Ind. Code § 22-11-17-2 – Obstruction of exits; special egress control device; inoperative fire alarms; unplanned fire alarm activation

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and
(d) and section 2.5 of this chapter, an owner of a public building shall not permit an exit to be locked or obstructed in any manner that denies the public a continuous and unobstructed means of egress while lawfully occupied by anyone who is not an officer or an employee.
(b) The commission may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that:
1. (1) allow the owner of a public building to equip an exit with a special egress control device;
2. (2) limit the circumstances under which a special egress control device may be used; and
3. (3) allow an exit that was in compliance with the rules of the commission when the exit was constructed to be equipped with a special egress control device.
(c) An owner of a public building shall not permit a fire alarm to be disconnected or otherwise rendered inoperative, except in cases of routine maintenance or for repair.
(d) A school that has one (1) or more employees may barricade or block a door for a period not to exceed three (3) minutes in the event of an unplanned fire alarm activation in order for a designated school official to investigate the alarm. The school must initiate evacuation and safety procedures after the three (3) minute period expires. However, the period may be extended in the event that an active shooter has been verified to be on the school's property.
As added by Acts 1982, P.L.140, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.169-1996, SEC.2; P.L.211-2018(ss), SEC.14.