Panic escape hardware – your questions answered
Can emergency escape doors be locked?
Yes. In fact, the need to lock emergency escape doors is the reason why emergency hardware and panic hardware exist. Both are created to enable building users to escape through doors that are otherwise locked.
Is it ever legal to lock a fire door or an emergency door?
Fire doors and emergency doors must not be locked or fastened in a way that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may need to use them in an emergency.
Simply put, whilst the building is occupied, both panic and emergency exit devices should not be locked or blocked. Otherwise, escape doors can only be locked from the outside, and must always be operated from the inside.
Fire doors, however, can be locked, provided they do not also serve as an escape route door.
What is panic hardware?
Panic hardware is an escape device that features an activation bar that covers at least 60% of a door face. When the bar is pushed, the mechanism retracts the latches or bolts holding the door shut and the door swings open to enable escape. Panic exit devices, tested to EN1125, are a legal requirement for use in public access areas as they are very easy to use without any prior knowledge.
Emergency hardware, on the other hand, is an escape device operated by a small pad, paddle, or handle. When the device is operated, the mechanism releases the latches or bolts holding the door shut. Due to the small contact point that will release the door, emergency exit devices, which are tested to EN 179, are intended for use in restricted areas where all users are familiar with the building layout and know how to use the hardware. They are also for buildings that are used by fewer than 60 occupants.
Where is escape hardware required?
Escape hardware is required where it is necessary to stop unauthorised entry but additionally needs to provide an escape route to building users. It:
· Must provide a safe and effective escape through a doorway
· Should allow for a single action to release the device
· Must be tested and certified to the relevant standard (EN 179 for emergency escape hardware and EN 1125 for panic hardware)
Is panic hardware required on exit doors?
Whether you use panic hardware or emergency hardware on a door depends on a number of factors. See the question and answer below for more information.
What is the difference between panic and emergency hardware?
Panic hardware (covered by EN 1125) is an escape device that features an activation bar that covers at least 60% of a door face. When the bar is pushed, the mechanism retracts the latches or bolts holding the door shut and the door swings open to enable escape. Panic exit devices are a legal requirement for use in public access areas as they are very easy to use without any prior knowledge.
Emergency hardware (covered by EN 179) is an escape device operated by a small pad, paddle, or handle. When the device is operated, the mechanism releases the latches or bolts holding the door shut. Due to the small contact point that will release the door, emergency exit devices are intended for use in restricted areas where all users are familiar with the building layout and know how to use the hardware. They are also for buildings that are used by fewer than 60 occupants.
If there is any uncertainty about final application and/or users, specify a panic exit device to meet EN 1125.
What is the purpose of CE marking?
The purpose of CE marking is to certify that a product has been assessed by an independent third party and deemed to meet the EU standards for ability to escape and/or fire door usage. All products produced and marketed for the EU must feature the CE mark.
As of 1st January 2023, following Brexit, the CE mark will no longer be recognised in Great Britain, and all new products must carry the UKCA mark instead.
Can an exit door also be used as an entry door?
That is possible, as long as it features a form of access from the outside. This is called an outside access device (OAD), which are designed to give lockable entry from the outside of a door secured by panic or emergency exit hardware.
Most often OADs are either operated by a knob or a lever. Installing one of our lever-operated devices can help meet the requirements of BS 8300 for barrier-free access and offer easier operation. However, as knobs are traditionally more difficult to abuse so can be more suited to exposed locations. It is critical that any outside access device is tested and certified for use with the internal hardware, otherwise, it won’t be compliant.
Can I use a fire exit as a normal door?
Yes, as long as it complies with the regulations for fire doors (including how it is opened from the inside and how well-signposted it is), and is never blocked.
Can I add or replace escape hardware?
Yes, that is possible, however, it is important to ensure that any replacement hardware has been tested and certified together with the internal hardware. Failure to do this will mean the door is non-compliant. For example, you cannot replace an OAD unless it has been tested with the internal hardware.
