Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco confirms growing interest in its emergency exit hardware range for public sector and commercial projects. Demand is being driven by contractors working in healthcare, industrial and commercial settings, where fire safety and rapid evacuation are critical concerns.
Owen Coop, CEO of Carl F Groupco, explains: “Contractors are increasingly looking for solutions that not only comply with fire safety regulations but also enhance overall fire safety infrastructure and reduce evacuation times. Our range of emergency exit hardware meets these needs, providing peace of mind for specifiers and project managers.”
There are two key standards that govern the specification of emergency exit hardware in different building types. EN 179 applies to environments where occupants are familiar with the building’s layout and exits, such as offices, factories and residential flats. The performance requirements of EN 179 are ensuring safe and effective escape through a doorway with one single operation to release the emergency exit device.
BS EN 1125:2008 is designed for buildings where occupants may be unfamiliar with the exits, such as in hospitals, hotels, public buildings and retail spaces. This standard requires that doors can be easily opened using hand or body pressure, without prior knowledge of the exit device, to facilitate safe evacuation.
Owen said: “Our team works closely with fabricators and commercial specifiers to ensure they select the right hardware for their specific project needs, whether it’s for familiar or unfamiliar environments.”
Carl F Groupco’s emergency exit hardware portfolio includes advanced solutions from trusted brands including FUHR and Strand, offering versatile options to meet varying safety and security requirements.
The FUHR 870 and 871 Type 8 emergency door exit multipoint locks are designed to meet both EN 179 and BS EN 1125 standards. They allow emergency exit from the inside at any time while providing secure key-operated access from the outside.
The CISA FAST touch panic bar is an ideal solution for installations which require a fast opening feature, particularly relevant to comply with Scottish Building Regulations. The bar is fully compliant with BS EN 1125 when used in conjunction with the FUHR panic exit lock.
Strand’s Antipanic Modular Push Pad has been tested and certified to EN 179. It includes options for door monitoring and access control through an integrated micro-switch, offering enhanced security and monitoring capabilities. Similarly, the Antipanic Modular Push Bar has also been tested and certified to BS EN 1125. As with the Push Pad, there is the option of a micro-switch for door monitoring and access control.
Owen concludes: “Emergency exit hardware plays a crucial role in saving lives during fire or emergency situations. At Carl F Groupco, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of compliant, high-performance solutions to support safe and effective evacuation across all project types.”
