Our doors don't automatically release when the alarm goes off. Each door has a green break glass release box beside it, and these are brought to the attention of all new people to the workplace.

Cathy Part B of the Building Regulations Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwellinghouses Section 5 General Provisions gives details of doors on escape routes Down load the Document free from www.planingportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations

OP, good links already posted for you. The general rule is that these types of door either fail to safety (i.e. release) upon activiation of the fire alarm, or if there is security concerns around this, install a green break glass call point adjacent to each door. Green break glass call poitns don't activiate the fire alarm (that is what red call points are for) but normally activiate a local alarm to alert people the door has been manually released. If you go down this route you'll need to ensure it is covered in training: - See a fire / need to evacuate - press red call point - Come across a swipe card door that isn't open - press adjacent green call point