Rank: New forum user 
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I am currently carry out a fire review of one of my depots, unfortunately the security buffs have instructed the staff to lock the main door which happens to be the fire exit. The key is sometimes in the lock and other times with the staff. The contractor employed to carry out the initial fire risk assessment has recommended that a key box with break glass be installed next to the door with a spare key in case the main key is missing. I do believe on one of my many fire courses that this is no longer an option. Is there not a case where the key in the box was the wrong key because the lock had been changed and not the key, and part of the investigation was to recommend that key boxes be removed.
I have instructed the staff to leave the door unlocked when the building is occupied and will come back to them with a permanent solution
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Have the lock changed so that it does not need a key to open from the inside. You can have a small knob fitted so that you don't need a key or keybox; imagine trying to open a key box in a dark smoke filled room. It will also increase security as the key cannot be stolen.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi,
have you considered the use of an escape mortice deadlock?. On the inside of the door there is a simple turn snib which unlocks the bolt, and on the outside the mechanism is key operated. It should be used in conjunction with a self closing mechanism.
PH2
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Stevenson,
I had the same problem with security locking an emergency exit at night when people were still in the office. The solution was to change the locking mechanism on the door (aluminium front door) - the door opened outwards so we fitted a push pad release on the inside. As M suggests - if the door opens inwards you could fit a turn handle.
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Rank: Super forum user
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If it is a designated fire exit then it MUST open outwards in the direction of the exit flow. Having said that strictly any locking of fire doors should be prohibited when any staff are in the building. This requirement was regulatory until the last changes when FRAs came in and designers, occupiers etc quietly ignored it. FRAs were intended to be a devolutory action to allow best practice to develop but like the Access Statements under the Building Regulations they have become a means of seeing how minimal one can get away with unless some other legislation keeps standards high.
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user 
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boblewis wrote:If it is a designated fire exit then it MUST open outwards in the direction of the exit flow.
Bob
I used to think that as well but apparently it's not the case. It depends on the building's intended use and level of occupation.
I had query about inwardly opening final exits on small industrial unit in Scotland a couple of years ago (new build). because they led out onto to a path directly alongside the building they designed and fitted them to open inwards.
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Rank: Forum user
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RRFSO states in relation to emergency exits
Reg 14 (2): The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons
- emergency doors must open in the direction of escape;
So, like you said SafetySmurf - it depends on the hazards, building design, etc. Some building designs would not allow the safe outward opening of a final exit.
Also, where the final exit is a normal entrance/exit door designated as an emergency escape route the Reg would not apply.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Doors on an escape route do not have to open outwards - period
It's true, Article 14 (2) states: (my capitals)
The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises WHERE NECESSARY (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons.
The 'where necessary' bit means the door must open where risk assessed to do so.
The rule of thumb is where >60 punters are likely to use a door, or where a rapid developing fire is likely (ie spray booth), then an door should open outwards
The RRO is all about risk assessing. When I was an Fire safety Inspecting Officer, I allowed an inward opening door where 80+ persons would be using this single means of escape. It was a listed, low risk single staircase office building. It was not possible for the door to open out. The Resp Person (via a consultant) demonstrated that most of the 80 persons would approach the door from a one person wide staircase. The emergency plan was for the receptionist to hook the door open on the sounding of the alarm.
So there would be no crush as those upstairs would feed into the door 1 at a time, and in any case the doors would be open when the occupants got there.
The RRO allows flexibility - lets try to use it
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Rank: Super forum user
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When doing fire risk assessments, I use the rule of thumb that if that a load of people are likely to pile up against the door then that's when it must be push bar door that opens in the direction of travel. What I've nicknamed a 'crash-door'. The most likely causes of that scenario being lots of people, people who aren't familiar with the building or an extreme sense of urgency to get out.
Or to use a more professional parlance;
Dense occupation (60+) per exit (less 1)
Unfamilair occupants (visitors /public)
High fire risk
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Rank: Forum user
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The use of magnetic locks linked to the fire alarm could be considered - lock releases when alarm activates. This is used in the airport environment where for security and safety reasons segregation of airside / landslide and terminal / apron is required
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