I've been retrofitting exit doors across Calgary for years, and I'm seeing the fire department crack down harder than ever on improper egress.
Business owners are failing inspections. Not because they're careless, but because they don't realize their exit doors violate current code.
Here's what you need to know about panic hardware, fire exits, and the requirements that keep your building compliant.
The One-Action Rule You Can't Ignore
If you see the word "EXIT" above a door, that door must open with one single action.
Push a lever. Turn a knob. Press a panic bar.
That's it. One motion in the direction you're traveling.
Panic hardware is the best solution for this requirement. It's mechanical egress that works every time, regardless of power or electronics.
The Exact Technical Requirements
Here are the specifications your panic hardware must meet:
Force: The door must open with less than 15 pounds of pressure.
Mounting height: Install panic bars between 34 and 48 inches above the floor, depending on your door leaf width.
No additional locks: You cannot add chains, padlocks, barrier bars, or any other locking device to a door with panic hardware. According to industry standards, nothing should inhibit egress or prevent occupants from opening doors during an emergency.
Fire-rated doors: If your door is fire-rated—even an interior door—your panic hardware must also be fire-rated. The label must state this clearly on the hardware itself.
When You're Required to Install Panic Hardware
The requirements depend on your occupancy and hazard level.
IBC (International Building Code): You need panic hardware for assembly or educational occupancies with 50 or more people.
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code): You need panic hardware for assembly or educational occupancies with 100 or more people.
High-hazard areas: You need panic hardware regardless of occupant load in areas where gas tanks, propane, or other hazardous materials are stored.
Electrical rooms: You need panic hardware on doors within 25 feet of electrical equipment rated at 800 amps or more.
Most business owners don't realize these thresholds exist until an inspector shows up.
Why Door Swing Direction Matters More Than You Think
Your exit doors must swing in the direction of egress travel.
Picture this: A fire breaks out. Five people rush toward an exit door. They're pushing against it, trying to escape.
If that door swings inward, they can't pull it open. The pressure from bodies against the door makes it impossible.
That's not proper egress. That's a death trap.
I check the swing direction on every door I inspect. It's one of the most common violations I find.
The Magnetic Lock Problem
I'm doing more retrofits this year than ever before, and most involve removing magnetic locks.
Business owners install mag locks with a button beside the door. They think this meets code.
It doesn't.
That button is a single point of failure. If it malfunctions during an emergency, people can't get out.
Some owners argue their mag locks are connected to the fire alarm system. They believe that's sufficient.
But emergencies aren't limited to fires. Active shooter situations, chemical releases, gas leaks—none of these trigger fire alarms. The door stays locked.
I replace mag locks with electric strikes and mechanical panic hardware. The mechanical component ensures people can exit even during power failures.
What Happens When You Fail an Inspection
Fire inspectors move through Calgary systematically. Eventually, they'll reach your location.
When they identify violations, you typically get 30 days to fix them.
That's not much time. You need to research solutions, hire professionals, order parts, schedule installation, and pass re-inspection.
We keep parts and equipment in stock specifically for this scenario. I can often get businesses up to code the same day they call.
Not every company can do that.
The Simple Self-Check Every Owner Should Do
Walk up to your exit doors right now and test two things:
1. Can you exit with one motion?
Push the panic bar or turn the handle. If you need multiple actions, you're not compliant.
2. Does the door swing outward?
Push the door in the direction you'd exit during an emergency. If it swings toward you instead of away, you have a problem.
If either test fails, bring in a professional before an inspector does.
Exit Signage Is Changing
The green walking man symbol is becoming the global standard for exit signage.
The old text-based "EXIT" signs are being phased out in favor of universal pictograms.
If you're updating your panic hardware, update your signage at the same time.
Hardware Recommendations Based on Budget
When I need to replace panic hardware completely, I recommend two brands:
Marks: High-end panic bars with a lifetime warranty. They retrofit most existing doors and last decades. It provides the strongest balance of performance, reliability, and cost.
Dorex: Excellent panic hardware at a lower price point. We install these constantly. They're reliable and cost-effective when budget matters.
The investment depends entirely on your existing setup. If you already have panic bars that need minor adjustments, the cost is minimal. If I'm replacing everything, the cost increases.
Pricing depends on the door configuration, so a site review is needed before quoting
Multi-Location Businesses Need Location-Specific Assessments
If you operate multiple locations, assess each one individually.
Franchise operators often inherit spaces from previous tenants. The hardware varies by location, age, and original installation.
You can't apply a cookie-cutter solution across all sites.
But if one location fails an inspection, check your other locations immediately. Get ahead of the problem instead of reacting to multiple violations.
