BS EN 1125 & BS EN 179 - Panic and Emergency Exit Hardware Explained

BS EN 1125 applies to panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar.

These are commonly known as:

• Panic bars
• Crash bars
• Touch bars

It is required where:

• The building is open to the public
• Occupants may be unfamiliar with escape routes
• A panic situation could reasonably occur

• Schools
• Retail premises
• Shopping centres
• Cinemas
• Hospitals
• Public offices
• Entertainment venues

In these environments, users must be able to push anywhere on the bar to escape without needing prior knowledge of door operation.

BS EN 179 applies to emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad.

These devices require more deliberate operation than a panic bar.

Where:

• Occupants are familiar with the building
• Staff are trained
• There is no expectation of public panic

• Offices
• Warehouses
• Industrial buildings
• Staff-only areas
• Plant rooms

BS EN 1125

• Horizontal Panic Bar
• Public / unfamiliar occupants
• Retail, schools, hospitals
  

BS EN 179

• Lever Handle or Push Pad
• Trained/Familiar Occupants
• Offices, warehouses

In simple terms:

If the public use the building → BS EN 1125
If only trained staff use the building → BS EN 179

Approved Document B requires doors on escape routes to:

• Open in the direction of escape (where occupancy thresholds are met)
• Be easily and immediately openable
• Not require a key for escape

BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 provide the compliant hardware solutions to meet those requirements.

Building Control and fire officers expect correct hardware classification.

Where the escape door is also a fire door:

• The panic hardware must be compatible with the tested fire door assembly
• Hardware must not invalidate the fire rating
• Substituting non approved hardware can compromise compliance

Fire doors serving escape routes often require:

• EI30 or EI60 rating
• Sa smoke classification
• CE/UKCA marked panic hardware

Panic and emergency exit devices must:

• Be tested to the relevant standard
• Be correctly classified
• Carry CE or UKCA marking (subject to current UK regulations)
• Be supported by Declaration of Performance documentation

Using non-certified hardware exposes building owners to enforcement risk.

Correct installation is critical.

Common issues include:

• Incorrect door thickness compatibility
• Poor alignment causing latch failure
• Incorrect fixing to steel or composite doors
• Missing intumescent protection where required
• Hardware not matching fire test evidence

Installation should follow manufacturer instructions and tested configurations.

Under fire safety legislation:

• Escape hardware must be maintained in efficient working order
• Devices must release easily without excessive force
• Mechanisms must not bind or stick
• Regular inspection should form part of fire door checks

In residential blocks, this may form part of communal fire door inspections.

We frequently see:

• Lever handles fitted where panic bars are required
• Public buildings incorrectly fitted with BS EN 179 hardware
• Non-certified hardware installed on fire doors
• Panic bars removed due to misuse
• Doors locked with additional bolts

All can create serious legal and life safety risks.

You should assess compliance if:

• Refurbishing a commercial building
• Changing building use
• Upgrading fire doors
• Preparing for Building Control inspection
• Responding to fire risk assessment findings

Correct hardware selection should be based on occupancy type, not cost.

If you are installing or upgrading:

• Steel emergency exit doors
• Fire-rated escape doors
• Commercial doorsets
• Warehouse exits

We can advise on:

• Correct hardware specification
• Compatibility with fire ratings
• Compliance with Building Regulations
• Maintenance and inspection support

Contact us to discuss your project.