Loss Prevention Hot Topics: Door Panic-Bars

Many districts use latches for added security measures, but districts should be aware of some of the guidelines issued by the State Fire Marshall’s Office:  

• Doors should never be latched whenever a building is occupied. 
• Panic-bar latches should be stored in a room, cabinet, or drawer away from school doors.
• Panic-bars are not to be used if the local fire official prohibits the use of latches.
• Panic-bar latches cannot be secured to the doors with cables.
• A program for maintaining and repairing panic bar hardware must be implemented.
• The local fire department must be informed when panic-bar latches are in place once a building is unoccupied, so emergency personnel can plan in case an emergency arises.
• Have a strict policy implemented for proper placement of the panic-bar latches, i.e., assign lock-up responsibilities to specific personnel.

If your district feels that the safety of the school is in question because of a faulty door, then the district should look at other ways of correcting the problematic door without using panic-bar latches.

Questions? Comments?

If you have a question about Panic-Bar guidelines, please contact your local fire department. Otherwise, you can contact Ashley Purcella at 800.482.7276 ext. 6246.