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Hardware Requirements When Considering Escape

Read our blog on how to comply with NCP-109 and the locking requirements when considering escape whilst specifying access control.
G4S Escape Doors Cover

Hardware requirements when considering escape

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As an NSI Gold accredited company, G4S needs to comply with NSI requirements in order to issue certificates, avoid non conformances and in many cases to satisfy clients insurance requirements.

One of the NSI requirements is to comply with NCP-109 when specifying access control.

NCP-109 refers to the NSI Code of Practice for the design, installation and maintenance of access control systems.

When considering access management, you or your advisors must take the lead on your building or escape strategy within your premises.

When doing so, there are 3 classifications of doors possible:

1. The door is not an escape door

2. The door is an emergency escape door

3. The door is a panic escape door

G4S cannot determine the classification on a clients behalf, this needs to be the Responsible Person for the building. Simply looking at a door cannot determine the escape classification, how and by whom it is used is part of the decision.

There is no discretion to ignore the regulations based on history or a clients preference. Remember the Responsible Person is just that - responsible for complying with the regulations relating to escape from a building.

The latest issue of NCP-109 mandates that if a door is identified as an escape door, it requires the relevant hardware.

  • Handle egress for BS EN179

  • Push bar egress for BS EN1125

This EXCLUDES the use of mag locks UNLESS they are incorporated into a BS EN13637 compliant system. These tend to be required where controlled egress may be in both directions or where delayed egress is desired.

So what does this mean in practice?

  • For a non escape door Any locking device may be specified.

  • For an emergency escape door A locking device should be specified in line with standard BSEN179 This means a handle or push paddle must be used to egress.

  • For a Panic escape door A locking device should be specified in line with standard BSEN1125 This means a pushbar / crash bar must be used for egress.

The G4S guide available here (PDF 505.1 KB) provides further detail as well as confirmation from NSI should there be any doubt.

 

 

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