All You Wanted To Know About Panic HardwarePanic hardware is widely used in all public buildings in the US. In fact all exit doors of all public buildings are fitted with panic hardware bars. The installation of these devices has been advised by government and public agencies in the US after many a tragic incident in the past, where people were unable to exit burning buildings and as a result, lost their lives. These hardware devices are pretty dependable as locking and securing gadgets. Hospitals, Universities, Government buildings, departmental stores, and offices all depend on panic hardware for the security of their public exits. A panic hardware allows you to open a door, when the bar attached to the door is pushed. This happens because the activating device is pushed, when the bar of the exit door is pressed. However, installing additional safety devices or locks to the public exits would defeat the whole purpose of installing a panic hardware. This is because, it would only serve to trap the people in the building or store, and they would not be able to evacuate the building under emergency circumstances. Panic hardware may be simply put as a door handle assembly having an unlocking device which is designed such to deactivate the lock in an emergency. The panic hardware has replaced the old time locked doors, and doors with regular locks rarely exist now. In any case regular doors with locks are not allowed unless they have an official sign stating that the door be open during working hours. Different kinds of buildings use different kinds of panic hardware. The specifications of the panic devices used, in all cases have to be in compliance with the specifications of the building security. The security specifications of all public buildings and spaces that are provided with occupancies are closely monitored by the government authorities. The fire codes clearly state that exit doors shall have to be operable from within the building "without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.Â" All locking gadgets have to be government approved, and doors cannot be rendered unusable by any means like chains, extra locks, bolts, latches, bars or any other means. Panic hardware is also commonly referred to as exit locks or exit devices. They are easy to use and are a completely "non hassle" equipment for the user. Different makes of the panic hardware is available in the market. All of them aim at facilitating maximum public comfort. All you need to do when using a panic hardware is to push the bar, or if you are unable to for some reason have someone push it for you. The door instantly swings open and you can walk straight in! All managers need to keep this special factor about panic hardware in mind that, ultimately they are going to be used by the general public. Panic hardware should facilitate public access to a building rather than hinder it. For this reason sticking to the recommended panic hardware is absolutely essential. |