Is a push bar required?

[Guest dave]

Hi,

Just a quick query.

Admin/office in its own grounds ---on ground and open plan upper floor with final exit through the main lobby which has fire doors running off it.

There is a small store room at rear of building on ground floor with fire door that leads to this lobby---inside there is another door that leads to outside--this door stays locked and is not a fire/final exit door.

Should this door be replaced with a push bar final exit door?

[Tom Sutton]

It's a misunderstanding that all final exit doors have to be fitted with push bars (panic bars) it depends on the number of person likely to be using it, an easily opened, one action handle can be used but the door should not be locked, during the time the premises is open, if required for means of escape (MoE). Your fire risk assessment will show if this door is required as an alternative MoE.