Is panic hardware required on exit doors?

Keep in mind that when an application requires panic hardware, all of the doors in the means of egress from that room or area will typically require panic hardware, including the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.

Can you lock panic hardware?

Panic hardware must be mounted at a certain height: between 34 and 48 inches above the floor or threshold of the building. No other locking devices – including chains and padlocks – can be used on exit doors with panic hardware.

How do you unlock panic exit doors?

The most common way to “dog down” or place the exit device in the unlocked mode is by pushing the bar, inserting and turning a “dogging key” into a hole on the interior bar of the exit device. The dogging key is commonly a hexagonal or “hex” key like the picture.

What is emergency exit locking device?

How does emergency exit hardware work? Like any similar exit to a door, typically they are in a bar format meaning that the bar is pressed down and allows for quick unlocking of the door for a quick escape. Features and benefits: Immediate exit in emergency situations. Provide security against any unauthorised entry.

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

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. Since fire doors require positive-latching, fire exit hardware does not incorporate mechanical dogging.

What are the requirements for an emergency exit?

Normally, a workplace must have at least two exit routes to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. More than two exits are required, however, if the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow employees to evacuate safely.

How does a panic exit device work?

Panic hardware is a door component that was designed to allow fast and unencumbered exit from a doorway. You simply push a rod, a bar or other activator, the latch mechanism is retracted and you are able to push the door open.

Can you lock an emergency exit door?

Most building codes do not allow for additional locks to be placed on doors with a panic bar or emergency exit device. Placing a chain or latch on the door in order to lock it is a violation of most building codes.

What is exit hardware?

Answer: An exit device is the general term for panic hardware, a panic device, or fire exit hardware. An exit device may be of the touchpad, crossbar, or recessed style, and it’s characterized by an actuating mechanism that spans at least half the width of the door.

Why do you need a panic lock for emergency exits?

When a panic lock is used on emergency exits, it will have a spring-loaded metal bar fixed horizontally on the inside of the door. When the lever is pressed, it activates a mechanism that unlocks the door. Pushing on the bar will release the lock, making it easy to push the door outward and escape to the outside.

What is the difference between a panic bar and an exit device?

Panic hardware, also known as an exit device, panic bar, crash bar, touch bar or push bar, is designed to provide building occupants fast and easy egress in an emergency. Exit Devices unlock doors opening to the outside during emergency conditions.

Are there locks and exit signs for emergency exits?

Clarification on locks and exit signs for emergency exits. NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

Can a panic lock be used on a fire door?

If a panic lock is used on a fire door, it must include fire exit hardware and be clearly labeled as a fire exit, stating, “Fire Door to be Equipped with Fire Exit Hardware.” Fire exit hardware is different in that it has a “dogging” mechanism that locks into place to prevent the spread of fire.