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Standards - BS EN 1125

Overview of BS EN 1125: Panic Exit Devices Operated by a Horizontal Bar

BS EN 1125 is a European Standard specifying the requirements and testing methods for panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar, designed to ensure quick, easy, and safe egress from buildings during emergencies. These devices are crucial in public spaces where large groups of people, possibly unfamiliar with the building layout, may need to exit swiftly and efficiently in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Panic exit devices are commonly installed on doors in places like shopping centers, schools, theaters, hospitals, and other buildings with significant public foot traffic. BS EN 1125 ensures these devices are easy to use and accessible, requiring minimal force to operate so that individuals can quickly open doors even in high-stress situations.

The standard also includes specifications for durability, corrosion resistance, and safety, providing benchmarks for manufacturers and ensuring that panic exit devices deliver reliable performance.

Key Requirements and Classifications Under BS EN 1125

BS EN 1125 specifies several critical performance requirements for panic exit devices, including operational aspects like ease of use, durability, and environmental resistance. These devices are evaluated across nine key performance criteria, each represented by a coded digit in the classification system. This system provides a comprehensive overview of a device’s performance and suitability for different environments.

Here is a breakdown of each classification:

  1. Category of Use (Digit 1)
    This category assesses the durability and frequency of use, with BS EN 1125 only specifying Grade 3 for panic exit devices, meaning that all devices under this standard are suitable for frequent use in high-traffic areas.

  2. Durability (Digit 2)
    Durability indicates the device's expected lifespan in terms of usage cycles:

    • Grade 5: Suitable for 100,000 cycles
    • Grade 6: Suitable for 200,000 cycles

    Higher grades signify better durability, making the device suitable for locations with frequent use.

  3. Door Mass (Digit 3)
    This specifies the maximum door mass the panic exit device can reliably operate. Devices are graded based on their ability to operate on doors with various weights:

    • Grade 5: For doors up to 100 kg
    • Grade 6: For doors up to 200 kg
    • Grade 7: For doors over 200 kg

  4. Suitability for Fire/Smoke Doors (Digit 4)
    This classification indicates whether the panic exit device is suitable for use on fire- and smoke-resistant doors:

    • Grade 0: Not suitable for fire/smoke doors
    • Grade A: Suitable for smoke-resistant doors
    • Grade B: Suitable for both fire- and smoke-resistant doors

  5. Safety (Digit 5)
    This criterion is always Grade 1 in BS EN 1125, as it implies a high level of safety as required for panic situations.

  6. Corrosion Resistance (Digit 6)
    Corrosion resistance tests assess the device’s durability when exposed to environmental factors such as humidity or salt:

    • Grade 3: Moderate resistance, suitable for indoor use
    • Grade 4: High resistance, suitable for most conditions, including some outdoor use
    • Grade 5: Very high resistance, suitable for aggressive environments or extensive outdoor exposure

  7. Security (Digit 7)
    This digit measures the device’s resistance to forced entry:

    • Grade 2: Basic security
    • Grade 3: Enhanced security, suitable for higher-security requirements

  8. Projection of Device (Digit 8)
    This measures how far the device projects from the door surface, impacting accessibility and aesthetics:

    • Grade 1: Projects 150 mm or less from the door
    • Grade 2: Projects 100 mm or less from the door

  9. Type of Operation (Digit 9)
    This classification distinguishes between panic exit devices (horizontal bar-operated) and emergency exit devices (lever handle or push-pad):

    • Type A: Panic bar that covers at least 60% of door width, suitable for most public buildings.
    • Type B: Panic bar that covers at least 50% of door width, commonly used in lower-traffic areas.

Testing Procedures Under BS EN 1125

Panic exit devices certified under BS EN 1125 undergo extensive testing to verify compliance with each classification requirement. Key testing procedures include:

  • Operational Testing: Devices are subjected to repeated operation cycles to ensure they can withstand frequent use without failing. This simulates the expected lifecycle of the device in a busy environment.

  • Corrosion Resistance: Devices are placed in a controlled environment with humidity and salt exposure to evaluate their resistance to rust and corrosion. This is essential for devices installed in areas where environmental factors could degrade materials over time.

  • Force to Operate: BS EN 1125 mandates that the device must be operable with minimal force (not exceeding 80 Newtons), ensuring ease of operation during high-stress situations.

  • Fire and Smoke Suitability: Panic exit devices intended for fire or smoke doors are tested for compatibility to ensure that they do not compromise the integrity of fire-resistant doors. These devices undergo rigorous testing to confirm that they will maintain functionality during a fire, allowing safe egress.

Practical Implications and Use Cases

BS EN 1125 classifications help professionals select the right panic exit devices based on specific needs:

  • Public Buildings: In high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, schools, or hospitals, a panic exit device rated for durability (Grade 6) and corrosion resistance (Grade 4 or 5) would be ideal. These spaces require devices that can withstand heavy use and varying environmental conditions.

  • Industrial and Outdoor Facilities: Facilities exposed to harsher environmental conditions, such as warehouses, may require a higher corrosion resistance (Grade 5) to maintain functionality despite exposure to moisture or salt air.

  • Fire-Resistant Applications: For environments requiring fire safety compliance, devices with Grade B under fire/smoke suitability should be used. This ensures that the device remains functional under fire conditions and does not impede the door’s fire-resistant capabilities.

Importance of BS EN 1125 in Building Safety and Compliance

BS EN 1125 plays a crucial role in building safety and emergency preparedness. Some key benefits include:

  1. Improved Safety Standards: By setting strict requirements, the standard ensures that panic exit devices provide reliable performance, helping to prevent injuries and fatalities in emergency situations.

  2. Increased Public Confidence: Knowing that a building’s exit devices comply with BS EN 1125 reassures the public that the space is equipped for safe, rapid evacuation if needed.

  3. Consistency and Quality: Manufacturers following BS EN 1125 can guarantee their products meet essential performance benchmarks, creating uniformity across the market and making it easier for specifiers to choose appropriate hardware.

  4. Legal Compliance: For many jurisdictions, adherence to BS EN 1125 or equivalent standards is mandatory, particularly for public buildings. This ensures legal compliance and reduces liability for building managers.

Conclusion

BS EN 1125 is an essential standard that ensures panic exit devices in public and commercial buildings meet critical safety requirements. It promotes the development of devices that provide rapid, easy egress in emergencies, helping to protect lives and property. For architects, building managers, and safety professionals, understanding BS EN 1125's classifications and testing criteria is key to ensuring compliance and selecting appropriate hardware. Ultimately, adherence to BS EN 1125 plays a vital role in promoting safety, accessibility, and peace of mind in public spaces.