What You Need to Know for Your Exit Signage

In the case of your actual exit hardware here are the key points of compliance. 

1. Accessibility: Exit doors must be easily accessible. They cannot be locked from the inside or difficult to reach or operate. 
2. Keep it Simple with a Push Bar. If you have a push bar exit door, it would be wise to check it often. Make sure that it operates as it should, and that it’s very easy to open. 
3. Deadbolts: Of course, you will need to lock the door to prevent theft when your business is closed, but your fire exit door should remain unlocked during hours of operation. Again, check this often. If a door is locked or stuck during an emergency, you can be held liable for damages, and even loss of life.  

Clear Signage, and Testing are Both a Must

Emergency exit doors must be equipped with clear signage that indicates where the emergency exit is. The signage cannot be blocked, and should be illuminated as needed. Also, if your venue has back-up power, make sure that emergency lights, and signage are also connected to this source. This will be essential to keeping emergency pathways properly lit and accessible if an actual emergency disrupts utilities. 

You should also schedule routine testing and maintenance of all equipment that is associated with your exit plan and existing exit hardware. It’s important that on-site workers know a routine for properly exiting and making sure that they can also direct patrons to an exit or fire door in the event of an emergency. 

Fire Door Requirements 

Does your business have a fire-rated exit door as a means of escape during a fire or emergency? It’s imperative that your exit signs point to or highlight a door that is also compliant with the Dallas Fire Code. A fire-resistance rating should be acquired, and approved. Any hardware on or around your fire door must not impede the door or its ability to function during an emergency situation. 

Also, exit hardware, such as push bars, must not require a key to operate or open. It must be immediately, and always accessible to all building occupants so that they can exit immediately when needed.  

The Dallas Fire Code is There for Your Safety

When it comes to your business location, the safety of your employees, and patronage is foremost. If you’re not quite up to code, give A-1 Locksmith a call. We can help you make sure that all of your emergency signs are properly displayed, and your fire doors, and windows are accessible, and function properly. 

If you’re ever in doubt always remember that the Dallas Fire Code for fire exit hardware is aligned with the National Fire Protection Association and the International Fire Code. 

Because of this, push bars are one of the most popular commercial door lock types around today. While they’re often required for their benefits in emergency situations, they have several other advantages over traditional door opening mechanisms when it comes to commercial security.

How Push Bars Make Your Building Safer

The Victoria Hall disaster in England left 183 children dead in 1883. Twenty-five years later, in 1905, 172 students died in the Collinwood school fire. Ever since these two events — which were worsened by children unable to exit a building — there’s been a highlighted need for easy-to-exit doorways in emergency situations. This is why most countries have had building codes since the end of the 20th century, and why the panic bolt that inspired push bars was first invented back in 1892.

Today, push bars make buildings safer by allowing people to exit a building by simply depressing a bar that activates a mechanism for unlatching the door. Occupants in buildings with push bars can quickly leave the building since the bars are typically spring-loaded, and swing in the direction of an exit. Casualties for many modern disasters have been lessened because of devices like push bars.

How Push Bars Make Your Building More Secure

Push bars aren’t just for safety, however. They also increase your commercial building’s security level. Many are designed so that they aren’t easily accessed from the exit side of the door. You can set up push bars so they’re already recessed, and ready for use during business hours, but back in their original position when your building is closed. Because of this, many insurance companies even offer discounts for buildings with push bars or panic bars installed.

Other Benefits of Push Bars

In addition to making your building safer and more secure, push bars are also affordable. A commercial locksmith can provide a cost-effective installation and product that fits your needs. There are also a variety of sizes, and styles of push bars to choose from, so they match your facility’s specific measurements, and requirement for vertical or horizontal bar design.

A-1 Locksmith is an authorized dealer for several of the most prominent commercial companies around today. If you’re interested in improving your commercial security via a push bar or other security device, be sure to find an A-1 Locksmith location near you or call (972) 284-7500.