Panic Hardware Guide

Panic hardware is vital to ensure safe and efficient exit in public buildings. Whether you’re a building owner, facility manager or contractor, understanding the regulations is crucial for compliance and safety.

This guide covers key aspects of panic hardware, including installation locations, locking options and the differences between panic hardware and emergency exit hardware.

What is panic hardware?

What is the British Standard for Panic Hardware?

The BS EN 1125 standard outlines the requirements and test methods for panic hardware devices operated by a horizontal bar on escape route doors.

A key principle of this standard is that panic devices must enable escape with “minimum effort and without prior knowledge of operation”. This makes them a critical component in public buildings where occupants are not familiar with the door operation.

The focus of hardware compliant with BS EN 1125 is ensuring a safe and efficient exit, rather than prioritising security.

Where can panic hardware be installed?

Panic hardware is most commonly installed on final exit doors or fire doors along escape routes in high-occupancy buildings, such as:

• Schools and universities
• Shopping centres
• Theatres and cinemas
• Sports stadiums
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

They are life-saving devices that minimise the risk of injury or harm in high-pressure emergency situations such as a fire.

Find out more about where panic hardware is required.

Can you lock panic hardware?

Panic hardware is designed to always allow free egress, ensuring that occupants can exit a building at any time without restriction. 

Do all exit doors need panic hardware?

Not all fire exit doors require panic hardware. This will depend on factors such as:

Occupancy type

Buildings where the public have access to the area must have panic hardware on designated exit routes and exits.

Fire risk assessments

Assessments determine whether panic hardware is necessary based on the expected occupancy and risk factors.

Building use

Exit doors in buildings with trained staff (e.g. small offices) may not need panic hardware but may require emergency exit hardware instead.

What is the difference between panic hardware and emergency exit hardware?

The key distinction between panic hardware and emergency exit hardware lies in the user expectations and building occupancy.

Features	Panic Hardware (BS EN 1125)	Emergency Exit Hardware (BS EN 179)
User Knowledge	Designed for public use where users have no prior knowledge of the exit mechanism	Intended for staff or trained personnel familiar with the exit operation
Operation	Single-action push bar for immediate exit	Lever handle or push pad that requires knowledge of operation
Typical Applications	Schools, shopping centres, hospitals, leisure centres	Office buildings or warehouses with fewer than 60 occupants

How we can help

At FireSealsDirect, we offer a wide selection of high-quality panic and emergency exit hardware from the trusted brand Exidor, renowned for their durability, reliability and compliance with safety standards.

Our expert team are on hand to provide guidance on choosing the right hardware for your building’s safety and security needs.

Contact us via live chat, email [email protected] or give us a call on 02920 857 959.
For helpful guides on fire legislation, installation instructions and more, visit our Advice Centre.