When it comes to fire exit doors a lot of company’s and social groups don’t realise that when they start fitting the new running man fire exit signs that they have the responsibility to replace the door locks to bring the doors up to code .
They don’t realise that if there is a fire and someone gets hurt / die they then become responsible for this .
A fire door is a door with a fire-resistance rating (sometimes referred to as a fire protection rating for closures) used as part of a passive fire protection system to reduce the spread of fire or smoke between compartments and to enable sate evacuation from a building.
Exit doors are a critical part of the fire and safety infrastructure of a building .By LAW there are very specific locking requirements required for exit doors.
Locks used on Exit doors which also include Fire Doors and path of Travel Door are governed by building codes of Australia (BCA) Ordinance D2.21 . Mostly these doors are identified by illuminated EXIT signs above (or leading to) Exit Doors.
Exit safety is paramount and includes emergency evacuations such as fires, toxic gas, chemical spills , personal safety .
The code specifically states that personal safety takes precedence over security . Local council building and fire Inspectors , and the fire brigade , are the authorities that commonly police compliance of this regulation.
The regulation is complex with numerous grey areas, with the ultimate interpretation falling with the inspecting authority.
There are 3 categories of exit doors;
Fire doors
A Fire Door is a door that enters a fireproof stairway or tunnel. The door itself is made from a special fire resistant material , and has a fire rating compliance tag fitted to the hinge edge of the door .A steel fire resistant frame is also used.
Exit doors
An exit door is a door that allows an emergency exit from a building .
Dependant location , it need not necessarily be fire rated or a steel framed.
Path of travel door
A path of travel door is a door in the egress pathway leading to or between a fire door or exit door . They are often dual purpose and also used as smoke doors.
D2.21
The exit opening action of a lock must be a single-handed downward lever action. A pushing action is also allowed , and this is preferred
Internal knob or turn snibs are not permitted . This provision takes into account the need for an emergency opening mechanism to be operable by people hand or arm disabilities ,burns to their hands, with perspiring or wet hands ,or the aged or infirm.
. The opening mechanism should be capable of being operated by a nudging action whilst dragging an injured or unconscious person to safety.
.Key locking is not permissible on the exit side (inside) of the door
. Only one lock per door is permissible
. Locks must be fitted at a height of between 900mm and 1100mm from the floor level
In case of fire doors , the lock must be self latching , and be fire rated in accordance with AS1905.1.1 A fire rated automatic door closer s must also be fitted . Only fire rated hardware may be fitted to afire rated door . Note on door lock heights exit doors , fire doors path of travel doors and disabled access doors ,now have standards lock height of 9000mm 1100mm .The exception being locks in child care facilities , which may be 1500mm 1650mm as necessary.
It is compulsory requirement and duty of care to ensure that all exit doors are safe and functional and BCA code compliant. 
Here at AV Locksmiths we are committed in safety and security
