Emergency exits

December 5, 2023
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Unkategorisiert

Emergency exits lead a quiet and rarely used existence in most properties. But in an emergency, they can be the difference between life and death.
So today we are giving this vital safety feature the “stage” and taking a closer look at it.

In principle, an emergency exit is usually a swing door or hatch or a window or exit that leads to the outside at the end of an escape and rescue route in the direction of escape. Automatic sliding doors are only permitted with certain restrictions, revolving doors are not permitted at all or must be specially designed for this purpose.

The width of the emergency exit depends on the maximum number of people to be expected in the event of danger.
The minimum width must (in accordance with Section 18 (2) – Workplace Ordinance – AstV) be

up to 40 persons min. 80cm
up to 80 persons min. 90cm
up to 120 persons at least 100cm
over 120 persons, this increases by 10 cm for every 10 persons

The reliable functioning of this device is particularly important when people are in the building, as emergencies are rarely planned (except during exercises).

Emergency exits

must be easily accessible at all times
must be easy to open from the inside in the direction of escape at all times without the use of external aids
must not be obstructed, restricted or blocked (neither from inside nor outside)
must be clearly recognizable (marking according to ÖNORM EN ISO 7010 in the direction of escape (ideally also from the outside))
free of limiting objects that can be easily knocked over
should be inspected regularly by a competent person (e.g. fire safety officer/maintainer, building technician) (preferably every 2 weeks)

Door handles are usually fitted on the inside to allow the door to be opened at any time. Locked doors require so-called panic locks – these unlock from the inside even if the door is locked.

For emergency exits with horizontal operating rods in particular, make sure to mark the side on which the swing door can be opened easily (on the opposite side of the hinges).

The route from the emergency exit to the assembly point must also be observed.

This must

sufficiently illuminated
unhindered (no storage in front of the door, no parked vehicles, etc.)
be safe for everyone to reach (ensure snow clearance in winter, no tripping hazards due to uneven ground, etc.).

To make sure you don’t miss any more appointments in future, download the MyBuilding24 app . There you can record all your devices requiring maintenance and manage the associated appointments. With a complete list of maintenance work available at all times, you are always on the safe side.