What is the general minimum force (in kg-f) that must be applied to any door or hardware to operate such a device according to RA 9514?

According to RA 9514, which is the Fire Code of the Philippines, there is a specification regarding the minimum force required to operate doors and hardware in certain conditions. The law aims to ensure accessibility and safety, particularly in emergency situations.

The correct answer, which states that a minimum force of 7 kg-f must be applied to operate any door or hardware, reflects the need to balance ease of access and safety. This standard ensures that doors can be opened without excessive force, accommodating individuals with varying strength, including those with disabilities or the elderly.

Setting this requirement at 7 kg-f is seen as sufficient to ensure that doors remain secure and reliable while still being operable by the majority of people. The specification also supports the efficient flow of people in an emergency, where quick access is critical.

In the context of the options presented, several values under 7 kg-f may not provide enough confidence in ensuring safety and accessibility, while any value over 7 kg-f would increase the difficulty of operation unnecessarily. Thus, 7 kg-f is established as the standard minimum requirement for door operation according to RA 9514.