Panic! Where's the Door?!

There are a few names to these devices, Panic devices, Exit devices, Panic Bar, Crash Bar.

You might see these Panic devices in Schools, Hospitals, Cinema or Assembly hall exits. Buildings with an occupancy of more than 50 are required to use these as exit devices. (2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC))

As it's name suggested, these devices are to allow quick unlocking of doors in panic situations. They are equipped with a spring-loaded metal bar that is fixed horizontally to the inside of an exit. When bar is pressed, the latch will retract allowing exit.

They help to both reduce crowds and allow occupants to swiftly evacuate the building. if you’ve ever been in a large crowd that’s moving toward one goal, you’ve noticed that often times the crowd will bottleneck right at the exit as several people are trying to get out at once. Panic bars aim to reduce just that.

Users don't necessarily have to be aware of this device when in panic circumstances, manufacturers have designed this device with human flight responses in mind. "safe and effective escape through the doorway with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of operation”. However, managements are required to regularly inspect the functionality of these devices to ensure safe and effective escape.

When it comes to making a decision for your facility, make sure you meet with key consultants as lives may depend on these exit devices.