ALOA Business Practices and Locksmith Law 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) require regarding door hardware on accessible routes?
- Hardware must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting, and must require no more than 5 lbf to operate (Correct answer)
- Hardware must be electronic and keypad-operated
- Hardware must be installed at chair-height (18 inches AFF)
- All doors on accessible routes must have lever handles only
Correct answer: Hardware must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting, and must require no more than 5 lbf to operate
ADA Standards require accessible hardware to be operable with one hand, without tight grasp or wrist twist, and with no more than 5 pounds of force — which is why lever handles are preferred over round knobs.
Question 2: What is the primary difference between a 'commercial' and 'residential' grade lock per ANSI/BHMA ratings?
- Commercial grade (Grade 1) is tested to higher cycle counts, greater force resistance, and more stringent durability standards than residential Grade 2 or 3 (Correct answer)
- Commercial locks are larger in physical size
- Commercial locks are all electronic
- Residential locks have higher security ratings
Correct answer: Commercial grade (Grade 1) is tested to higher cycle counts, greater force resistance, and more stringent durability standards than residential Grade 2 or 3
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 (commercial) locks are tested to withstand 250,000+ cycles and higher force requirements, while Grade 2 and 3 have lower thresholds suitable for residential use.
Question 3: Which legal concept makes a locksmith potentially liable if they service a lock for an unauthorized person who then uses access to commit a crime?
- Negligence — failing to exercise reasonable care (like verifying authorization) that foreseeably leads to harm (Correct answer)
- Strict liability
- Respondeat superior
- Vicarious liability only applies to employers
Correct answer: Negligence — failing to exercise reasonable care (like verifying authorization) that foreseeably leads to harm
A locksmith can be found negligent if they fail to take reasonable steps (like verifying authorization) and a foreseeable harm results — this is why authorization verification is both ethical and legally protective.
Question 4: What is the recommended practice when a locksmith is asked to service a lock for someone claiming to be the property owner but cannot produce identification?
- Decline service until proper identification and proof of ownership or right to access can be verified (Correct answer)
- Proceed but document the interaction thoroughly
- Call police before beginning any service
- Require a cash deposit before starting work
Correct answer: Decline service until proper identification and proof of ownership or right to access can be verified
When proper ID and authorization cannot be verified, the professional and legally safe practice is to decline service until the customer can provide required documentation.
Question 5: What does 'ALOA SCTA' stand for and what is its focus?
- Safe and Vault Technicians Association — focused on safe opening, servicing, and vault technology (Correct answer)
- Security Consulting and Technology Association
- Safe Combination Technology Authority
- Secured Commercial Trade Association
Correct answer: Safe and Vault Technicians Association — focused on safe opening, servicing, and vault technology
SAVTA (Safe and Vault Technicians Association) is an ALOA affiliate focused specifically on safe and vault servicing education, certifications, and professional standards.
Question 6: What record-keeping practice is recommended for locksmiths regarding key codes and customer lock records?
- Store records securely and confidentially, share only with authorized parties, and retain records per applicable laws and business policy (Correct answer)
- Post all key codes on an online locksmith network for industry sharing
- Destroy records immediately after job completion
- Store all records in the vehicle's glove compartment for quick access
Correct answer: Store records securely and confidentially, share only with authorized parties, and retain records per applicable laws and business policy
Key codes and customer lock records are sensitive security information that must be stored securely, shared only with authorized parties, and managed per privacy laws and ALOA ethical standards.
ALOA Business Practices and Locksmith Law 2
What does ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) require regarding door hardware on accessible routes?