Final exit doors

[Taiter]

Hi chaps,

I have a query regarding the type of hardwear permitted on emergency escape doors.  Is it permissable to have escape doors fitted with thumb turn locks?  I have been told that this is acceptable where the occupancy of the building is less than 60, but I'm not sure.  I thought they should meet BS EN 1125 or BS EN 179 (panic and emergency exit devices).  These types of fitments have been noted in primary schools, and the like....

Your comments would be gratefully received.

Thanks
Taiter

[kurnal]

All the new guides simply refer to the standards you have quoted taiter. There is no longer any reference to anything other than a push handle or panic device.
 
However there is no earthly reason why in some situations other arrangements like thumb turns should not be accepted subject to the assessment of risk of rapid fire growth and spread,  panic, discipline, numbers, visibility, ability of users to manipulate the device, etc.

I recently recommended that a key in the lock was ok in a workplace with the proviso that arrangements were made to ensure that the key could not be removed by plating over the slot. (Quick now duck down beneath parapet)

[wee brian]

Basicly a DIY thumb turn - sounds OK to me

[Midland Retty]

yep although be careful that the key doesnt break off - that happened at a premises i inspected recently

[Taiter]

Thanks for comments so far.

So where you are happy these types of locks, would you ensure there was adequate signage, indicating the method of unlocking, or any other recommendations?

Thanks
Taiter

[Midland Retty]

Signage only required where people are unfamiliar with building and thus the operation of the locking devices.

Signage not required in staff areas so long as they are trained how to use the devices or where it is blantatly obvious on how to operate the device

[Taiter]

Yes, this is where not always straight forward.

In a school, would you say that the children are familiar with the door release mechanism?  I doubt it, but then the teacher would more than likely be familiar with its operation.....

[kurnal]

Theres a circular sign you can get that fits around the thubturn to show the direction of rotation with a series of green arrows. There are some thumbturns that require two full turns- I dont recommend these.
It is most unlikely that young children will be allowed in a classroom without supervision.

Premises used after darkness- eg evening class adequate escape lighting to illuminate the thumb turn and sign- ie above the door.

Test the door monthly to ensure it has not seized up - record outcome of test in log book.

When carrying out training, inductions and exercises ensure staff familiar with route and means of opening, ensure that they use that route during evacuation exercise.

[nearlythere]

Would a key fixed in a lock be suitable for everybody? Of course you can do a risk assessment but why not take the hassle out of the equation and provide EODs which are multi-ability friendly in the first place?

[Taiter]

This is my arguement - guidance states a lock which operates with a single action.  Clearly a thumb turn lock does not follow this guidance.  Why have guidance, and do the opposite anyway?

Taiter

[kurnal]

Gidance is great for new buildings and sets some goals that we should strive to achieve.
But most existing buildings fall well short of the guidance standards in so many ways- the risk assessment may identify hundreds of dicrepancies and it is not reasonably practicable to correct them all and achieve 100% compliance.
So the action plan has to prioritise the issues  and things that fall short of the guidance but where the risk can easily be adequately controlled to a tolerable standard  do not  necessarily need to be further improved.

[Taiter]

Thanks kurnal, I think that sums it up in a nut shell.  Thanks for your comments, much appreciated.

Taiter

[Pip]

Thumb locks in schools etc have their place,in most instances they are unlocked, but occaisionally not for security reasons.Most of the time the evacuations are teacher led and orderly(the ones I have seen).Only place would not advise is in Hall areas where there might be 'entertainment' type activities.