Egress Doors & Releasing Devices

What are the specific requirements for egress doors and their releasing devices?


Egress doors must be opened easily from the side from which egress is to be made. Where traditional panic hardware, fire exit hardware, or any other latching and release devices are provided, such doors must be operable with not more than one releasing operation. The releasing mechanism for any latch must be located not less than 34 inches and not more than 48 inches above the finished floor. As shown in the example pictured, the “delayed-egress” locking device will keep the door in the locked condition even though the panic hardware has been released. This condition is clearly prohibited by NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® and would result in a Requirement for Improvement (RFI) by The Joint Commission. (See LSC Sections 7.2.1.7 and 7.2.1.6.1.)