You are describing either the 'ASSA' dome or the 'UNION' dome, the names deriving from the manufacturers Abloy-Assa & Union.
Both are based on the escape mortice deadlock, i.e. thumb turn on the side for escape instead of key. The ASSA dome is a plastic cover with curved handholds and is designed to be twisted with the thumb turn, breaking the device & indicating the exit has been used.
The UNION Dome is fully dome shaped and must be broken by striking the surface then removed allowing the thumb turn to be used.
Both are designed to discourage casual use of the door whilst allowing easy use in an emergency, but are not intended to prevent determined users and should be supplemented by signage.
Union Domes are still manufactured-
http://www.directlocks.co.uk/union-8070-emergency-exit-dome-turn-escape-locks-p-710.html & spare domes available.
Assa Domes are discontinued.