Planning for an emergency

Rob Adams, technical manager at ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, highlights some of the key considerations that must be made when specifying panic and emergency exit hardware. 

In an emergency, such as a fire, the evacuation of a building needs to be as simple as possible for all involved. It is essential that building users can open doors easily and find their way to the exits so that everyone can leave safely. Architectural ironmongery plays a vital role in this, meaning getting the specification right is key. The building’s type, application, its occupation levels, and where it is in the building must all be considered as to whether panic or emergency exit hardware is required.  

Emergency exit hardware is only used when building users are familiar with exit routes, such as private premises including offices and warehouses, and where the building is not accessible to the general public. Devices for emergency exits could be a simple push pad type device, or a lever handle that operates a mortice escape lock or nightlatch.    

Meanwhile, panic hardware is used in buildings where members of the public have access to the building but may not be familiar with the exit routes; for example in hotels, hospitals, stadiums and cinemas. This also applies to any building that has more than 60 people in it.  

Any doors in areas that are accessible to the public must have a device fitted that is operable by a horizontal bar covering at least 60% of the overall door width. As well as being easier to see and use from an accessibility point of view, it adds another layer of safety functionality in the event of an emergency.  

Performance standards 

When it comes to panic or emergency exit hardware, there are two British and European Standards to be aware of when planning the necessary door hardware for a building. These standards, which are British adoptions of European standards listed as ‘BS EN’, specify the requirements for product manufacture, performance and testing: 

• Emergency exit hardware: BS EN 179:2008 applies to type A (lever handle operated emergency device) and type B (push pad operated emergency device). 

• Panic hardware: BS EN 1125:2008 applies to type A (push bar panic bolts) and type B (touch bar panic bolts).  

Both standards require the following markings to be visible on the product when fitted: the manufacturer’s name or trademark or other means of positive identification; an identification number of the certification body; and a CE/UKCA mark. There are also markings which must be visible before fitting: the number and year of the European standard; the full classification code for the product; and the month and year of final assembly by the manufacturer, which can be in a coded form. 

Security and accessibility  

Any additional functions, such as the need for enhanced security and accessibility in the building, must also be considered at the specification stage. This is because these factors will dictate the type of device required. To deliver a basic level of functionality and a standard level of security, a door may only require a device with a panic latch passage function. However, if there is an additional security requirement, a panic bolt device would normally be recommended.   

A panic bolt has a vertical rod to suit the door height and has locating bolts that go into the floor and the top of the door frame each time the door closes, providing two locking points in total, instead of just one with a panic latch.   

There is an ongoing need for panic and emergency exit doors on commercial buildings to also be accessible from the outside. For this, an Outside Access Device is used. It can be locked to stop manual attack of the device and prevent illegal entry to the building.  

Follow installation guidance 

Not all panic and emergency exit hardware devices are the same, so it is crucial that the hardware is fitted correctly to the manufacturer’s instructions, as this is potentially lifesaving hardware. Getting it wrong could, in a worst-case scenario, result in harm to building occupants. A pocket guide summarising everything you need to know about panic and emergency exit hardware is available to download from the HOPPE website.   

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