What Stadium Managers Need To Know About Panic Hardware
Regardless of size, in an emergency, the evacuation of a stadium needs to be as simple as possible. It is essential that fans, players and staff can open doors quickly and easily so that everyone can leave safely.
Architectural ironmongery plays a key role in helping with this. Rob Adams, technical manager at ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, highlights some of the key considerations that must be made when it comes to panic hardware.
Panic Or Emergency Exit Hardware?
The building’s type, application, its occupation levels, and where it is in the building must all be considered as to whether it is panic or emergency exit hardware that is required.
Panic hardware is used where members of the public have access to the building but may not be familiar with the exit routes. A stadium is a prime example along with hotels, cinemas and hospitals. This also applies to any building that has more than 60 people in it.
A door that is used as a final exit in an area that is accessible to the public must have a device fitted that is operable by a horizontal bar that covers at least 60% of the overall door width. As well as being easier to see and use from an accessibility point of view, it also adds another layer of safety functionality in the event of an emergency.
Emergency exit hardware is used when building users are familiar with exit routes, such as offices or warehouses, and the building is not accessible to the general public so is not suitable for public areas of a stadium.
Performance Standards
BS EN 1125:2008 specifies the requirements for the manufacture, performance and testing of panic hardware. It applies to type A (push bar panic bolts) and type B (touch bar panic bolts).
Both standards require the manufacturer’s name or trademark or other means of positive identification, an identification number of the certification body, and CE mark with an additional UKCA mark from 30 June 2025, as things currently stand, to be visible on the product when fitted.
There are also markings which must be visible before fitting: the number and year of the European standard; the full classification code for the product; and the month and year of final assembly by the manufacturer (which can be in a coded form).
Security And Accessibility
Any additional functions, such as enhanced security and accessibility, also need to be considered at specification stage as this will dictate the type of device needed.
To deliver a basic level of functionality and a standard level of security, a door may only require a device with a panic latch passage function. If there is an additional security requirement, a panic bolt device would normally be recommended which provides two locking points instead of just one with a panic latch. The use of approved outside access devices can provide access through panic and emergency exit doors from the outside without compromising the security of the building.
Follow Installation Guidance
Not all panic and emergency exit hardware devices are the same. It is crucial that anyone installing this type of hardware reads the fitting instructions for each product and fits it as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions and guidance.
Getting it wrong could result in expensive replacement work for the device and door, and it will invalidate all test evidence and certification for that product.
