PANIC HARDWARE
Adam D ’ Arcy-Wass at Allegion UK speaks to The Locksmith Journal on Panic Hardware
1 . What are the differences between panic and emergency exit hardware ?
In an emergency , the evacuation of a building and its people is paramount . As such , the act of evacuation must remain as simple as possible , and when it comes to fire doors and their hardware , users must be able to open and exit doors , quickly , safely and with ease .
With that in mind , it is crucial that the appropriate panic or emergency exit hardware is specified and installed on the correct doors , taking into consideration the type of building , application , occupation levels and where the door is placed in the building .
Emergency exit hardware is typically used in buildings that are not accessible to the public , where its users are familiar with exit routes - commonly offices and private premises for example . Exit devices are often simple push or pull pads , or a lever handle operating a mortice escape lock or nightlatch . These mechanisms provide immediate exit in emergency situations without the need to use a key .
Panic exit hardware on the other hand is used in buildings of public access , where users may be unfamiliar with exit routes - hospitals , hotels and theatres for example . The rule also applies to any building that has more than 60 occupants or visitors . Doors that are accessible to the public must be fitted with a device that covers at least 60 % of the width of the door itself as this helps to provide a safe and effective escape with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of its operation .
2 . What are the performance standards ?
BS EN 179 specifies requirements for the manufacture , performance and testing of emergency exit devices that are mechanically operated by a lever handle or a push pad for the purpose of achieving a safe exit under an emergency situation on escape routes . Devices used for trained personnel on emergency exit doors should be CE marked to BS EN 179 .
Comparably , BS EN 1125 specifies requirements for the manufacture , performance and testing of panic exit devices operated by a horizontal push bar or touch bar designed for us in a panic situation on escape routes . The devices used on panic exit doors used by the public should be CE marked to BS EN 1125 .
Both standards provide details on product types , classification by use , test cycles , door mass and corrosion resistance - as well as definitions , product performance requirements , test apparatus , test methods and the marking of products .
3 . What is your advice to Locksmiths that have been asked to repair or replace broken panic and emergency hardware ? i . e . should they replace like-for-like or same-brand ? And how to avoid common mistakes when fitting panic and emergency hardware ?
For those tasked with repairing damaged panic and emergency hardware , we advise beginning with a full evaluation of its condition . Many devices , such as our own , are supplied with manufacturer ’ s instructions and guidance , but should any doubt still linger after evaluation , it ’ s important to seek out professional advice immediately .
With replacement products , check that the product is CE marked to BS EN 179 or BS EN 1125 and fits the same footprint as the previous device . It ’ s also preferable that additional certification is provided by an approved third-party certification body .
4 . What options are available for single / double rebated doors / double nonrebated doors ?
Within our portfolio , we offer a complete range of trusted panic and emergency exit hardware solutions , including push bar , touch bar , push pads and lever handles - each ideal for timber and steel doors .
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NOVEMBER 2023
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