• Emergency exits are usually encased in red letters to denote the sense of urgency.exit image by sk_design from Fotolia.com
  
  A panic bar is an emergency device that spans an exit door's interior and releases a latch when pressure is applied. Panic bars are used in case of an emergency---for example fire, gas leaks or other emergency situations that call for mandatory exit. They may be found in a variety of public places including restaurants, bars, malls, schools and other public places. Panic bars must have guidelines set in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .
  
  

Ability to Open

• Panic bars must possess the ability to be opened from the inside by all persons occupying a building or facility without a key, code or special knowledge and equipment; unless in a correctional, penal or mental facility. Panic bars are required to provide a continuous unobstructed path of exit to a safe place.
  
  

Panic Bar Material

• OSHA requires that panic bar installation hardware be certified by the America National Standard Institute, under ANSI A156.3, 2001, grade 1 standards. This hardware can be readily obtained through companies recommended by ANSI. There are many styles of panic bar models available. They may have a built-in alarm to keep people from using it when the situation is not classified as an emergency. Panic bars are available in range of prices. ANSI recommended panic bars come with standard or custom specifications. Custom specifications are accepted as long as they fall within ANSI guidelines.
  
  

Final Analysis

• Panic bars allow easy escape in case of an emergency and should be installed with certified hardware. They can be opened from the inside but locked from the outside. All emergency exits must be properly marked for this very reason. These exits should accommodate all occupants that may need to exit in the case of an emergency. For convenience, several panic bars may be installed in line with the current fire alarm or security system.