In the event of a fire the entire escape route, up to and including the final exit from a building must remain free from obstruction, at all times.

The final exits on an escape route in a public building are known as the fire exits.

The final fire exit doors should open easily, immediately and to a place of safety outside the building.

Panic Bars and Push Pads

A fire exit door has to be easy to operate from the inside to ensure a fast and safe exit from the building. therefore it is not possible to lock these doors, whilst securing the doors from the outside.

Below are examples of 2 common methods of fire exit equipment :

• panic bars
  
• push pads
  

Signage

All fire exit routes need to be well lit and clearly signed with easily recognisable images and/or words (see an example below).