Panic and emergency escape hardware

Panic and emergency escape hardware covers a range of devices installed on escape doors to enable rapid evacuation of a building. Here’s a run-through of some of the most common questions around panic and emergency escape hardware, as well as their answers

What is the purpose of CE marking?

The purpose of CE marking is to testify 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 marketed in the EU must feature the CE mark. 

As of 1st January 2023, following Brexit, the CE mark is no longer recognised in Great Britain and all new products must instead carry the UKCA mark.

Can emergency escape doors be locked?

The need to lock emergency escape doors from the outside is the reason why emergency hardware and panic hardware exist. Both are designed to enable building users to escape through doors that are otherwise locked from the outside to prevent entry into the building.

Is it ever legal to lock a fire door or an emergency door?

Fire doors and emergency doors generally serve a different purpose. Panic and emergency exit devices should not be locked or blocked whilst the building is occupied.

Fire doors can be locked, as long as they do not also serve as an escape route door.

An emergency escape door, however, 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. It can only be locked from the outside, and must always be operated from the inside. As such panic and emergency exit devices are the legally required solution to escape doors that need to be locked.

 

Where is escape hardware required?

Escape hardware is required where it is necessary to prevent unauthorised entry but nevertheless needs to provide an escape route to building users. It:

  •  Should be designed to provide safe and effective escape through a doorway
  • Must allow for one single action to release the device
  • Must be tested and certified to the relevant standard (EN 179 for emergency hardware and EN 1125 for panic hardware)

Can I fit escape hardware to inward opening doors?

While it is not possible to install Panic (EN 1125) hardware to inward-opening doors., it is possible to fit Emergency (EN 179) hardware.

We offer several solutions that are ideal for this, including the Exidor 733L/30 lever-operated three point emergency exit bolt, and the ASSA ABLOY 4596 euro profile operation paddle handle.

Can an exit door also be used as an entry door?

Yes, as long as it features a form of access from the outside. Outside access devices (OADs) are designed to give lockable entry from the outside of a door secured by panic or emergency exit hardware.

Most often OADs are operated either by a knob or lever. Installing our lever operated devices can help meet the requirements of BS 8300 for barrier free access and offer easier operation. However, knobs are generally more difficult to abuse so can be more suited to exposed locations. It is critical that any OAD is tested and certified for use with the internal hardware, otherwise it will invalidate its compliance.

Can I use master key cylinders?

If the cylinder is correctly specified, there is no reason why panic exit devices cannot be part of a master key system. This can be done by using 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.

Another option is to use electronic access control systems such as a digital keypad, card or fob reader which can be used to operate our Exidor 400 Series Electronic Latch retraction range Touchbars.

Can I add or replace escape hardware?

Yes, but 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 outside access device unless it has been tested with the internal hardware.