17100 SR 507 Exit door issues at Wal-Mart draft
December 6, 2011
Wal-Mart
17100 SR 507
Yelm, WA 98597
Attn: Chris Peasley
Re: Exit signage
Mr. Peasley,
I have received reports that during the past last Black Friday Sale
the Yelm Wal-Mart store had secured all but one exit. As this was by all reports a good sales event with an estimated 4000 customers in the store you can see the potential hazard.
Those reporting say it is common for exits to be locked during early morning hours. The locking of exit doors was called to the attention of the previous manager last January. As store
manager you should be aware of the seriousness of maintaining required exits during all hours of operation. As stated to the previous manager I am will to consider alternative methods
of securing the exit doors if security is an issue. See attached fax copy.
On my last shopping visit to the store I noted that not one of the required store front exit doors, with
keyed locks, displayed the sign “This door to remain unlocked during business hours” required per note 3 on the approved plans and the building codes in effect at the time of construction.
I have discussed this with Allen Seay, the Project Construction Manager. His advice was to contact you being responsible for the signage installation.
Please install the required
signage as noted on the attached Schedule notes, #3, by December 17, 2011. Thank you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 360-458-8407 or at garyc@ci.yelm.wa.us.
Sincerely
Gary Carlson
Building Official
Cc: Allen Seay