Fire Exit Equipment

B&B Locksmiths supplies, fits, repairs, replaces and adjusts fire exit hardware, including panic bars, push pads, emergency exit devices, outside access devices, panic bolts and associated hardware, as well as compatible door closers where appropriate, for communal and commercial premises managed by landlords, managing agents, businesses and other organisations throughout Oxford and Oxfordshire.

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 this is 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
The door or exit hardware no longer operates smoothly or reliably

Correct Fire Exit Hardware Fitting

Correct fitting and adjustment are essential. The door, frame, hinges or pivots, exit device, strikes or keeps and closer must work together correctly so that the door releases promptly when the device is operated and, where required, closes reliably and latches as intended.

The selected device must be suitable for the door’s construction, size, weight, number of leaves, opening direction and expected use. The people expected to use 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 components intended for the particular device or system and in accordance with the relevant 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 the door and existing hardware, identify the cause of the problem and advise on suitable replacement parts. Where appropriate, we can supply, fit, repair or adjust suitable fire exit hardware, associated locks, outside access devices and compatible door closers.

We can check the operation and alignment of the exit device, latch, bolts, keeps, hinges or pivots, closer and associated hardware. Following repair, fitting or adjustment, we can check that the device releases the door correctly and that the door closes and latches as intended where this is required.

Our work can include panic bar and push pad fitting and repairs, emergency exit device replacement, panic latch and bolt repairs, outside access devices, door closer adjustment and replacement, and correction of associated locking point and alignment faults.

If you need panic bar fitting, push pad replacement, emergency exit device repairs, outside access devices or fire exit door hardware in Oxford or Oxfordshire, contact B&B Locksmiths for clear, practical advice, professional fitting and reliable local service.

Fire exit hardware should be considered as part of the premises' wider fire-safety arrangements and fire risk assessment. Fire-safety measures must be appropriately maintained, inspected and tested, and defects should be addressed as soon as practicable. 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.