Security for final exit door.

[Tom Sutton]

I have been asked for a cost effective way of securing double final escape doors with push bar from unauthorised use. The doors are in a small and medium place of assembly and an alarm has been fitted to deter persons from using it but is ineffective any suggestions.

[G. N. Hamilton]

Are you talking about in the direction of escape?

[Tom Sutton]

Yes, it is a small charity with a hall at the back of our building which is hired out for private functions to raise funds for their services and the partygoers are using this final exit door to get to an area to make a nuisance of themselves which causes problems for those running it.

[jayjay]

Although they will not acutally prevent people from misusing exit doors I have seen good results using the proprierty plastic sealing tags, they act as a deterent and have been succesfull in supermarkets and schools.

It is important that you use the tags purposely designed for exit doors and not the normal plastic zip ties which do not easily snap.

Google or see example at link

http://www.fireprotectiononline.co.uk/fire-exit-door-seal-10-pack.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAtNujBRDMmoCN46aB8noSJAC7SYv7VLoqwUWOIfP0lyV9D7a1duk8qSmn01mu8i7yX-tughoC_7Tw_wcB


Not wanting to recommend any seller.

[AnthonyB]

Have they tried those anti tamper snaps that supermarkets and similar use?

A common solution used to be adding a Redlam or Ashworth Bolt, but that has the big disadvantage of making releasing the exit a two operation action and most importantly for a place of assembly the exit is no longer panic proof.

As a result the use of magnetic locks is now common, which may be tolerable if there is an manual electrical fire alarm system with AFD that is interfaced to the locks in addition to the usual green break glass and back up PSU as the exit remains panic proof if evacuation is triggered by the alarm system.

Obviously it's more expensive, but is the cost of the disruption higher in the long run?

[Tom Sutton]

Has anybody use the Break bar for Panic bolts by ESP and if so, how do they work?

http://www.essentialsafetyproducts.co.uk/break-bar-for-panic-bolts.html

[AnthonyB]

It's for the Ashworth Bolt, the non trade mark infringing almost copy of the famous Redlam Bolt. Instead of a Ceramic tube the Ashworth uses a glass tube with a paper inner - in some environments the glass is not desirable so you replace the glass tube with this plastic piece.

The bar is in two parts joined together weakly by the hand piece - grab and pull the handpiece, it snaps off, the two ends of the bar drop out and the bolt can be opened.

[Tom Sutton]

Thanks guys especially AB for that explanation. I think the possibilities are we talking about those that could be a little worse for drink and any device would only deter them for a little while. So I have suggested an alarm, louder than the music or a wireless transmitter, triggered by those opening the doors, so that those in charge can attend to read the riot act to the revellers.

[Mr. P]

An alarm which cuts off the music might work!!! Other people would be really peeved at someone doing that!!! The ties are only useful for a visual indication that the door has not been opened since last check. Particularly if the door is remote, people if so intended, will find a way of causing 'mischief'. In the shops earlier mentioned, the doors are mostly in plain view of everyone so, a person tampering is easily spotted. What about a dye spray as used by security firms? Opening the door triggers the spray and there you go...