DOOR CLOSERS & CONTROLS
maintain equal levels of accessibility and security .
Emergency exit hardware is dissimilar in a few areas . Typically smaller devices , emergency exit hardware is often applied in buildings with less than 60 occupants or non-public buildings , where its users have prior knowledge of the building ’ s layout , its escape routes and the exit devices placed throughout them . Think office spaces and warehouses for example . In design , emergency exit devices commonly comprise of a single push pad with a rim latch or a lever handle operating a mortice escape lock or nightlatch and allow for single action egress . Where emergency exit hardware is applied , it must be certified to BS EN 179 .
Information is key As per Approved Document B , all doors located on an escape route must have suitable exit hardware installed . And so , with varied solutions available , specification teams must also consider the door in which an exit device will be fitted . Will the device be applied to single
or double doors ? What are the height and width requirements ? And does the device need anti-thrust bolts for added levels of security ? Above all , does it meet the latest fire safety standards ?
If in doubt , decision makers are urged to select door hardware devices that are tested to EN 1125 while referring to harmonised and designated standards if they feel unsure . BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 standards provide important safety and reliability details on panic hardware and emergency exit devices respectively , reviewing classification , product performance requirements , test cycles and test methods as standard . For traceability purposes , decision makers and end-users can also review the UKCA and CE marks on exit hardware to find its fire rating , certificate numbers and the manufacturer ’ s details .
Typically , dependable devices will be supplied with full product information from the manufacturer - including Declaration of Performance ( DoP ), Certifire certification and product data sheets - showing that they comply with the necessary harmonised
standards . The Code for Construction Product Information has been designed to assist people in reviewing and selecting door hardware solutions transparently and can also be referred to for clear , accurate and up-todate product information , to ensure door hardware solutions conform to the latest building standards and UKCA and CE certifications .
Similarly , when it comes to installation , teams are advised to use the support that ’ s made available by manufacturers , in the form of helpful online tools and product guides . This further helps to ensure there are no oversights made at the installation stage that could develop into life-threatening issues later down the line . Under current EN standards , it is also recommended that all of a fire door ’ s hardware devices should be supplied from the same manufacturer and tested together to ensure the full doorset remains compliant in application .
As with all other fire door hardware , there is no one-size-fits-all solution where exit hardware is concerned . Panic hardware and emergency exit hardware play crucial , but separate roles in a building ’ s evacuation routes and as such , both decision makers and end-users alike must be able to distinguish between them both . After all , it could make the difference when it comes to escape .
www . allegion . com https :// www . gov . uk / government / publications / fire-safety-approved-document-b | https :// www . cpicode . org . uk | https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / using-the-ukca-marking | https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / ce-marking
MARCH 2024
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