You have probably heard the term “panic bars” several times before. In all cases, the term was used when talking about a business establishment. If you are a small business owner, you may be very curious to learn what these panic bars really are, how they work, what are their benefits, and who can install them the right way. In general, panic bars are very often used – and recommended on – fire exit doors. This means that these panic bars, also known as crash bars or push bars, are very important for emergency situations where a large number of people need to exit through a door. And a fire is the perfect example of such an emergency situation.

What Are Panic Bars – Their Benefits

The panic bar is nothing more than a mechanism that opens the door. It works almost like your regular door handles or door knobs. However, to open the door, people need to push a bar located on it; instead of turning the knob or pressing on the door handles. You have probably seen these bars on doors located on many commercial buildings and never knew what they are and why they are there. Even though these doors opening mechanisms were initially designed for fire exits, nowadays they are used on doors of all kinds in various commercial buildings because they are so simple, sturdy and effective.

So, how do they work? Well, a spring-loaded metal bar is fixed on the door. Pressing it activates a mechanism that unlatches the door so that people can exit. Because it is so simple to operate and so sturdy, the panic bar is perfect for various types of doors that see a lot of traffic – including fire exit doors. Also, keep in mind that in some states fire standards require commercial properties to fit crash bars on their doors in places where evacuation may be hindered by the use of any other door opening mechanism.

According to a renowned locksmith company in Glenview, Illinois (Glenview Locksmith), there are at least five clear benefits of installing panic bars on all doors of your commercial property:

• Increased safety – Because occupants can exit the property very quickly and run to safety in case of an emergency.
• Lower insurance rates – because panic bars make your commercial property a lot less risky in case of a fire or other emergency.
• They are very effective. During a mass shooting or a terrorist attack, it has been shown that panic bars that work properly are indeed responsible for saving lives.
• Variety – There are a lot of types or panic bars, in various shapes, sizes and colors. This means you have a lot of models to choose from.
• They are affordable. Instead of having a locksmith replace entire doors or install complex devices and appliances, you can simply install a panic bar. The price for a crash bar is anywhere between $100 and $300 (high end push bars are more expensive, of course).

Are Panic Bars Useful for Your Commercial Property?

Do you remember the Iroquois Theater Fire in Chicago in December 1903? 605 people were unable to make it out alive, devastatingly, due to iron gates blocking the exits from the theater. In 1908, 175 people were killed in the Collinwood school fires in Ohio, in part because the rear door got blocked by students trying to get out (human stampede effect). In both these tragedies, panic bars could have made a difference.

Because doors equipped with crash bars are easy to open and never get stuck, there should be no problems in case of an evacuation. Let’s face it; during emergencies, people panic. They don’t think clearly and most people will not be able to open doors equipped with more complex opening mechanisms. This is why the panic bar is perfect for emergency exits.

If there are over 10 people present at your commercial property at any given time and there is an emergency, they may not be able to exit the property in time. This is why you need panic bars installed on your doors. During a human stampede, the panic bars’ effective opening mechanism insures that the door does not get jammed. Also, keep in mind that fire standards may oblige you to install panic bars on doors which provide egress from assembly areas, or on doors which serve dangerous areas. Of course, panic bars are almost always mandatory on doors that serve a large number of people.

Remember, the crash bars are only operated from the inside. Don’t worry about somebody gaining unauthorized access to your property because the door cannot be opened from the outside. And in any case, many panic bars are equipped with alarm systems that go off in case of an unauthorized opening.

How to Find the Perfect Locksmith to Install Panic Bars

Panic bars have been shown to be very effective at helping evacuate large numbers of people in as little time as possible. They are also sturdy, safe, and secure. However, to work perfectly, crash bars should be installed by a licensed commercial locksmith. If your commercial property is located in Glenview, IL, Glenview Locksmith is by far your best choice. Remember, you want to work with locksmiths who have extensive experience at installing panic bars if you want the door opening mechanisms to work without a hitch during an emergency.
Never attempt to install panic bars yourself.

Even though the mechanism may look like it is working properly, you never know what can happen during an emergency when there is a human stampede. One small mistake when installing the panic bars may cause a tragedy. Never take this risk! Instead, call a licensed locksmith company that has specialists who know how to install the crash bars the right way.

You may be worried about the costs, but keep in mind that the security of your staff and of your customers is far more important than a few bucks. And in any case, a reputable locksmith company will usually offer you discounts on parts and labor if you install panic bars on several doors on your commercial property.