By Barsha Bhattacharya
Panic hardware and exit devices are some of the most critical features in building safety today. To work towards ensuring regulatory compliance, security, and safety for occupants in case of any emergency, facility managers need to understand how these systems work.
In this article, I will discuss what panic hardware is, the types of exit devices, compliance, and more.
Understanding Panic Hardware
Panic hardware, also known as a crash bar or push bar, allows fast exit by depressing a horizontal bar.
Such devices are commonplace on exit doors in schools, offices, and other places of public assembly. Minimizing congestion and confusion when a large group of people must exit all at once is inherent in this design.
Many models come with alarmed exits and weather-resistant features, among other electronically compatible features.
An example of an Alarmed Exit Device is the detex eax 500, which alerts the staff about unauthorized opening of a door for better safety and security.
Key Regulations And Compliance
Building codes and life safety codes dictate the types of panic hardware available for doors.
In this way, exits are able to be more accessible and operable during a stressful situation. Facility managers must verify that all appropriate doors meet both local and national requirements.
Regular inspections also help confirm that panic devices function properly. A sticking door, a broken latch, or an alarm that has been disconnected are very serious safety hazards. Documentation of such inspections is many times required during compliance audits.
Types Of Exit Devices
There are various categories of exit devices because of the mechanism and mounting style that are usable with various door materials and traffic levels.
1. Panic Bars (Crash Bars)
They are horizontal bars mounted across doors and are the most common form of panic hardware.
Pressing on these bars will disengage, lock the mechanism, and open the door. These are suitable for high-traffic places such as hospitals, schools, and offices.
2. Vertical Rod Panic Exit Devices
This is a panic hardware exit device that consists of a vertical rod used for securing doors from the top and bottom. When you press, the rod disengages and opens the door.
These rods are quite common for double and large doors, often for places such as high-security areas and commercial places.
3. Touch Bars
The touch bars are quite similar to the panic bars that get activated with just a touch instead of a full strength push. Sleek in design, they offer a sleeker and less intrusive design.
These rods are especially suited for design-conscious spaces, such as high-end offices and museums..
4. Push/Pull Panic Exit Devices
These are the devices that let you open the doors just by pushing a bar or pulling a handle. They can also be used for doors that are open inwards or outwards. These exit devices will be best fitted for small venues and areas that have limited space.
5. Electromagnetic Panic Exit Devices
Such systems are integrated with electronic approach control and automatically release the lock in cases of emergency, generally through fire alarms.
They are in common usage for high-security areas such as hospitals, secure facilities, and government buildings.
The Adams Rite 8400 Series Exit Device is a popular mortise style exit device used on narrow stile or metal doors. Its heavy-duty construction makes it suitable for heavy commercial service.
Practices In Maintenance And Testing
Routine maintenance ensures that panic hardware will function as expected during an emergency event. Facility staff should check that the panic hardware operates smoothly, mount securely, and the label remains intact. Moving parts should be lubricated to prevent wear and corrosion.
Testing shall include manual operation and, when fitted, electronic monitoring systems. Alarmed units like the detex eax 500 require battery checks and alarm function tests, too. Any defect is to be repaired without delay to maintain compliance and occupant safety.
Integration With Access Control Systems
Most facilities achieve a balance between security needs and safety with panic devices that have access control.
Electric latch retraction or delayed egress functions permit controlled entry while maintaining free egress in emergency situations. The configurations must be carefully done to avoid obstructing the evacuation routes.
Selection of an exit device shall be based upon, but not limited to the following: door type, volume of traffic, and environmental considerations such as moisture and temperature changes.
Products like the Adams Rite 8400 series offer flexibility both mechanically and electronically to meet most security applications.
Training And Awareness
Even the best hardware will malfunction or fail if the staff is unfamiliar with its operation. Facility managers should train the staff in the use of panic bars, recognition of faults, and quick reporting.
Regular drills reinforce proper evacuation procedures and make sure that all employees know how to get out safely.
Understanding and maintaining panic hardware protects life, supports compliance, and protects property. And by paying consistent attention to details, the facility manager can be assured these important systems will be reliable when needed most.
Where Do We Make Use Of Panic Door Hardware?
The hardware of panic doors is indispensable at places where large numbers of people are present and where safety during emergencies is a high priority.
It is applied to numerous applications: public buildings, commercial spaces, healthcare institutions, schools, sports complexes, and residential buildings.
Panic door systems prevent bottlenecks, injuries, and the loss of life in emergencies through fast and secure egress.
It is basically Panic door hardware is typically mounted between 34 and 48 inches above the floor. Life is Necessary So go out With Caution.
To Sum Up!
Panic door hardware has now become an important component of the total safety and security amidst emergencies in most modern buildings.
Among these are panic bars, vertical rod devices, touch bars, and electromagnetic exit devices; all these systems provide a sure means of escape that will allow for quick and uninhibited egress from any crisis situation-a fire, earthquake, or other emergency.
Their ease of operation is generally by push, thus allowing universal access, including for disabled and stressed individuals. These systems are constructed to be highly durable and low-maintenance to provide long life and reliability in high-traffic areas.
By promoting crowd control and minimizing injuries, panic door hardware remains a cornerstone in the field of public safety and adherence to fire and building codes. Its potential to save lives and reduce liability makes it a vital partner in creating safer environments around the world.
