In a building open to the public, emergency exits must allow immediate evacuation, without a key or any special knowledge. That is the role of panic hardware, governed by precise standards.
The two reference standards
- EN 1125: horizontal push-bar devices, mandatory where the public is present in numbers; a single push, even in a panic, must release the door.
- EN 179: emergency exit devices with a lever handle or push pad, allowed in premises hosting a limited, informed public (offices, technical rooms).
The main obligations
- Doors opening in the direction of escape once the premises hold more than 50 people
- Number and width of exits proportional to occupancy
- Escape routes permanently clear: no exit locked while the public is present
- Compliant signage and emergency lighting
- Maintenance and periodic checks recorded in the safety register
The classic mistake to avoid
Padlocking an emergency exit "against intruders" exposes the operator to heavy penalties and criminal liability in the event of a disaster. Solutions exist that combine security and safety: alarmed panic bars, external access control, electromagnetic locking slaved to the fire alarm.
Our locksmiths install and bring panic hardware up to standard for shops and public buildings throughout Île-de-France: audit, fitting and maintenance with a free quote.