A refresh on external fire doors
It’s been a while since we talked about external fire doors, so we thought that it’s high time for a refresh. Let’s begin by ensuring that we’re comfortable with the terminology.
What is a Fire exit?
Strictly speaking, all doors inside a building that lead to the final fire exit (i.e. the door to the outside) can be classified as fire exits, although in this article we’re concentrating on the final fire exit, which we’ll refer to as the external fire door.
The external fire door must be easy to open
All of the doors which are situated on escape routes leading towards the final exit should be quick and easy to open without needing a key, and there shouldn’t be any obstructions. This presents a problem with the final exit door, however, as for obvious reasons while the door needs to be easily opened from within it should not be easily opened from without. So how do we get around this problem?
- One of the traditional solutions was to use what are called “barrel bolts”, modified so that the stop (which is designed to prevent the bolt being withdrawn too far under normal circumstances) is removed at installation. This means that the bolt can be withdrawn completely whenever the building is occupied. The problem with this approach is that it relies on someone – known in the process as the “Responsible Person” – remembering to follow the correct procedures.
- Panic bars (sometimes known as “push bars”). These are a far better solution, not only as no-one has to remember to remove or replace the bolts, but because minimal pressure from the inside will release the locking mechanism. Panic bars are therefore ideal in public buildings, where people are probably unfamiliar with the building and may panic (hence the name) if they need to evacuate. Where access from the outside is required, secure external access devices can be fitted.
- Emergency pads (sometimes known as “push pads”). These are similar in function to panic bars, but feature a small pad and not a horizontal bar. They are unsuitable for exits which may be required by the general public, being intended for members of staff familiar with the building. If installed they should be accompanied by a sign explaining how to use them, and as with panic bars here access from the outside is required secure external access devices can be fitted.
- Redlam emergency bolts. These involve tube mechanisms which, when the tube is broken, automatically slides the bolt back and unlocks the door. These solutions are definitely not for the general public, rather for staff use only and on doors which are never normally used.
Do high security establishments have different standards?
For safe and quick evacuation, absolutely not! People’s safety will always come first. However, as we mentioned above, if the building is a high security establishment then more sophisticated and more secure mechanisms may be required – but they must still provide adequate fire exit methods.
Many of these mechanisms use magnets, electricity, solenoids, and motorised locks etc. If they do then the following principles should be observed:
- electromagnetic devices should have a manual override
- locks should release on a power failure
- locks should release on operation of the fire alarm
- emergency disconnection arrangements should be provided at each locked door on the exit route; these will normally be in the form of a break glass unit positioned adjacent to the door
Speak to the experts
It’s been a consistent theme of our articles, not only the sheer quantity of information relating to external fire doors but the absolute necessity of getting it right. That’s why, as we’ve said so often, it’s vital that you talk to the experts.
For further information, you can visit our fire doors page. If you would like anymore information, please fill out a contact form and we will be in touch.
As always we’ll be delighted to help and advise you.
