Modern building codes require that all public buildings have fire and emergency exits that can easily and quickly be opened in emergency situations, such as fires or earthquakes. These doors must be reliable and simple to operate so occupants can quickly evacuate. Reliable emergency exits save lives, which is where panic hardware comes in. These devices, which are a common sight in public buildings these days, offer many different benefits, including safety, security, and accessibility. 

What is Panic Hardware?

Panic hardware is an exit device installed on emergency exit doors in commercial buildings. It is a door-latching assembly that also has a mechanism that releases the latch when force is applied in the direction of egress travel. It’s usually a horizontal bar that is located on the inside of a door. 

These mechanisms, which are also called crash bars, panic bars, or bump bars, allow occupants to open the door by simply pushing on a bar. They were initially conceived as a way to prevent crowd crushing in an emergency scenario and are often used as the primary door opening mechanism in modern commercial buildings due to their ease of use and compliance with safety regulations. 

The key benefits of panic hardware include: 

• Ease of use: panic bars are made to be simple to operate. There’s no need to grasp a knob or turn a handle. In fact, they’re so easy to use that they are even used in places where they are not required by building codes
• Reduce risk of injury: panic hardware’s ease of use is designed to reduce risk of injury in high-traffic and emergency situations. During scenarios such as a fire or security evacuation, panic hardware allows the door to easily open, relieving the congestion and allowing for safe and prompt exits
• Improve accessibility: because they do not require complex motions, keys, or access methods to open, they also improve the accessibility of your building. Anyone wanting to pass through the door can simply push against the bar to open the latch
• Security: panic hardware can be integrated into your existing access control and security systems to better prevent unwanted entry while still allowing for free exits during emergencies 

Locations Where Panic Hardware Is Commonly Used

These devices are commonly found in high-traffic locations where quick evacuation of large crowds may become necessary during emergencies, such as:

• Schools
• Hospitals
• Malls
• Stadiums
• Theatres
• Concert halls

Many of these locations are required to have panic hardware as a matter of safety. 

Safety Regulations

The National Fire Code of Canada 2020, along with provincial and municipal building regulations, mandates that panic hardware is used in certain settings. With panic hardware added to pedestrian doors, building owners and managers ensure that they are fully compliant with these safety codes, creating a safer environment for occupants of the building. 

Proper Installation and Maintenance by a Professional

Without proper installation and maintenance, your building’s panic hardware may not function correctly. Because they are crucial, and often required by law, for rapid and safe exits during emergencies, proper installation from a trained professional is non-negotiable. 

Some common issues that can arise if panic hardware is not installed or maintained correctly include: 

• Loose or wobbly bars: a loose panic bar can be easy to overlook, but that can lead to real trouble over time. If the bar won’t stay firmly in place, it can fail when you need it most
• Sticking or jammed devices: another common issue that comes up is stuck or jammed mechanisms. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as misaligned doors or dirt and debris in the device. Stuck panic hardware is an important safety risk and should be fixed ASAP
• Broken latches and worn springs: over time, the springs inside the panic bar can wear out or break. You may notice that the bar doesn’t spring back when pressed or that the door doesn’t latch properly when closed. This is a security issue that should be corrected immediately
• General wear and tear: in high-traffic areas, panic hardware can simply wear out over time. Constant use leads to worn finishes, loosened hardware, and, if ignored for too long, failure

Regular maintenance to keep your panic hardware in top shape is required by building codes. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to safety issues, code compliance problems, and diminishing customer trust. 

Call Creative Door Services for Panic Hardware Solutions

With more than 55 years of experience working with building owners and managers, Creative Door Services are the trusted professionals for installing and maintaining panic hardware in all types of environments. We are members of the Canadian Door Institute, have an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, and are COR certified at all locations. 

We have a vast inventory of products available from the most trusted brands in the business, giving us the ability to customize products to meet your specific needs. Additionally, you can count on professional installation, maintenance, and repair services, ensuring your building is kept up-to-date with all relevant safety codes. 

Creative Door Services has locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Contact your nearest location today for information on installation and maintenance of high-quality panic hardware.