Appendix 8: Door Fastenings for Doors on Escape Routes
Appendix 8
Door Fastenings for Doors on Escape Routes
Doors on escape routes and door fastenings must meet certain requirements depending on the size and complexity of the building. See the requirements in Technical Guidance Document B – Fire Safety: see https://www.housing.gov. ie/housing/building-standards/tgd-part-b-fire-safety/technical-guidance-document-b-fire-safety
Many settings will have panic bolts (i.e. emergency push bars) fitted to exit doors as part of an escape route that leads to outside. There is a risk that these panic bolts could be opened by a child without the knowledge of the staff. Placing the push bar higher than a child’s reach may prevent this but may also prevent adults in a wheelchair or a person of lower stature from operating the door in an emergency.
Subject to advice from a fire officer or a qualified building design professional, other options may be possible such as:
- An Emergency Push Pad that may not be as usable by children and reduces the risk of a child accidentally opening the door
- A ‘Redlam panic bolt’ or similar that requires a small ceramic tube to be broken for the latch to be released and the door to be opened.
- A magnetic lock interfaced with the fire alarm system that stops the door being opened unless the fire alarm is activated. This will need an emergency ‘green box’ release mechanism to deactivate the magnetic lock and open the door for any non-fire emergencies.
- Finally, an exit alarm can be fitted on an exit door to alert staff if a door is opened without their knowledge.
Depending on the size and location of the ELC setting, some of the above may be appropriate since a trained staff member who is familiar with the building and the fire escape procedure will be the person using the emergency exit.
Each setting will be different, and the safety and well-being of the children is paramount, therefore expert advice should be sought from a qualified building design professional in all circumstances.
