The overlooked fire door detail putting school evacuations at risk

The role of fire door hardware in schools

Sue Corrick, sector lead at Allegion UK, has stressed the importance of correctly specified and maintained fire door hardware in school buildings.

Corrick said: “Safe evacuation relies not only on signage and drills but also on the reliability of exit doors and the hardware installed on them.

“The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Bulletin 100 set out the requirements for schools to follow.

“Fire exit doors act as the final point in an evacuation route and must remain fully functional at all times.

“Clear routes and compliant hardware are essential for reducing evacuation times and ensuring safety.

“Training, evacuation planning and hardware checks together give staff, pupils and visitors confidence that they can exit a building safely during an emergency.”

Challenges in school building design

Corrick said: “School layouts can make fire safety more complex.

“Long corridors, crowded communal areas and multiple transitions between classrooms affect escape planning.

“Combustible materials such as paper, art supplies and chemicals in science labs increase fire risks in educational settings.

“In some areas, the threat of arson adds to those risks.

“Emergency exits must be able to function under pressure and withstand heavy use.

“Well-installed and durable fire door hardware is a central part of that requirement.

“Panic exit devices such as horizontal push bars are standard in schools with more than 60 occupants.

“These devices must comply with EN 1125 and EN 179 standards and include UKCA and CE markings.”

Exit hardware design and function

Corrick said: “Panic exit devices must be simple to use and reliable in emergencies, especially in schools where children are present.

“Push bars and pads provide safe exit without prior knowledge of their operation.

“Panic hardware should cover at least 60% of the door width so it is easy to locate and use.

“Once the bar is pressed, the latch should release instantly and the door must swing open without extra effort or tools.

“Some models include alarms or signals when opened, or a dogging feature to hold the door open.

“All devices must meet local fire and building codes and, when installed on fire doors, have a fire rating.”

Maintenance responsibilities in schools

Corrick said: “Those responsible for schools, usually headteachers or facility managers, must carry out regular risk assessments.

“This includes ensuring escape routes are clear, signage is visible and exit hardware is operational.

“Hardware must be tested frequently to confirm it works correctly.

“Wear from high footfall and misuse can make doors less reliable.

“If any hardware is damaged or fails, professional advice should be sought immediately, particularly in environments with children.”

Risk of neglecting exit hardware

Corrick said: “Neglected planning or poor maintenance can compromise escape routes.

“Hardware failures may prevent escape even when evacuation routes are otherwise clear.

“Issues such as blocked exits, poor signage and lack of staff training are common problems.

“Vandalism and heavy use often wear down exit hardware in schools.

“Responsible persons must recognise the link between functional fire door hardware and safe egress, and act quickly when faults occur.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The comments by Sue Corrick of Allegion UK highlight the standards schools must follow under EN 1125 and EN 179 for exit hardware.

The focus on risk assessments, inspection schedules and prompt maintenance is relevant for professionals advising schools on compliance.

Corrick’s emphasis on duty holder responsibility and regulatory requirements gives a practical framework for fire safety professionals working in the education sector.

Her guidance also stresses the role of correct hardware specification in reducing evacuation times and supporting safe school environments.

Fire door hardware in UK schools: Sue Corrick of Allegion UK highlights safety needs: Summary

Sue Corrick of Allegion UK has highlighted the role of fire door hardware in UK schools.

She said that compliant escape routes and exit doors are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Bulletin 100.

She reported that school layouts, combustible materials and arson risks complicate evacuation planning.

She explained that panic devices must comply with EN 1125 and EN 179 standards and carry UKCA and CE markings.

She said that headteachers or facility managers must conduct regular risk assessments and maintenance checks.

She noted that faulty or worn hardware can prevent effective evacuation in emergencies.

She advised that professional advice should be sought when fire door hardware fails or shows signs of wear.