Understanding Exit Device Compliance for Businesses

🔐 What Are Exit Devices?

Exit devices, commonly known as panic bars or crash bars, are hardware mechanisms installed on doors to allow occupants to exit a building quickly and safely during an emergency. These are especially critical in commercial, educational, and public buildings.

🏛️ Regulatory Framework

1. International Building Code (IBC)

The IBC governs most commercial buildings in the U.S. and mandates exit device usage in specific settings:

• Occupancy Load: Required for doors in areas with an occupancy load of 50 or more people.

• High-Hazard Occupancies: Required regardless of occupancy load.

• Egress Requirements: Devices must unlatch doors with a single motion and not require tight grasping or twisting.

2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes

Two key codes:

• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code

• NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (if electrified components are involved)

NFPA 101 requires that exit devices:

• Be operable with one hand

• Not require keys, tools, or special knowledge

• Be durable and functional under emergency conditions

3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Exit devices must comply with ADA accessibility standards:

• Operable with a force of 5 pounds or less

• Mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor

• Usable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting

4. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

OSHA mandates that workplaces have unobstructed, clearly marked exit routes and operable exit doors.

🏢 Types of Buildings That Must Comply

• Schools, universities

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Office buildings

• Shopping centers and retail

• Industrial plants

• Hotels and entertainment venues

✅ How Business Owners Can Ensure Compliance

1. Understand Applicable Codes

Determine which codes (IBC, NFPA, ADA, OSHA) apply to your building based on your location, use, and occupancy type.

2. Evaluate Existing Hardware

• Audit current door hardware for compliance.

• Ensure panic hardware is installed on egress doors in required occupancies.

3. Check Mounting and Force Requirements

• Measure height of installation.

• Test opening force—should not exceed 15 pounds (varies by code and state).

• Ensure devices work without tight grasping or twisting.

4. Ensure Doors Are Not Obstructed

• Doors must not be chained, locked, or blocked during occupancy.

• Signs such as “This door to remain unlocked during business hours” are often required.

5. Maintain Clear Egress Paths

• Maintain at least 32 inches clear width at doors.

• Exit paths must be clearly marked and illuminated.

6. Train Staff

• Train employees on emergency exit procedures.

• Conduct regular fire drills.

7. Schedule Regular Inspections

• Conduct monthly checks of all exit devices and egress doors.

• Schedule annual inspections by a certified fire or building inspector.

8. Keep Records

• Document inspections and maintenance.

• Record any upgrades or retrofits made to doors or hardware.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing deadbolts or other secondary locks on panic doors.

• Using non-code-compliant hardware on fire-rated doors.

• Failing to repair broken exit devices promptly.

• Blocking exit routes with furniture or merchandise.

🧯 Additional Tips for Safety & Compliance

• Install illuminated exit signs above egress doors.

• Ensure fire-rated doors have certified panic hardware.

• For electrified doors, ensure fail-safe operation during power failure.