Standards - BS EN 179

BS EN 179: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

BS EN 179 is a European standard that sets out requirements for emergency exit devices designed for use in emergency situations where building occupants need a quick and easy means of escape. The standard focuses on devices that use a lever handle or push pad to open doors, ensuring that these mechanisms allow fast and unobstructed egress, especially in situations where panic is not anticipated, but a quick exit is necessary.

BS EN 179 is especially relevant for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and other public spaces where occupants may need to evacuate quickly in response to an emergency, such as a fire or a hazardous event. The standard provides a framework for testing, performance, and classification, ensuring that emergency exit devices meet essential safety and reliability requirements.

Scope of BS EN 179

Definition and Purpose

BS EN 179 applies to emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or push pad that are installed on doors designated as emergency exits. These devices are intended for situations where building occupants are familiar with the emergency exits and are unlikely to panic. Unlike panic exit devices (covered under BS EN 1125), which use a horizontal bar for situations involving panic, BS EN 179 focuses on exits where people are expected to act calmly.

The purpose of BS EN 179 is to ensure that emergency exit devices allow for easy, fast, and effective egress. The standard is crucial for safeguarding lives, as it ensures that exit devices function reliably in emergencies, facilitating the quick evacuation of occupants.

Key Components Covered

BS EN 179 addresses the performance and safety requirements of several types of emergency exit devices, including:

1. Lever Handle Devices: These devices use a lever handle to operate the latch, allowing the door to open when the handle is pushed down. Lever handles are commonly used for emergency exits in offices and similar buildings.

2. Push Pad Devices: Push pad devices feature a pad that, when pressed, releases the latch and opens the door. Push pads are often used in applications where a quick and straightforward exit method is required, but panic is not expected.

Both types of devices are designed to be easily operable, even by individuals with limited strength or mobility. They are typically installed on outward-opening doors to facilitate evacuation.

Key Requirements and Performance Criteria

BS EN 179 establishes specific criteria for emergency exit devices to ensure that they are reliable, durable, and easy to use. Key requirements include:

1. Ease of Operation: Devices must be easy to operate, allowing the door to open with minimal force. This is critical for ensuring that individuals can exit quickly, even under low visibility or stressful conditions.

2. Durability and Reliability: Emergency exit devices must withstand frequent use and operate reliably over time. BS EN 179 includes requirements for durability to ensure that the device performs consistently during an emergency.

3. Resistance to Obstruction: The standard specifies that the device must be free from obstructions and must not require any prior knowledge or complex actions to operate, allowing any user to exit easily.

4. Latch Bolt Strength: The latch bolt, which keeps the door closed until activated by the exit device, must be strong enough to prevent unauthorized access but release easily when operated from inside.

5. Corrosion Resistance: Devices must be resistant to corrosion to ensure they function reliably in various environmental conditions, especially in areas exposed to moisture or humidity.

Classification System

BS EN 179 classifies emergency exit devices according to several criteria, which indicate their performance in terms of durability, strength, and usability. These classification parameters help building owners and operators select the appropriate devices based on their specific needs and risk factors.

The classification system includes parameters such as:

1. Category of Use: Indicates the level of use, typically categorized into high- and medium-frequency use. High-use devices are suitable for areas with frequent traffic, such as public buildings.

2. Durability: BS EN 179 devices are tested for a specific number of cycles to ensure durability. Devices can be rated for 100,000 or more cycles, depending on the anticipated frequency of use.

3. Door Mass and Size: The standard provides guidance on the maximum door mass and size that a device can support, ensuring compatibility with different door types and materials.

4. Corrosion Resistance: This parameter classifies devices based on their resistance to corrosion, with grades from 0 (no resistance) to 5 (high resistance). This is particularly important for installations in humid or outdoor environments.

5. Safety and Security Requirements: BS EN 179 specifies requirements for both safety (ensuring ease of escape) and security (preventing unauthorized entry). This includes testing the device's resistance to tampering and forced entry.

Testing Procedures

Rigorous Testing for Compliance

Devices covered by BS EN 179 undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the specified requirements for ease of use, durability, and safety. Key testing procedures include:

1. Operational Testing: Devices are tested for ease of operation, with a focus on ensuring that they can be operated with minimal force. This includes checking the functionality of both lever handles and push pads to ensure they meet the force requirements specified in the standard.

2. Cycle Testing: To ensure durability, emergency exit devices are subjected to extensive cycle testing, where they are operated repeatedly to simulate years of use. Devices are typically tested to withstand over 100,000 cycles, depending on their classification.

3. Corrosion and Environmental Testing: Devices are tested for corrosion resistance by exposing them to salt spray or similar conditions. This simulates the effects of prolonged exposure to moisture or other corrosive elements, ensuring that the device will function reliably in various environments.

4. Latch Bolt Strength Testing: The latch bolt must hold the door securely but release easily during operation. Testing ensures that the latch can withstand attempts at forced entry from the outside while allowing easy release from the inside.

5. Tamper Resistance Testing: Some tests assess the device’s ability to resist tampering or unauthorized manipulation, which is important for buildings with heightened security requirements.

Safety and Compliance

Importance of Compliance in Emergency Situations

BS EN 179 compliance is essential for ensuring that emergency exit devices function as intended during emergencies. By meeting the standards, building operators can be confident that occupants will have a reliable means of escape. Non-compliance can lead to malfunctioning devices, which can impede evacuation efforts and increase the risk of injury or fatality in emergencies.

Regulatory and Insurance Considerations

In many jurisdictions, compliance with BS EN 179 is mandatory for emergency exit devices used in certain types of buildings. Regulatory bodies often require BS EN 179 certification as part of building safety codes. Additionally, insurance companies may mandate compliance with this standard as a condition of coverage, as non-compliance can increase liability in case of an emergency.

Application in Various Building Types

Commercial and Office Buildings

BS EN 179-compliant devices are frequently used in commercial buildings where occupants are familiar with the premises and where panic situations are unlikely. Lever handle devices and push pads provide a straightforward exit method that allows employees and visitors to evacuate quickly.

Healthcare and Educational Facilities

Hospitals, schools, and universities also benefit from BS EN 179-compliant exit devices, as these settings require reliable egress solutions that can be used calmly in emergencies. Push pads are particularly useful in environments where individuals may have limited mobility.

Multi-Occupancy Residential Buildings

In multi-occupancy buildings, such as apartment complexes and hotels, BS EN 179-compliant devices are installed on doors where quick evacuation is essential. Lever handles and push pads ensure that residents can exit easily without the need for complex actions or prior knowledge of the exit mechanism.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Proper Installation for Optimal Performance

Proper installation of BS EN 179-compliant devices is essential to maximize performance and safety. Installation guidelines provided by manufacturers should be followed closely to ensure that devices function as intended. Important considerations include:

1. Correct Positioning: Emergency exit devices should be installed at a height and location that is accessible to all occupants, including those with disabilities.

2. Secure Mounting: Proper mounting ensures that the device is firmly attached to the door and can withstand regular use and any attempts at forced entry.

3. Door Compatibility: The device should be compatible with the type and size of door on which it is installed, following BS EN 179’s specifications for door mass and dimensions.

Maintenance for Reliability

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term reliability of emergency exit devices. Key maintenance practices include:

1. Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect devices for signs of wear, damage, or tampering to ensure they remain functional.

2. Lubrication: Some mechanical components may require periodic lubrication to maintain smooth operation.

3. Operational Testing: Conduct regular tests to verify that the device can be operated easily and complies with the required force thresholds.

4. Environmental Protection: In areas exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures, consider using protective coatings or materials to prevent corrosion.

Conclusion

BS EN 179 provides a robust framework for emergency exit devices in buildings where calm, efficient evacuation is anticipated. By specifying requirements for lever handle and push pad devices, the standard ensures that these components are reliable, durable, and easy to use in emergencies. Compliance with BS EN 179 is crucial for building safety, legal compliance, and minimizing liability in emergencies.

The standard supports the broader goal of building safety by providing clear guidelines for the performance, testing, and classification of emergency exit devices. As such, adherence to BS EN 179 is essential for ensuring that occupants have reliable and effective means of escape in emergencies, safeguarding lives and property.