Commercial Rear Door Emergency Exit Rules

If you have an emergency exit sign above a door, then you have an emergency exit. Besides making sure the "emergency exit" sign is well lit, and that there are no obstructions blocking egress through that door, you must also be careful to insure that the door in question can be exited in one motion. That means you cannot have a door that must be activated or unlocked twice before a person can leave. The reasons are fairly obvious. In the event of a fire or violent crime, a person must be able to hit that door running without having to stop and think about which lock to unlock first. It may seem simple at first thought; but think about it. When people are frightened by danger, their only concern is getting away from the danger.

This means you can have only one locking device on that door. However, there are a number of things you can do to better secure your emergency exit. Let's face it: a rear door with only a lever is not going to keep you secure. After 23 years of door lock servicing I can help you with some ideas. I will list some pros and cons for each solution.

1. You can keep the lever, but be sure to add a Don-Jo latch guard on the outside to keep people from prying the door open after hours.  Pro - The guard will take more effort to breach. Con - I have not seen a latch protector yet that could not be breached.  Also, people are learning how to attack the key cylinder with a drill. A skilled burglar with a drill can gain entrance to your business in less than 60 seconds.
2. Install a Security Exit Bar. Pro - I have not seen one defeated in my life. It is easy to install and burglars cannot see it. Con - It can only be legally used when the business is closed. However, use a lever with a latch guard for daytime security. This would be my choice from experience!
3. Install a Detex 230D. This device uses a deadbolt and an alarm which will alert you to employees or customers who are leaving or opening the door unauthorized. Pro - From the outside, nobody knows it is there. Con - You have to unlock it by key every time an employee needs to go to the dumpster.
4. Install a regular panic bar. I like the Von Duprin 22 series. Pro - It can be installed without outside trim so it is invulnerable to outside attack. Con - It does not have quite the holding force of a Security Exit Bar or a Detex 230D.
5. Don't forget the commercial-grade peephole!