When it comes to public buildings, safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Whether you’re managing a school, hospital, council office, or retail facility, one of the most critical safety features in your building is something people often overlook… fire exit hardware, specifically panic bars.
Here’s the reality:
In an emergency, people don’t calmly read signs or fumble with keys—they rush for the nearest exit. That’s where properly installed, compliant panic hardware becomes a literal lifesaver.
But what exactly are panic bars? How do they work? And what do you need to consider to make sure your building meets safety standards?
Let’s break it all down in plain English.
What Are Panic Bars and Why Are They So Important?
A panic bar, also called a crash bar, push bar, or exit device, is a horizontal bar fitted across a door that opens outward. When someone pushes the bar, the door unlatches instantly—no keys, handles, or special knowledge needed.
They’re designed for:
- Emergency situations, where fast, easy exits are crucial
- Crowded buildings like schools, stadiums, or shopping centres
- Compliance with local and national fire safety regulations
Simply put, panic hardware allows large numbers of people to exit safely and quickly, reducing bottlenecks and panic during fire, lockdown, or evacuation scenarios.
Are Panic Bars Legally Required in Ireland?
In many cases—yes.
Irish building regulations, particularly TGD Part B (Fire Safety) and TGD Part M (Access and Use), often require panic bars or exit devices on:
- Public access buildings
- Assembly spaces with more than 50 people
- Healthcare facilities
- Schools and universities
- Government offices
- Factories and warehouses
If your building hosts the public or staff in any significant numbers, chances are, panic hardware is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement.
Types of Panic Exit Hardware (And How to Choose the Right One)
Not all panic bars are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types and where they’re typically used:
1. Rim Panic Devices
- Mounts on the surface of the door
- Simple installation, ideal for single doors
- Affordable and reliable
Best for: Schools, offices, and single-exit public rooms.
2. Mortise Exit Devices
- Lock mechanism sits inside the door
- Offers a cleaner aesthetic
- More secure, often paired with lever handles on the outside
Best for: Commercial offices, hotels, and public sector buildings with higher security needs.
3. Vertical Rod Devices (Surface or Concealed)
- Bolts extend to top and bottom of the door
- Great for double doors
- Can be surface-mounted or hidden inside the door frame
Best for: Large double-door exits in schools, assembly halls, hospitals, and shopping centres.
4. Touch Bar or Cross Bar Styles
- Different visual and tactile styles
- More about preference and design, functionality is similar
Need help choosing? At Hogans Locksmith, we can assess your building’s layout and recommend compliant, cost-effective solutions.
Panic Bars and Fire Door Compliance: What You MUST Know
Here’s the tricky part: not every exit device is fire-rated.
If the door it’s installed on is a fire door (i.e., designed to stop the spread of fire/smoke), the hardware must be fire-rated too.
Key compliance requirements:
- The panic bar must be tested and certified to EN 1125 (for public escape routes) or EN 179 (for non-public staff areas).
- Fire doors must include intumescent seals, self-closing hinges, and fire-rated frames.
- Hardware must be able to withstand high heat without failing or warping.
- The door must latch automatically when closed—meaning no propping open with wedges!
Non-compliance can result in:
- Insurance issues
- Safety inspection failures
- Fines
- Legal liability if an incident occurs
Don’t take chances. If you’re unsure whether your panic hardware meets code, it’s time for a checkup.
Maintenance Tips: Keeping Exit Devices Working Properly
Panic hardware isn’t “set it and forget it.” It needs regular inspections and basic maintenance to stay reliable.
Here’s what we recommend:
Monthly Checks
- Ensure the bar depresses smoothly
- Make sure the latch retracts and resets
- Test any linked alarms or access control devices
- Inspect for wear, damage, or rust
Annually
- Perform a full safety test with staff or fire wardens
- Lubricate moving parts (with appropriate non-oil-based lubricant)
- Check door alignment—misaligned doors can cause failure
- Replace worn-down or sluggish components
Pro tip: If a panic bar sticks or fails during a real emergency, it could cost lives. Don’t wait for something to go wrong—get your hardware checked annually by a certified locksmith.
Can Panic Bars Be Secure?
Yes! This is a common concern, especially for facilities that want emergency exits to stay secure from the outside.
Here’s how you can balance safety and security:
- Install panic bars with exterior lever handles or key-controlled access
- Pair exit doors with alarms that sound when the bar is used
- Use exit-only configurations on doors not meant for regular use
- Link the hardware to access control systems for real-time monitoring
At Hogans Locksmith, we often help schools and commercial clients in Roscrea, Birr, Nenagh, and Thurles upgrade to panic bar systems that are safe, secure, and staff-friendly.
Where to Start: Panic Hardware Planning Checklist
If you’re unsure whether your current fire exit setup is safe and compliant, here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Do all public doors open outward and without keys?
✅ Are the push bars or panic devices easy to operate?
✅ Is the hardware EN 1125 or EN 179 certified?
✅ Do staff know how to test and maintain the devices?
✅ Are doors never propped open or blocked?
✅ Have you scheduled a locksmith inspection in the past 12 months?
If you answered “no” to any of the above—it’s time to act.
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always
Panic bars and fire exit hardware might not be glamorous, but they’re one of the most critical features in any public or commercial building. The best part? Once properly installed and maintained, they just work—quietly doing their job, day in and day out.
Whether you’re:
- A school administrator
- A council property manager
- A construction firm outfitting a new build
- A healthcare facility preparing for inspection
…you can’t afford to guess when it comes to life safety.
Need expert help? At Hogans Locksmith, we’ve spent over 30 years helping businesses and public sector clients across Roscrea, Nenagh, Thurles, and Birr stay safe and compliant. We install, repair, and maintain panic bars and fire exit systems that meet Irish safety standards.
Contact us today for a free consultation or site assessment. Because when it comes to emergency exits, confidence starts with the right hardware.