25 Jun 2008

How can exit devices improve access/egress control in the healthcare environment?

Also known as “panic hardware”, exit devices perform the very important function of allowing safe exiting (or “free egress” in code lingo) from a space, while restricting access.

Exit devices consist of a push pad or bar which extends across the push side of the door.  When depressed, the device retracts a latchbolt to allow the door to be pushed open.  Think of these as a one-way valve through which people can exit but not enter unless authorized. 

In a healthcare facility, exit devices are applied in numerous locations including ward entrances, auditoriums, hazardous material areas, stairwells and cross-corridor doors.  This last type of doors will typically be held in the open position to allow for the free flow of traffic down a corridor, but are tied to the building alarm system so that in case of a fire, the doors are released to close and latch forming a fire separation.    There are many types of electronic functions now available for exit devices. One of these functions routinely applied to the healthcare environment is the delayed egress exit device.  This device is designed so that a person wishing to exit will be detained for 15 seconds while an audible alarm sounds.  After the 15 second delay, the door is allowed to be opened. 

This is an ideal application to safeguard infants in maternity wards and prevent Alzheimer patients from wandering away in long-term care facilities. Delayed egress devices are also ideal in retail or equipment storage areas where material can be snuck out the back door.  In the past, the most one could do is apply an exit alarm, which would merely tell staff when someone had walked off with something.  Delayed egress devices give staff time to prevent infant abduction, coral wandering patients and deter against theft.

Another electronic exit device function applied in the healthcare environment is the electric latch retraction exit device.  This device operates as a normal exit device, until power is applied.  When power is applied to the device, its latchbolt is retracted, and the door can be pulled (or pushed) open without depressing the push rail or operating any trim, such as a lever.  This can be applied to an entrance which may either have a card reader for access, or be remotely controlled by a time clock or other switching device.  Some manufacturers’ devices actually retract both the latchbolt and the push rail on the exit device, making the device completely silent when operated.  This is ideal for spaces where acoustics and quiet door operation are important.