When is panic hardware required in a building?

Panic hardware is required in buildings to ensure safe and rapid egress in case of an emergency. Specifically, when the occupant load exceeds 100 in certain classifications of occupancies, such as assembly spaces or other high-risk areas, panic hardware must be installed to facilitate quick and easy exit.

The rationale for this requirement stems from the need to manage large numbers of people efficiently during emergencies where traditional door knobs or locks may hinder swift evacuation. Panic hardware typically includes a bar or panic exit device allowing individuals to push open a door easily under stress.

In comparison, although an occupant load exceeding 50 may warrant some level of hardware, the necessity becomes critical only above 100, thereby emphasizing safety in larger groups. Not all public buildings require panic hardware indiscriminately, as specific conditions and thresholds are in place, which steers the requirement toward larger, more populated venues. Additionally, the height of a building is not a sole determinant for panic hardware necessity; instead, it is primarily the occupant capacity and the type of use that dictates the requirement.