Commercial Door Repair Bethesda, MD

MacArthur Locks & Doors got an urgent call from a local business in Bethesda, MD. The panic bar—which keeps people safe in emergencies—was no longer working. This safety feature failure could put the lives of their customers in danger. They knew they needed a professional commercial door repair service right away. So they asked for same-day service for the panic bar to work again and to ensure it met safety standards.

Our technicians inspected the commercial door and discovered why it was not working. We found that years of use had damaged the internal parts of the panic bar, making it useless. So, we carefully removed the hardware and replaced its worn parts. To guarantee complete safety, we tested the panic bar to see if it worked. In no time, we got it back in full operation. The client was very satisfied with how the job turned out. They thanked us for responding quickly and professionally to the commercial door repair service request.

In an emergency, a safe and fast escape is essential. Panic bars, also called push bars or exit devices, can help people get out faster and avoid getting hurt during those unexpected events. Yet, the rules about panic bars can be hard to understand and follow. That leaves many building owners and occupants uncertain about the rules, standards, and codes for installing and using them. But do not worry. We will help you familiarize yourself with the regulations and ensure your building is up to the codes.

Legal and Safety Requirements for Panic Bars

Depending on the country and local building codes, laws and safety rules for panic bars may vary. Here are some general guidelines:

Building Codes

Building codes and fire safety regulations usually have rules about panic bars. Each location has different rules. Make sure you know the codes in your area. In the United States, for example, panic bars must meet the standards of the International Building Code (IBC) or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code.

Accessibility

The design of panic bars should allow people of all skills, including those with disabilities, to use them easily. They should meet mobility rules like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. or similar rules in other countries. These standards often have rules about how high panic bars need to be, how hard they need to be pushed, and what signs they need so anyone can find and read them.

Exit Capacity

The number and type of panic bars required in a building depend on its occupancy and the layout of the space. Building rules usually say how many exits there should be and how far people should walk to get to an exit. Have your panic bars installed on marked emergency exit doors, and make sure there are enough exits and clear paths to exit the building.

Fire Safety

Fire-rated doors often need panic bars, which must be in line with fire safety rules. These regulations may include details like the door's fire resistance rating, the hardware used, and other things like self-closing mechanisms. Fire codes may also say panic bars must be connected to the fire alarm system to open automatically in case of a fire.

Testing and Certification

Panic bars should be tested and meet certain safety standards to make sure they work and last. Look for panic bars tested and cleared by established organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other reputable testing labs.

Installation and Maintenance

For panic bars to work, let a pro install them. You should have them installed according to the guidelines from the manufacturer and any building codes. Maintaining and checking panic bars regularly is also important to make sure they keep working.

Importance of Working With Certified Professionals for Panic Bar Installations

Remember that these are just general guidelines, and your area may have different specific rules. Talking to local authorities, building code officials, and qualified experts is important to ensure your establishment's panic bars meet all legal and safety requirements. Working with qualified commercial door Bethesda experts to install panic bars ensures the job is done right, follows the rules, and ensures the safety and security of the building's occupants. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality workmanship contribute to a reliable and efficient panic bar system.

Commercial Door Repair Service Near Me

Are you having trouble with your commercial doors? When it comes to commercial door and locksmith services, MacArthur Locks & Doors is the best company in Bethesda, MD. We are experts at panic hardware repair and maintenance, ensuring businesses are safe and secure. Our team of skilled professionals can fix broken locks, door alignment problems, and panic bar issues. Choose MacArthur Locks & Doors if you want services at reasonable prices. Call us at (202) 760-4589 to ask about prices and availability and see how exceptional our service is.