or at least what country) this project's taking place in. Building and Fire Codes vary a lot from place to place, in terms of what's allowed and what's not.

Sorry, it's Phoenix Az. I know building/fire codes pretty much mirror each other in the U.S.

[mtcrowe]

Not sure about fire codes in your area. I'm in KY and here it is a slippery slope when dealing with locks around the mentally ill.

First, you need to meet ADA guildlines. Second, if the residents are "high-risk" then you have to use locks that don't have protruding areas that can be used to tie a noose too. Also, I would refuse to use grade 3 on the doors. They tend to take a lot of abuse, and grade 2 is a must. Not to mention you can only get true ADA compliant locks in Grade 2 or 1.

What I use for the mentally ill floor of the local hospital is Marks USA Hospital Push/Pull locksets with double cylinder deadbolts.

[maintenanceguy]

grade won't matter.

The requirements of the Dept of Health, Local Fire Marshal, and whoever else regulates this specific type of group home will matter.

The group home administrator is probably licensed (would be required to be in all states near me) and should know the specific requirements or where to find them.

Don't do it your way. Find out the rules and follow the rules. Your customer will not be happy when the 148 locks you installed fail some agencies group home licensing inspection.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I'll help you out with your lock options, which seem to be the least of your worries. LSDA and a number of manufacturers sell quality, generic locks that are available in popular keyways (such as KW1) and adhere to Grade 1 and 2 standards. They won't cost you an arm and leg (~$10 a lock, that's your cost).

Good luck.

[Gozzo]

Does anyone know where i can find the same information for, Queensland Australia.?
Thanks.