Fire Exit Hardware & Repairs in Oxford

B&B Locksmiths supplies, fits, repairs, replaces and adjusts fire exit hardware for communal and commercial premises throughout Oxford and Oxfordshire.

Our services include panic bars, push pads, emergency exit devices, panic bolts, outside access devices, associated hardware and compatible door closers where appropriate. We assist landlords, managing agents, businesses and other organisations.

Fire Exit Hardware and Emergency Escape

Fire exit hardware is fitted to escape doors and final exits to help occupants leave a building quickly and safely during an emergency. It is commonly used in shops, offices, schools, blocks of flats, warehouses, workshops, public buildings and other commercial premises.

Where a door is required for escape while the premises are occupied, the locking arrangement should allow occupants to open it quickly and easily from the escape side without needing a key, access card or code. The hardware selected must be appropriate for the door, the premises, the people expected to use the escape route and the findings of the fire risk assessment.

Types of Fire Exit Devices and Associated Hardware

Common types of fire exit hardware include:

Panic bars and touch bars
Push pads
Lever-handle emergency exit devices
Panic bolts and panic latches
Outside access devices
Compatible door closers
Compatible keeps, strikes and other associated hardware

Door closers may also form part of the overall door arrangement where the door is required to self-close.

Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar are covered by BS EN 1125. They are generally appropriate where members of the public or people unfamiliar with the building may need to use the exit and a panic situation could occur.

Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad are covered by BS EN 179. These are generally appropriate where the people using the escape route are familiar with the building and its exits and a panic situation is unlikely.

The correct device therefore depends on the occupants, use of the premises, door configuration and findings of the fire risk assessment rather than simply on the size or appearance of the door.

Where a certified exit device is being repaired, replacement components should be compatible with the particular product and fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Unsuitable or mismatched components may affect the operation and performance of the device.

Outside Access Devices

Some fire exit doors can also be fitted with an outside access device operated by a key, knob or external handle. Compatible keypad or electronic access control equipment may also be possible on suitable systems. These arrangements can provide authorised access from outside while allowing the internal emergency exit device to continue operating independently.

Any external locking or access control arrangement must not prevent the required escape operation from inside. A fault with an outside access device should not prevent the internal exit device from releasing the door as intended.

Common Fire Exit Door Problems

Fire exit hardware may require adjustment, repair or replacement if:

The exit device is difficult to operate or requires excessive force
The door does not release when the bar, pad or handle is operated
The door fails to close or latch correctly where required
The panic bar, push pad, latch, bolts or other components are loose, worn or damaged
The bolts or latches no longer align correctly with their keeps
The door has dropped, become misaligned or started rubbing against the frame or floor
A door closer is faulty, leaking, incorrectly adjusted or causing the door to slam

Correct Fire Exit Hardware Fitting

Correct fitting and adjustment are essential to ensure that fire exit hardware operates reliably. The selected device must be suitable for the door's construction, size, weight, number of leaves, opening direction and expected use. The intended users of the escape route, and whether they are familiar with the building and the operation of the device, must also be considered.

Exit hardware should be installed using compatible components and in accordance with the manufacturer's fitting instructions.

Where the exit door is also a fire-resisting door, the exit device, closer and associated hardware must be suitable for the particular doorset and must not prevent it from achieving its required closing action or fire performance. The suitability of hardware for use on the fire-resisting doorset should be supported by the relevant product or doorset evidence.

Fire Exit Hardware Fitting and Repairs

B&B Locksmiths can assess, supply, fit, repair and adjust suitable fire exit hardware, including panic bars, push pads, emergency exit devices, panic bolts, latches, outside access devices and compatible door closers.

We can inspect associated locking components, hinges, pivots, keeps and door alignment to identify faults and recommend suitable repairs or replacement parts.

Following fitting or repair, we check that the exit device releases the door correctly and, where required, that the door closes and latches as intended.

Fire-safety measures must be appropriately maintained, inspected and tested. Faults affecting safe escape should be reported promptly to the Responsible Person, who should arrange appropriate interim precautions and urgent repairs. Where a person is appointed to carry out testing or maintenance, they must be competent to undertake that work. The Responsible Person remains responsible for ensuring that appropriate fire-safety arrangements are in place for the premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you repair a faulty panic bar or push pad?

Yes. B&B Locksmiths can inspect faulty panic bars, push pads and associated emergency exit hardware. Depending on the fault and availability of suitable compatible components, repair, adjustment or replacement may be possible.

Can a fire exit door have an outside access lock?

Some fire exit doors can be fitted with compatible outside access devices that allow authorised entry. The arrangement must not interfere with the required emergency escape operation from inside, and any equipment must be appropriate for the door and premises.

Need Fire Exit Hardware Repairs in Oxford?

If you have a faulty panic bar, push pad, emergency exit device, outside access device or associated door hardware, contact B&B Locksmiths for professional assessment and suitable repairs or replacements.

We provide fire exit hardware fitting, adjustment and repair services for commercial and communal properties throughout Oxford and Oxfordshire.

Call 07831 451352 or contact us via WhatsApp to discuss your requirements.