If people have to escape from buildings, it must be ensured that all persons can reach the outside through appropriate exits or reach safe areas.
As the "normal" entrances/exits are usually not designed for the expected numbers of people in the event of danger, escape routes are planned with doors along them.
The maximum escape route length to the exit/safe area is specified and may generally not exceed 35 metres (shorter distances are possible).
The doors in escape routes must be "easy to open across their full width" in the direction of escape (both internal and external doors). It is important that the escape route widths are defined and adhered to in accordance with the risk assessment. Information on the clear passage width of doors in escape routes can be found here.
For doors in escape routes, a distinction is made between emergency exit doors and panic doors.
Get out safely - with and without panic
Emergency exit doors are used when there are people in the building who are familiar with the local conditions (offices, business premises, nurseries, etc.). These doors are operated using standard door handles. As a rule, fittings/locks in accordance with DIN EN 179 are used.
Panic doors are used when people in the building are unfamiliar with the situation or panic is to be expected. This is usually the case in public buildings, a cinema, a place of assembly, etc. Panic doors have push bars that open the doors as soon as pressure is exerted against these bars. As a rule, fittings/locks in accordance with DIN EN 1125 are used.
In connection with escape route doors, there are often additional requirements for securing the doors or monitoring these components.
