Id always try and push for alarmed doors first and foremost wherever possible.
Security is a big issue for retailers but I just feel you can't really fit "break to exit" type devices on public MOE (some people are afraid to use them, think they may get billed for them if they break them, some fearful of hurting / cutting themselves or just plain and simply don't know how to use them)
Some supermarkets I have come across purposely have their final exits discharging into a locked yard . The yard is normally large enough to be classed as a place of comparitive safety buying enough time for staff to reach the yard gates and unlock them in a genuine emergency.
This has the added feature that if a shoplifter tries to steal something and go through a fire exit theyre trapped in the yard where staff can catch up with them and retrieve the stolen items.
I have come across several instances of doors that are alarmed with the mega blaster 127db alarms - those designed to make such an incredible noise intended to disorientate a thief. I think this is very bad practice- these things shred your ears and would deter persons from approaching the exit. Worse still I have seen them in the foot of staircases containing refuges. And the fire service isnt going to enter a building with that racket going on.
Quite, but that said the alarms don't need to be as loud as that.
The other option is time delayed doors which I know a number of authorities will accept - im not overly keen on them but that is just my personal opinion.
If managed properly then they are fine.
