In a recent Q&A on the FacilityCare website, consultant Brad Keyes answered a question about egress hardware.
Q: We have clinic-type areas within suites. Some of the doors that lead to the main corridor for egress have regular turn-type handles, not panic hardware. Where is it required to have panic hardware on a door, and when are turn handles permitted? Is there a rule of thumb on when a door has to have panic hardware for egress?
A: Horizontal egress hardware on a door (commonly referred to as crash bars) is not required in a healthcare occupancy. Crash bars are required on doors in the path of egress from assembly occupancies. So, if a hospital has a dining area or an auditorium, these are assembly occupancy areas, and horizontal crash bars would be required even if the entire area is classified as a healthcare occupancy.
Over 700 Hospitals at Risk of Closure
Astrana Health Fully Acquires Prospect Health
Hospitals Recognized for Sustainability, Resilience Achievements
Caravel Autism Health Opens New Therapy Clinic in Missouri
On the Lookout: The Software Supply Chain as a Healthcare Cyberattack Vector