Fire Exit Hardware-Ensuring Safety in Emergency Situations

Every building needs to have adequate fire safety measures in place, including fire exits with properly functioning hardware. Fire exit hardware refers to the devices installed on fire exits, such as panic bars, exit devices, and door closers. These devices are critical in ensuring the safe and speedy evacuation of occupants during an emergency.

What is Fire Exit Hardware?

Fire exit hardware is a set of specialized devices designed to allow quick and easy egress from a building during an emergency, such as a fire. These devices are installed on emergency exit doors and are specifically designed to allow occupants to exit the building quickly and safely.

Panic Bars

Panic bars, also known as crash bars or push bars, are horizontal bars installed on the inside of an emergency exit door. When pushed, the door opens, allowing occupants to exit the building quickly. Panic bars are required by law to be installed on all emergency exit doors and must meet specific requirements for operation and durability.

Exit Devices

Exit devices, also known as exit alarms, are similar to panic bars in that they allow quick and easy egress from a building. However, they also include an audible alarm that sounds when the door is opened. This alarm alerts building occupants to the emergency and can help to prevent panic.

Door Closers

Door closers are devices that automatically close a door after it has been opened. In the case of emergency exits, door closers are installed to ensure that the door closes after occupants have safely exited the building. This helps to prevent the spread of smoke and fire and can also help to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why is Fire Exit Hardware Important?

Fire exit hardware is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures the safe evacuation of building occupants in the event of an emergency. Without properly functioning fire exit hardware, occupants may become trapped inside the building, leading to injury or death.

Additionally, fire exit hardware is required by law in most jurisdictions. Failure to install and maintain fire exit hardware can result in fines and other penalties.

Finally, fire exit hardware can also help to prevent unauthorized entry into a building. Many fire exit devices are designed to only allow exit and cannot be used to enter the building from the outside.

Types of Fire Exit Hardware

There are several different types of fire exit hardware available, including:

Rim Exit Devices

Rim exit devices are the most common type of fire exit hardware. They are installed on the surface of the door and include a latchbolt and push bar.

Mortise Exit Devices

Mortise exit devices are similar to rim exit devices, but they are installed inside the door. They are often used in buildings with high-security requirements.

Vertical Rod Exit Devices

Vertical rod exit devices are similar to rim exit devices, but they include vertical rods that extend from the top and bottom of the door. They are often used on double doors and are more secure than other types of exit devices.

Delayed Egress Exit Devices

Delayed egress exit devices are designed to delay the opening of the door for a set amount of time. This can be helpful in preventing unauthorized entry or in situations where the exit must be monitored.

Maintenance and Inspection

It is important to regularly maintain and inspect fire exit hardware to ensure that it is functioning properly. This includes checking for signs of wear and tear, ensuring that the door opens and closes smoothly, and checking that the panic bar or exit device operates correctly.

Conclusion

Fire exit hardware is a critical component of any building's fire safety plan. Panic bars, exit devices, and door closers are designed to allow occupants to exit the building quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. It is important to install and maintain fire exit hardware to ensure the safety of building occupants