Panic hardware service contracts — monthly user-test guidance + annual professional inspection to BS EN 1125 / BS EN 179, with certification mark verification and life-safety function confirmed every visit.
Twelve standard service lines covered as part of every contract — on top of the door-type-specific scope listed elsewhere on the page. One contract, one engineer team, one document trail.
Panic hardware is the door type with the most direct life-safety implication. The Responsible Person's baseline duty under the RR(FS)O 2005 is monthly user-test of every emergency exit. On top of that, BS EN 1125 / BS EN 179 require annual professional inspection. Hardware that's been modified, painted over, or had non-certified parts substituted is non-compliant from the moment of modification — and the consequences in a fire-evacuation scenario can be catastrophic. A service contract gives the Responsible Person ongoing documented evidence and catches certification-invalidating modifications.
BS EN 1125 covers panic hardware for public emergency exits (horizontal push-bar). BS EN 179 covers emergency exit hardware for trained users (levers, push-pads). Both require CE / UKCA marking with a 10-digit performance code. Locking the inside operation in any way (chains, padlocks, screws, kick-plates over the bar) is illegal under the RR(FS)O 2005. The Responsible Person is personally liable.
Wherever your premises are, the same engineer team carries your documentation between visits. One contract, one accountable team, one document trail — whether you have a single site or a multi-region estate.
Monthly user-test by the Responsible Person (or designated competent person) is the baseline. Annual professional inspection by a qualified engineer on top of that. Both are required by the RR(FS)O 2005 read with BS EN 1125 / BS EN 179.
BS EN 1125 covers panic hardware for public emergency exits (horizontal push-bar — for places where people may panic). BS EN 179 covers emergency exit hardware for trained users (levers, push-pads — for staff-only exits). Wrong specification for the actual use is the most common compliance failure we see on inspection.
Yes — an external access device (key lock, code, fob, electric strike) is allowed as long as the inside operation is never overridden. Locking the inside in any way (chains, padlocks, screws, kick-plates over the bar) is illegal under the RR(FS)O 2005 and carries personal liability.
Every certified unit carries a CE / UKCA mark with a 10-digit performance code — usually inside the cover, on the strike side, or on the rear of the push-bar. If you can't find a mark, the hardware is non-certified and replacement is required.
The original certification is invalidated from that moment, regardless of how the door looks. A service-contract inspection catches this and quotes the certified replacement. We never use non-certified parts on panic hardware, full stop.
Yes, with strict conditions: a single hand-action on the panic mechanism must release the door from inside, no swipe or code or button required. Systems that need an electronic action from inside are not compliant on a panic hardware exit, and we will flag them for remediation.
A short email or a photo of your door inventory is all we need. No site visit required in most cases.
Get in touch
Head Office:
Commercial Door Maintenance and Security Ltd
61 Bridge Street,
Kington,
HR5 3DJ
t: 0800 774 7998
e: info@cdms-ltd.co.uk
Office Hours
Mon - Sat: 8am - 10pm
Sun: Closed
