Does My Business Need Panic Bars on Its Doors?

Does My Business Need Panic Bars on Its Doors?

Safety is a top priority in any Massachusetts business. You lock your building’s doors at night to keep unauthorized people out, and keep them unlocked during business hours to welcome customers in.

The type of hardware on your doors also plays a huge role in how quickly and safely occupants can exit your property during an emergency. The critical device is called a crash bar or panic bar, and it is a must for code compliance in many commercial buildings. 

At Action Lock & Key we specialize in commercial security and, more importantly, safety code compliance. Navigating local building codes and fire regulations can be confusing, but understanding your requirements for exit devices is non-negotiable.

Here is your straightforward guide to crash bars and what your Boston business needs to stay compliant.

Are Panic Bars Different From Exit Devices?

The terms “panic bar,” “crash bar,” and “exit device” are often used interchangeably. However, there are differences.

Exit Device: This is a general term for any piece of hardware that allows quick exit from a building. A panic bar is a type of exit device.

Crash Bars: Also called panic bars, these exit devices are typically required in high-occupancy spaces, such as theaters, schools, large retail stores, and hospitals. This hardware will unlock the door immediately when pressure is applied to the bar.

What does a crash bar look like? It’s a horizontal bar installed three to four feet from the ground. This crossbar extends across the width of the door. Push anywhere on the bar and the door opens.

Touchpad-style crash bars incorporate a flat push pad into the design, rather than a bar.

Vertical rod devices, which use a push bar that retracts locking bolts at the top and bottom of the door, allowing it to open quickly, are common on double doors.

Our Action Lock & Key locksmiths can recommend a style that is best suited for your doors’ aesthetics and code requirements.

Fire Exit Hardware: This panic hardware is certified for use on a fire-rated door. Standard panic hardware and fire exit hardware may look the same, but their internal components and certifications differ. Both types are designed for easy exit, but the fire exit hardware assists with fire containment. It cannot contain components that allow the door to lock in an open position and compromise its self-closing action.

What Buildings Use Panic Bars?

Local and national building codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), require panic hardware based on business type and building occupancy load.

You typically see panic hardware in educational institutions, assembly spaces such as theaters, auditoriums, concert halls, and churches, large retail stores, healthcare facilities, and industrial settings. Doors requiring panic hardware are part of an exit path.

Know Your Requirements for Compliance

How does a business owner know if crash bars are necessary?

Start by checking your occupancy permit. Your local building department in  has issued this document, which specifies the maximum number of people allowed in your space. Use this number to determine if you exceed the 50-person threshold for required panic hardware.

Consult with your local fire marshal. Your local code may have specific requirements regarding door swing, minimum exit width, and the type of hardware.

The simplest and safest step is to contact us at Action Lock & Key. We can verify if your doors are code-compliant and ensure your hardware meets all current fire and life safety standards in Boston.

What About Automatic and Revolving Doors?

In large commercial buildings and institutions, automatic and revolving doors help manage massive pedestrian traffic, but they must still comply with emergency exit rules:

Automatic Sliding Doors: These doors must be equipped with a manual override mechanism that allows them to swing open, similar to standard exit doors, when pressure is applied or the fire alarm sounds, providing a wide, clear path for escape.

Revolving Doors: Revolving doors are never considered a single, legally required exit. You must install at least one hinged swing door adjacent to the revolving door to facilitate emergency exits. The hinged door must be equipped with panic hardware if the occupancy load requires it.

Ensure Your Doors Are Ready for Emergencies

Don’t let outdated or incorrect exit hardware put your employees, customers, and Boston, MA, business at risk. If you are unsure about your building’s occupancy load or need an inspection of your existing panic hardware, let the commercial security experts at Action Lock & Key assess your exit doors and provide solutions. For a consultation, call us at 781-229-9992 or request service online.