They are in place to minimize the risk of injury and even death. This means that legal liability is effectively reduced in addition to promoting a safer work environment. The presence of panic bars alone can assure workers and patrons that safety is just a step away via this familiar exit device. From regulatory reasons to basic business responsibility, we look at the importance of panic bars for workplace safety.

A Quick Glance and the Benefits of a Panic Bar

1. Accessibility: As mentioned, the purpose of a panic bar, also referred to as push bars, is to allow for quick egress of the building if a life-threatening incident takes place. A rapid evacuation is essential when needed. While the obvious hope is that a panic bar will never be used, at least in a panic, the wiser choice is to make sure that one is always in place.

2. Access and Safety: While panic bars allow patrons and workers to exit freely as needed, they also protect a business or building from unauthorized access from the outside. Most panic bars are equipped with or linked to a locking mechanism that ensures that the door cannot be breached by outside intruders. This allows for a comforting sense of balance when it comes to protecting your business and essential inventory.

3. Reduce Liability and Risk: Even if a small and mostly harmless incident requires an immediate evacuation, your business can be affected by how well or how poorly that evacuation is executed. Often, word of mouth can do more damage than a quickly contained fire if a rush to exit is bottlenecked and patrons feel threatened or unsafe. With a panic bar in place, risk and liability issues are drastically reduced.

   Also, there is the matter of actual law. Business owners who fail to provide either a panic bar or other mandated emergency exit systems and hardware are very likely to be subjected to fines or even lawsuits. This can needlessly create considerable financial issues when it comes to operating your business in a commercially zoned building. The recommendation here is to keep the laws and fire inspector happy by way of this simple and effective compliance.

   It’s important you’re aware of your local regulations; Dallas’ access control requirements can be found here, as an example.

4. Peace of Mind: It’s more subliminal than not but the presence of a panic bar quietly assures workers and patrons alike that there is no real need to panic. Of course, panic is a natural response when it comes to a serious emergency. However, the silent realization that panic bars are already in place can help to keep building occupants more alert and aware if/when an emergency develops.

   This means that an evacuation is more likely to be ruled by calm instead of chaos. Once occupants of a building or business realize that panic bars are easily accessible, the need to evacuate will be met with a more controlled sense of respect and understanding. This prevents patrons and workers from a possible stampede and other potential harm that could quickly come about by a disorganized or bottlenecked rush for safety.

5. Accommodates a Diverse Workspace Environment: These days almost all panic bars are ADA approved or live up to ADA standards. Panic bars come in a variety of sizes so be sure to consider wider doors for wheelchair accommodation. Those with mobility issues will want to know that you care for their business and patronage as well. Also, the American Disabilities Act requires your business or building to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Failure to comply allows inspectors to issue more fines, or worse, until compliance is met. 

Panic Bar Compliancy is Real

As well as the aforementioned ADA, there are a number of other safety regulators who call for compliance when it comes to panic bars and fire door exits. The National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code as well as The International Building Code and the ever-popular American workplace regulator OSHA all call for panic bars and other like-minded emergency exit signage and hardware to be in place. These codes are particularly enforced when it comes to areas or venues that support a large capacity of patrons and workers. Theaters, large retail spaces and factories all fall under the legal microscope when it comes to enforcing these needful requirements. 

What is the minimum legal capacity when it comes to compliancy? Generally speaking, panic bars are most often required in workplaces or venues that support more than 50 occupants at a time. This includes employees and patrons alike. 

However, it might also be wise to consider panic bars in smaller businesses or venues if the emergency signage leads to a narrowed hallway exit, let’s say, in the back of a building. A properly installed panic bar in a location like this allows for quick egress. However, if an emergency exit is not properly anticipated in these smaller venues and tighter locations then serious harm or even death is possible in a panicked situation. 

Panic Bars are There to Protect Your Patrons and Your Business

The importance of panic bars cannot be overstated. The hope, of course, is that they remain unneeded and behind the scenes and never used aside from calmly entering or exiting the building. However, if one is needed and is not there, this could create serious issues for your building or business. 

Are you up to code? Do you need a new panic bar or does your current panic bar not work properly or require inspection? We can help make sure that your business is compliant and stays compliant. Give A-1 Locksmith a call today and let our crew of experts answer all of your panic bar questions.   

What You Need to Know for Your Exit Signage

In the case of your actual exit hardware here are the key points of compliance. 

1. Accessibility: Exit doors must be easily accessible. They cannot be locked from the inside or difficult to reach or operate. 
2. Keep it Simple with a Push Bar. If you have a push bar exit door, it would be wise to check it often. Make sure that it operates as it should and that it’s very easy to open. 
3. Deadbolts: Of course, you will need to lock the door to prevent theft when your business is closed, but your fire exit door should remain unlocked during hours of operation. Again, check this often. If a door is locked or stuck during an emergency, you can be held liable for damages and even loss of life.  

Clear Signage and Testing are Both a Must

Emergency exit doors must be equipped with clear signage that indicates where the emergency exit is. The signage cannot be blocked and should be illuminated as needed. Also, if your venue has back-up power, make sure that emergency lights and signage are also connected to this source. This will be essential to keeping emergency pathways properly lit and accessible if an actual emergency disrupts utilities. 

You should also schedule routine testing and maintenance of all equipment that is associated with your exit plan and existing exit hardware. It’s important that on-site workers know a routine for properly exiting and making sure that they can also direct patrons to an exit or fire door in the event of an emergency. 

Fire Door Requirements 

Does your business have a fire-rated exit door as a means of escape during a fire or emergency? It’s imperative that your exit signs point to or highlight a door that is also compliant with the Dallas Fire Code. A fire-resistance rating should be acquired and approved. Any hardware on or around your fire door must not impede the door or its ability to function during an emergency situation. 

Also, exit hardware, such as push bars, must not require a key to operate or open. It must be immediately and always accessible to all building occupants so that they can exit immediately when needed.  

The Dallas Fire Code is There for Your Safety

When it comes to your business location, the safety of your employees and patronage is foremost. If you’re not quite up to code, give A-1 Locksmith a call. We can help you make sure that all of your emergency signs are properly displayed and your fire doors and windows are accessible and function properly. 

If you’re ever in doubt always remember that the Dallas Fire Code for fire exit hardware is aligned with the National Fire Protection Association and the International Fire Code.