How BHMA Brings Clarity to Complex Codes

BHMA plays a critical role in shaping the building codes that affect commercial doors and hardware—especially for locksmiths, code officials, and security professionals. Behind the scenes, the association works to ensure that codes governing locking mechanisms, exit devices, and door operations reflect current safety standards and industry realities. As the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain builders hardware performance standards, BHMA brings deep technical insight to every phase of the code-making journey. 
 
Initial Concept 
Creating new building code language or revising existing standards is a multi-year process. Proposals for upcoming editions, such as the 2027 International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), are submitted years in advance and undergo multiple rounds of discussion and review. Many of BHMA’s proposed updates stem from real-world challenges reported by its members, especially when code language is unclear or inconsistently applied. These insights are gathered through regular committee meetings and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. Each proposal is carefully crafted to improve safety, usability, and clarity—often taking years from initial concept to final adoption. 

Making Codes Understandable and Practical 
To make complex requirements easier to understand, BHMA publishes a resource series called Codes in Context. These one-page summaries break down changes in each code cycle and explain their practical impact on doors and hardware. For example, the 2024 edition clarified language around bolt locks by introducing new definitions and a visual table, reducing ambiguity. Other updates aligned locking system standards with commonly used UL certifications and ensured that panic hardware installations met stricter safety conditions. 
 
These clarifications matter and are an important initiative for BHMA. By refining code language, BHMA helps prevent misinterpretation, reduces unnecessary enforcement, and ensures professionals can confidently meet code requirements. 

Looking Ahead to 2027 
The 2027 IBC will reflect several BHMA-driven changes, including updated requirements for school safety. One key proposal mandates that classroom and exterior doors must be lockable to protect against unauthorized entry—turning a previous recommendation into a requirement. This reflects modern safety expectations and aligns with best practices in school design today. 

To learn more about the BHMA’s code-making process, read Locksmith Ledger’s article featuring BHMA’s Director of Codes, John Woestman: https://www.locksmithledger.com/electronics-access-control/article/55252361/codes-in-context  

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