The Importance of a Panic Bar for the Safety of Your Building: Everything You Need to Know

An establishment that welcomes the public must comply with numerous safety standards. The use of panic bars or fire doors is one of the requirements in this area. Discover the usefulness of this device as well as the related legal provisions.

Definition of a Panic Bar

Thepanic baris a lock that allows a door to be opened at any time and, above all, by anyone, with a simple push. Even if the door is locked from the outside, the panic bar allows it to be opened from the inside to evacuate hospitals, shopping centers, or any other establishment open to the public.

The panic bar is a system that is essential in certainemergency situations. Think in particular of cases of fire, serious technical incidents, terrorist attacks, etc.

The occupants of the building can leave easily. This helps reduce the dangers associated with evacuation and crowd movement. The panic bar is an ideal solution because it ensures that no one is trapped inside an establishment.

The panic bar is installed on emergency exit doors within buildings that receive the public. Some private establishments are also equipped with the device.

Description of a Panic Bar

The device takes the form of a bar that is placed across the width of the door. The panic bar is positioned at hand height to be easily accessible. To activate it, simply push the system for the door to open.

The device comes in two models:

• The tilting bar is parallel to the door. You just need to tilt it downwards for the door to open.

• The push bar is embedded in the door. A simple push opens it.

The door must be able to be pushed open effortlessly. A child or a person with a disability must be able to open it. Ease of opening is essential. It is important that the device can be opened while withstanding strong pressure caused by a panic movement. Otherwise, the panic bar would become an obstacle to evacuation, which is not acceptable.

The panic bar is available in several security levels. It can lock access from the outside to prevent intrusions. Depending on the building and the sector of activity, insurance companies may require a lock with a specific number of locking points.

There are also electric panic bars. They have an electric strike that allows the device to be opened remotely. The door can still be easily opened when pushed.

Regulations Related to Panic Bars

Panic bars must be installed in ERP: Establishments Receiving the Public. These include shops, hotels, restaurants, schools, administrative buildings, theaters, etc.

Certain safety standards are associated with the use of these panic bars. The main one isstandard EN 1125. It concerns panic exit devices for emergency exits. It ensures the smooth and safe evacuation of the building.

Standard EN 1125 defines the characteristics that panic bars must have:

• The force required to open the door must be less than 8 kg of pressure.

• To avoid injuries, the bars must have rounded edges and corners.

• The door must be positively tested at -10°C and at +60°C.

Compliance with standards is essential in the management of a building that receives the public. It is important to comply with all of them to be in accordance with the law. The legislation is designed to guarantee the safety of occupants and preserve their lives in the event of dangers requiring evacuation.

Who Can Install a Panic Bar?

In order to install a panic bar, it is recommended to use experts recommended by Dormakaba. For the system to function optimally, it must be installed according to standards. The choice of equipment is also very important. Dormakaba only offers devices approved by current regulations.

The panic bar system is an essential element within establishments open to the public. It must allow the occupants of an ERP to evacuate the premises quickly, even under extreme panic conditions. To function optimally, the panic bar must comply with current standards in its design and installation.