Controlled egress and Delayed egress are different concepts. When an egress is “controlled”, occupants of the building can only egress when permitted to by those in charge. Delayed egress systems are door locking systems that prevent a door from opening immediately when egress is attempted during a non-emergency situation.

Controlled egress is permitted in Institutional (Group I) occupancy types. Group I occupancies are described in Section 308.1 of the IBC as:

The use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, in which care or supervision is provided to persons who are or are not capable of self-preservation without physical assistance or in which persons are detained for penal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted.

Delayed egress can be beneficial and is permitted in many occupancy types:

• In business and mercantile type occupancies, delayed egress systems may be installed on doors to discourage shoplifting.
• In healthcare facilities, delayed egress can alert medical staff to a patient attempting to leave the facility.
• In educational and childcare facilities, delayed egress systems may deter child abductions.
• At airports, doors leading to secured areas may be equipped with delayed egress to provide an additional measure of security.

According to IBC 1010.1.9.8.1, in a Delayed egress system, signs are required as follows:

For doors that swing in the direction of egress, the sign shall be installed above and within 12 inches of the door exit hardware and read:

PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS.

It is important to know where controlled egress and delayed egress systems are permitted by code in order to properly advise potential clients seeking advice on methods to tighten security.

Below is a sample of the IBC. See the actual IBC text at ICCSAFE.ORG for the complete code section.

1010.1.9.7 Controlled egress doors in Groups I-1 and I-2. Electric locking systems, including electromechanical locking systems and electromagnetic locking systems, shall be permitted to be locked in the means of egress in Group I-1 or I-2 occupancies where the clinical needs of persons receiving care require their containment…