Who invented the panic bar?

Von Duprin
The first panic bar, made by Von Duprin, was available by 1908 in many models and configurations.

Why was the panic bar invented?

A panic bar (also known as a crash bar or exit device) is a door opening mechanism which opens a door by pushing on a bar. While originally created as a way to prevent crowd crushing in an emergency, panic bars are now used as the primary door opening mechanism in many commercial buildings.

What is the purpose of panic hardware?

Panic hardware is an emergency exit device installed on commercial doors, emergency exits, and fire doors which allows fast and easy egress. Also known as a crash bar, push bar, or panic device, this mechanism unlatches the door without the need of a key, twisting, pushing levers, or any other unlocking maneuvers.

What is the difference between panic hardware and fire exit hardware?

Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware are two different types of exit devices, and the proper selection is determined by code requirements. Panic Hardware is an exit device which is tested for use on a door that is required to have panic hardware, but cannot be used on a fire door.

When to use panic hardware on a door?

Where a door is located in the path of egress, panic hardware is often used, depending on the occupancy rating. Panic hardware is required on any door where there could be a large number of people needing exit in an emergency.

When did the first panic bar come out?

The first panic bar, made by Von Duprin, was available by 1908 in many models and configurations. In the US, building exit requirements are generally controlled by model codes such as the International Building Code and/or the NFPA Life Safety Code. Adoption of regulations varies by location and may occur at the city, county, or state level.

When was panic hardware required in building code?

In the 2000 and 2003 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), panic hardware was required on egress doors serving Educational and Assembly Occupancies with an occupant load of 100 people or more (as well as certain High Hazard occupancies).

Who was the inventor of the panic bolt?

This slowly led to the legal requirement that venues must have a minimum number of outward opening doors as well as locks which could be opened from the inside. Motivated by the Sunderland disaster, Robert Alexander Briggs (1868–1963) invented the panic bolt which was granted a UK patent on 13 August 1892.