We learned today we have 5 of these systems in our First Due, but were able to have 2 of them removed already, so we’re down to 3 that we know of. 1 is located in the Basement of a Orthodox Synagogue, 1 is located in a PRIVATE residence, which leads to a synagogue and 1 is located in an Orthodox prayer building.
The system pictured here is accessed by a ATM like machine which accepts only debit cards – credit cards – cash or a special Rabbi only access card. Once the card or cash is placed into the machine, the LCD screen changes to “OPEN” and the turn style spindle, in the middle of the cage, will free rotate counter clockwise.
We learned today, there is NO WAY to override the access machine and the Rabbi’s will not give us their special card to place in the Knox box. There is no manual “override” key or tool and this specific access system is “Non-Collapsible”
The really bad news is that these systems – collapsible or not – are not governed by FP 1 or any local NJ ordinance or building code, so if the local building department allows them to be installed by permit ( ahhh, yeah..right), then we are probably going to see them in our 200 or so synagogues and also in many of our private residences, which double as “prayer rooms”. (Again…. ahhh yeah…right)
The third picture I am attaching is to show there is an approximate 16″ opening to get through the cage. If a FF has PPE on and SCBA (which we would anyway for a basement or entering the interior), then there is absolutely no way we will fit either IN or OUT. This is a real concern.
We did learn that the center spindle turn style will free rotate 360 if the power is interrupted or cut off to the 3 systems we know of. (The only silver lining here), thus anyone who is on the other side of the access system should be able to go back through to escape.
The system is bolted into concrete flooring with surface flush bolts.
The other bad news is twofold: (1) This system is hidden behind a door. If you were unfamiliar with the building, then there is no way you would think there is a Mikva behind the door, let alone the unique access system. In NJ at least, Mikva’s do not have to be placarded or labeled.
The second part of the bad news is that unless you have a reciprocating saw or a rotary saw, our lovely Orthodox Community is placing “fake” “Emergency Access” tools and boxes near these systems to make the local building inspectors believe there is a manual override. The tools and boxes are a decoy.
Our local building department is going to allow these if there is an alternate exit with 6′ of the installed system and if the system is “collapsible” similar to a revolving door or panic hardware door. Right now, the one pictured is a stand alone as the closest door is double keyed locked and blocked by a built – in bench.
Again, just a pass-along as these will probably be very, very popular in a very short period of time in our First Due. Again, we have 50,000 Orthodox come in and out of town every single day and have well over 200 Synagogues and Prayer Rooms in buildings. Since our building department has allowed the residential system to stay, I would imagine our 1,000 Rabbi’s who are in town, will be installing them as well.
