Why Every Business Should Have Emergency Exit Hardware?
by Alex Alchenko -
Emergency exit hardware is one of the most important—and most overlooked—safety features in commercial buildings. Whether you're managing a retail shop, office suite, medical clinic, or warehouse in Friendswood, Texas, reliable exit devices aren’t optional. They’re critical to both fire code compliance and the safe evacuation of customers and employees during an emergency.
At Panic Bar King Friendswood, we help local businesses select, install, and maintain certified exit solutions like panic bars, exit alarms, and fire-rated hardware. In this guide, we’ll explain why every business should have emergency exit hardware installed and how to stay code-compliant, protected, and prepared.
Contents
- Legal Requirements and Fire Code Compliance
- Types of Emergency Exit Devices
- Benefits of Installing Exit Hardware for Your Business
- Real Risks of Not Having Proper Exit Hardware
- How Emergency Exit Hardware Reduces Liability
- Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Building
- Installation Tips and Maintenance Best Practices
- Common Misconceptions About Exit Hardware
- Partnering with a Professional Locksmith for Installation
- Conclusion
- References
Legal Requirements and Fire Code Compliance
Emergency exit hardware must meet standards set by national codes like the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the IBC (International Building Code). In Friendswood and across Texas, these codes are enforced by local fire inspectors who check for compliant panic bars, door closers, and alarms on emergency exits.
Most commercial buildings with public access or high occupancy must have panic bars installed on exit doors. These doors also need to latch securely and self-close, which means working with a certified automatic door closer is often required for full compliance.
Types of Emergency Exit Devices
There are several categories of emergency exit hardware. Each serves a specific function to support safe egress:
- Panic Bars: Horizontal push bars that unlatch a door when pressed, ideal for high-traffic exits.
- Crash Bars: Often mistaken for panic bars but may not meet fire code or egress requirements. Learn more in our guide on the differences between panic and crash bars.
- Exit Alarms: Devices that trigger an audible alert when an exit is used—helpful in loss prevention and after-hours security.
- Fire-Rated Hardware: Panic bars and closers that are certified to withstand high heat for a set period. Read more in our article on choosing fire-rated panic hardware.
Many exit systems combine these features for maximum security and fire safety.
Benefits of Installing Exit Hardware for Your Business
Reliable exit hardware offers peace of mind and demonstrates your commitment to employee and customer safety. It enables fast evacuation during emergencies like fires, electrical outages, or lockdowns.
Having exit hardware also protects you legally by ensuring code compliance, which can help in inspections, audits, and insurance claims. Modern devices are also easy to maintain and integrate with alarm systems and access control setups.
They improve your building’s accessibility, reduce liability, and boost the professional appearance of your entry and exit points.
Real Risks of Not Having Proper Exit Hardware
Without working exit devices, you risk failing inspections, facing fines, and worse—endangering lives. Non-compliant exits can delay evacuations, cause injuries, or result in blocked escape routes during fire events.
In Friendswood, failing to have fire-rated and properly installed panic bars can even prevent you from opening or renewing your business license.
How Emergency Exit Hardware Reduces Liability
Installing certified panic hardware reduces your exposure to legal claims. If an emergency occurs and your exits function as required, your business is better protected against negligence lawsuits or safety violations.
With documented installation and routine maintenance, you can show due diligence and code compliance at all times.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Building
Each building type has different needs. A retail store may need basic rim panic bars with alarms, while a healthcare facility might require vertical rod devices with electrified locking.
Always consider occupancy, fire rating, and whether the doors open to the public or staff-only. If you're shopping for parts, our guide on where to buy commercial hardware in Friendswood TX can help you compare your options.
Installation Tips and Maintenance Best Practices
Always mount exit hardware at the correct height—typically 34 to 48 inches from the floor. Ensure the latch mechanism lines up with the strike plate, and pair doors with closers when fire-rated hardware is required.
Check exit devices monthly for proper latching and smooth operation. Clean and lubricate moving parts to extend lifespan. If you encounter sticking or failure to latch, visit our article on how to fix panic bars that don’t latch for tips.
Common Misconceptions About Exit Hardware
- Myth: Panic bars are only needed in large buildings.
Fact: Even small businesses with public access may be required to install panic hardware based on occupancy type. - Myth: All exit bars are fire-rated.
Fact: Only those with UL certification meet fire door requirements. - Myth: Exit devices are too expensive.
Fact: Basic models are affordable and save far more than a lawsuit or failed inspection would cost. - Myth: You only need one exit.
Fact: Most businesses must provide at least two exits, each with compliant hardware.
Partnering with a Professional Locksmith for Installation
Hiring a licensed commercial locksmith like Panic Bar King Friendswood ensures your exit hardware is installed correctly, passes inspection, and meets current fire and building codes.
We provide same-day mobile service, help select the right certified devices, and back every install with a warranty. Our locksmiths are familiar with Friendswood’s local codes and can diagnose issues or upgrade outdated setups on the spot.
We also supply certified parts, conduct fire exit assessments, and work with property managers on code compliance reviews and documentation.
Conclusion
Every business in Friendswood needs emergency exit hardware—no matter its size or industry. Panic bars, alarms, and door closers protect lives, ensure code compliance, and reduce liability.
Panic Bar King proudly serves Friendswood and nearby cities like Pearland, Alvin, League City, Nassau Bay, Webster, and Dickinson. We cover zip codes 77546, 77581, 77573, and more with fast, affordable service.
References
- The Importance of Life Safety Exit Devices
- Getting Exit Devices Right
- Specifying Door Hardware for Building Safety