Insight: Panic & Emergency Hardware for Steel Doors. What do you need to know?

What is the primary difference between BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179, and where should each be used?

BS EN 1125 covers panic exit devices, which are designed for situations where a panic is likely, such as public buildings, entertainment venues, and shops. These devices are operated by a horizontal bar, prioritising safe exit with minimal effort and no prior knowledge required of the device. BS EN 179, on the other hand, covers emergency exit devices, intended for use where occupants are familiar with the exit and a panic is unlikely. These devices can be operated by a lever handle or push/pull pad, and prior knowledge of its operation is considered acceptable.

What is the purpose of the 10-digit classification system for panic and emergency exit devices, and what do the individual digits represent?

The 10-digit classification system categorises panic and emergency exit devices based on specific performance characteristics to help ensure that they meet the required level of safety, durability and functionality. Each digit represents a different aspect of the device:

• Digit 1: Category of use (high frequency by the public).
• Digit 2: Durability (number of test cycles).
• Digit 3: Door mass (weight of the door).
• Digit 4: Fire resistance (suitability for fire/smoke doors).
• Digit 5: Safety (a single grade for all devices).
• Digit 6: Corrosion resistance.
• Digit 7: Security (resistance to forced opening).
• Digit 8: Projection of the device from the door.
• Digit 9: Type of device (push bar, touch bar, lever handle, or push/pull pad).
• Digit 10: Field of application (door type and direction of opening).

What is the significance of CE marking on panic and emergency exit devices, and how is it obtained?

The CE mark indicates that a product complies with the essential health and safety requirements of European directives. For panic and emergency exit devices, it signifies conformity to the Construction Products Directive, supported by the relevant EN standards (EN 1125 or EN 179). To obtain a CE mark, a manufacturer must undergo initial type testing by a notified certification body, have its factory production control inspected and undergo ongoing surveillance and approval by that body. The body then issues an EC Certificate of Conformity which permits the manufacturer to declare compliance and affix the CE mark to the product.

Why is it important to consult the appropriate standards and authorities, even after reading best practice guides?

Best practice guides are intended to provide concise information about the standards but they are a summary only and the information may have changed since the time of publication. Therefore the reader must consult the appropriate standards to confirm the information. Information included in guides may be used for guidance purposes only and not as a substitute for detailed standards and regulations.

What are the specific marking requirements for panic and emergency exit devices?

When fitted, devices must have visible markings including the manufacturer’s name/trademark, identification number of the certification body, and the CE mark symbol. Before fitting, markings should include the classification code, the European standard number and year, and the date of final assembly by the manufacturer. Additionally, when CE marked, the identification number of the notified certification body, the manufacturer’s details, the year of marking, the EC certificate reference, and the product classification code must be included.

What considerations should be taken into account when specifying a panic or emergency exit device on doors?

When specifying a device the application of the door and building should be the primary consideration. Panic exit devices complying with EN 1125 with a horizontal push bar should be fitted in buildings where occupants are unfamiliar with exit routes. Emergency exit devices complying with EN 179 with lever handle or push/pull pads should be fitted in buildings where occupants are familiar with the exit routes and panic is unlikely. Other factors to consider are door type and opening direction, safety standards, fire resistance requirements, durability (number of test cycles), and corrosion resistance (e.g. if the doors are exposed to elements). A standard projection (grade 2) device should be used when door opening space is limited. Also, a panic device push bar should always be a maximum effective length but never less than 60% of the door width.

Why are dogging devices or hold-back features not permitted on fire doors?

Dogging devices, which hold the door open, are not permitted on fire doors as these can compromise the fire-resistant properties of the door assembly. Unless the hardware has been specifically tested and approved for use on fire doors when unlatched the fire resistance properties cannot be assured when dogging or hold-back features are in use.

What kind of support and assurances are provided by organizations like the dhf, GAI, and MLA?

The DHF (Door and Hardware Federation) provides a unified voice for the industry, setting minimum standards for its members and promoting product conformity. The GAI (Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) serves as a resource for architectural ironmongery information and specifications. The MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) is the leading trade association for the locksmithing industry, ensuring members are vetted, inspected and have an understanding of the relevant standards. All three organisations offer support and promote confidence through their expertise, training and setting of standards.

To find out more about Steel Doors by HAG Ltd – the Door Specialists, click here.