When Your Security Gets Tested, Do You Want It to Pass?

The Problem: SECURITY VS. THE LAW

PANIC HARDWARE

Panic exit door hardware is designed to allow people to exit easily and safely from a building in an emergency. The main criterion for an exit device is that it must open in one motion. These devices must be easy to use so that even small children or physically impaired adults can operate them. A basic latch or deadbolt with a push bar or push paddle that releases the lock satisfies this requirement.

Unfortunately, the ease of exiting rear doors can leave stores vulnerable to theft and can tempt store owners to illegally modify these rear exits.

OBSTACLES, ADDITIONAL LOCKS, CHAINS, OR BARRIER (BURGLAR) BARS

Illegal attempts to deter theft through rear doors include obstructing the EXIT door with piles of boxes or chairs; adding locks; replacing panic hardware; placing "barrier bars" across the doors; and even chaining exit doors.

DON'T DO IT!

Adding any obstacle or device to the panic hardware could cause confusion or panic if someone needed to exit from the door in a hurry. They should be able to expect that the door would release with no other motion than a simple push.

Life Safety code NFPA 101T, which is the basis of most model building codes, says that no other lock may be installed on a door equipped with a panic or fire exit device. In fact, even a chain hanging nearby would be in violation of the life safety code if it is there for the intention of locking the exit device.

Ironically, it is not even legal to have "barrier bars" or additional deadbolts on the door for use after business hours. Someone has the right to exit a location without prior knowledge or skill even if they are illegally in that location.

IN-SWINGING DOORS

Because the use of exit devices is required by life safety codes, in-swinging doors have been prohibited on most occupancies. When adding or changing locks on an in-swinging door, the first consideration is whether the opening requires an exit device. If it does, it will also be necessary to re-swing the door so it opens outward.

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

1. Comply with Life safety codes. It saves lives. Make certain that all exit and Fire exit doors are free from obstruction and fitted with panic hardware certified to comply with Life Safety codes.

2. Protect yourself. Select panic hardware that deters theft through the back door. For example, the Arm-a-dor product from Sargent & Greenleaf is a compliant panic hardware device that acts like a barrier bar when the door is closed (greatly reducing the risk of break-ins from outside). There are models with alarms that sound when the door is opened and the unit can be integrated into your store alarm system so unauthorized door openings can be detected.