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Chapter 7

Means of Egress

3. Day-care occupancies (16.2.2.2.4, 17.2.2.2.4)

4. Health care occupancies [18.2.2.2.4(4), 19.2.2.2.4(4)]
5. Ambulatory health care occupancies (20.2.2.3,
21.2.2.3)
6. Hotels and dormitories (28.2.2.2.2.4, 29.2.2.2.2.4)
8. Apartment buildings (30.2.2.2.2.4, 31.2.2.2.2.4)
9. Mercantile occupancies (36.2.2.2.3, 37.2.2.2.3)
10. Business occupancies (38.2.2.2.3, 39.2.2.2.3)
Where the provisions of 7.2.1.6.3 are used, all the
criteria detailed in 7.2.1.6.3(1) through (15) must be
met. When the criteria of all 15 items are met, the
locked door between the elevator lobby or landing and
the exit should present a minimal, but tolerable, obstruction to speedy egress. The criteria blend a host of
provisions for fire detection and alarm systems, sprinkler systems, occupant and staff two-way communication systems, and automatic lock release systems.

7.2.1.7 Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware.

The difference between panic hardware and fire exit
hardware is that fire exit hardware is tested and listed
for use on fire-rated door assemblies; panic hardware
is not (see 7.2.1.7.2). As the terms imply, panic hardware
and fire exit hardware are designed for ease of use and
functional reliability under conditions that range from
an orderly evacuation to that of hurried egress that
might accompany a fast-spreading fire. See 3.3.124.1
and 3.3.124.2 for definitions of fire exit hardware and
panic hardware, respectively.
The provisions of 7.2.1.7 do not require panic
hardware; they do, however, set the requirements for
such hardware if another portion of the Code, typically
the applicable occupancy chapter, requires it.
The occupancies in the list that follows require the
use of panic hardware or fire exit hardware. Additional restrictions that might be imposed by the occupancy chapter are contained in the paragraphs
referenced within parentheses in the list.
The occupancies that require the use of panic
hardware or fire exit hardware are as follows:
1. Assembly occupancies (12.2.2.2.3, 13.2.2.2.3)
2. Educational occupancies (14.2.2.2.2, 15.2.2.2.2)
3. Day-care occupancies (16.2.2.2.2, 17.2.2.2.2)
Although not required for occupancies other than
assembly, educational, and day-care, panic hardware
or fire exit hardware is often used in other occupancies, either because an assembly occupancy is located
within the multiple occupancy or because it is used as
a means of complying with 7.2.1.5.9. Additionally,

7.11.6, which applies to high hazard contents areas,

permits door assemblies from spaces with occupant
loads of more than five persons to be provided with a
latch or lock only if panic hardware or fire exit hardware is installed to release the latch or lock.
7.2.1.7.1 Where a door assembly is required to be equipped
with panic or fire exit hardware, such hardware shall meet
the following criteria:
(1) It shall consist of a cross bar or a push pad, the actuating portion of which extends across not less than onehalf of the width of the door leaf.
(2) It shall be mounted as follows:
(a) New installations shall be not less than 34 in. (865
mm), and not more than 48 in. (1220 mm), above
the floor.
(b) Existing installations shall be not less than 30 in.
(760 mm), and not more than 48 in. (1220 mm),
above the floor.
(3) It shall be constructed so that a horizontal force not to
exceed 15 lbf (66 N) actuates the cross bar or push pad
and latches.
Panic hardware and fire exit hardware are required to
be instantly and easily released. New panic hardware
and fire exit hardware installations are to be located 34
in. to 48 in. (865 mm to 1220 mm) above the floor [for
existing installations 30 in. to 48 in. (760 mm to 1220
mm)]. The actuating member or bar (see 3.3.4) is required to extend at least one-half the width of the door
leaf, so as to create a target width sufficient to ensure
that it will be engaged by the bodies of occupants
pushing up against the door leaf. Such hardware,
where mounted to a door leaf surface, might reduce
the usable, clear width of a door opening. Provided
that the hardware is installed at least 34 in. (865 mm)
above the floor, the provisions of 7.2.1.2.1.1(5) permit a
4 in. (100 mm) encroachment on clear width without
forcing a reduction in reported clear width. This is depicted in Figure A.7.2.1.2.1(b). Installed below 34 in.
(865 mm), the panic hardware or fire exit hardware
might create a reduction in clear width sufficient to obstruct wheelchair passage through the opening associated with a 34 in. (865 mm) width door leaf. Where
panic hardware is installed below 34 in. (865 mm),
such as at the 30 in. (760 mm) height permitted for existing hardware by 7.2.1.7.1(2)(b), the clear width measurement is reduced by the amount of the panic
hardware encroachment.
The maximum force that the panic hardware or
fire exit hardware actuating bar or member can require

2009 Life Safety Code Handbook