Why Every Business Should Have Emergency Exit Hardware?

12-08-2021 by Fred Hart -

Every business, whether it’s a retail shop, warehouse, medical office, or school, must consider safety as part of its day-to-day operations. Emergency exit hardware is not just a formality—it’s a vital component of your building’s safety infrastructure. It ensures fast, secure egress during fires, power outages, or other emergencies and is often required by local and federal fire codes.

As a trusted mobile locksmith company in Round Rock, we often find that business owners either overlook emergency hardware or misunderstand what’s actually required. In this guide, we’ll break down why every business needs compliant exit devices, what your options are, and how to install them properly to protect both your people and your legal standing. If you’re planning an upgrade, renovation, or are simply unsure about your building’s current hardware, this page is a great place to start.

Legal Requirements and Fire Code Compliance

Most commercial buildings are required by law to have specific types of exit devices installed on designated egress routes. The International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and ADA regulations all include sections covering door hardware. Panic bars, door closers, and alarms must meet ANSI and UL standards to pass inspections.

In Texas, failure to comply can result in steep fines, failed occupancy permits, or even shutdowns during fire marshal visits. Fire-rated exits require door closers and panic hardware that self-latch and close automatically. Learn more in our article on choosing fire-rated panic hardware.

Types of Emergency Exit Devices

Emergency exit hardware includes several device categories, each designed for a specific level of protection and door type:

• Panic bars: Also known as push bars, these allow occupants to open a door quickly by pushing a horizontal bar. Required in most public buildings. If you’re unsure of the difference between types, see panic bar vs crash bar differences.
• Exit door alarms: Audible alarms that sound when a door is opened. These help prevent unauthorized exits and are especially useful in retail or school settings. See our exit alarm troubleshooting guide for more.
• Fire-rated closers: Ensure doors automatically close after each use. These are mandatory on many commercial and mixed-use properties. Learn more in our guide to selecting the right door closer.
• Delayed egress systems: These integrate with alarms and access control and are used in high-security or sensitive facilities.

Each solution must be chosen based on your building's layout, occupancy, and regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Installing Exit Hardware for Your Business

Installing emergency exit hardware does more than keep you compliant—it actively improves your building’s functionality, safety, and reputation. Here’s how:

• Protects lives: Well-installed hardware ensures quick egress during fires, power failures, or other threats.
• Prevents theft: Alarm-equipped exits deter unauthorized use in retail, warehouse, and school settings.
• Reduces insurance costs: Many insurers offer lower premiums for properly equipped properties.
• Improves accessibility: ADA-compliant devices help businesses serve customers of all abilities.

More than just a fire safety measure, exit hardware supports daily operational efficiency and risk management.

Real Risks of Not Having Proper Exit Hardware

Ignoring your building’s emergency exit setup can have serious consequences:

• Failed fire inspections
• Increased liability in the event of an accident
• Slower evacuation during emergencies
• Insurance claim denial after an incident

Unfortunately, we’ve seen businesses face lawsuits over blocked exits or non-compliant doors. A simple panic bar or alarm could have prevented the issue entirely.

How Emergency Exit Hardware Reduces Liability

Having certified exit devices in place reduces your exposure to legal action. In an emergency, every second counts, and your responsibility is to ensure people can get out safely. Properly installed, code-compliant hardware gives you legal protection and demonstrates due diligence.

Even if you're not legally required to have certain devices, installing them is a proactive step toward protecting your staff and customers.

Choosing the Right Hardware for Your Building

Not all hardware is created equal. Consider the following when choosing:

• Occupancy level: High-traffic areas require Grade 1 ANSI-rated hardware
• Fire-rating of the door: Check if your doors need fire-certified hardware
• Accessibility requirements: Install ADA-compliant levers and closers
• Door material: Metal, wood, or glass doors each require compatible parts

We can walk you through every detail to make sure you’re compliant and covered.

Installation Tips and Maintenance Best Practices

Even the best hardware won’t function properly if it’s poorly installed. Make sure to:

• Use templates provided by the manufacturer
• Align the strike plate perfectly with the latch
• Test closing and latching force with adjustments as needed
• Ensure that all mounting screws are securely fastened and hardware is flush

After installation, schedule regular maintenance:

• Test alarms and closers monthly
• Check for rust, misalignment, or sticking latches
• Lubricate moving parts every 6 months with non-oil-based products

If something seems off, don’t wait—see our guide on adjusting panic bars that don’t latch.

Common Misconceptions About Exit Hardware

Many business owners delay installation due to myths or bad advice. Let's clear some up:

• "Only large buildings need this." – False. Many small businesses fall under the same code regulations.
• "It’s too expensive." – Not compared to the cost of a lawsuit, fine, or insurance hike.
• "The door already opens, so I’m fine." – Without the right certified hardware, you may still be in violation.
• "I only need it on the main entrance." – Fire code requires it on all designated emergency exits.

When in doubt, check with a pro or your local fire marshal. We're here to help break it all down.

Partnering with a Professional Locksmith for Installation

Working with a professional locksmith ensures you get the right products and a proper install—something that saves money and stress in the long run. We assess door conditions, code requirements, traffic patterns, and hardware compatibility before recommending or installing anything.

Serving Round Rock and surrounding cities, our mobile locksmith team can install panic bars, fire-rated closers, and alarms in a single visit. We can also source hardware from trusted suppliers. Need to find parts? Check our page on where to get commercial door hardware locally.

Whether it’s new construction or a retrofit, we’ll make sure your building is safe and compliant.

Conclusion

Emergency exit hardware is an essential part of running a safe, legally compliant business. From panic bars to door closers and alarms, installing the right systems helps protect people, prevent liability, and pass inspections. If you’re located in Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto, Georgetown, Taylor, or Cedar Park—including zip codes 78664, 78681, 78634, and 78660—we’re just one call away from helping you get it done right.

References

• Why Emergency Exit Hardware Matters for Businesses
• How to Choose the Right Fire-Rated Hardware
• Guide to Automatic Door Closers
• Exit Alarm Fire Code Compliance Guide

Round Rock Service Areas

Lakeway TX Pflugerville TX Round Rock TX Elgin TX Barton Creek TX San Marcos TX Cedar Park TX Floresville TX Jollyville TX Leander TX Georgetown TX

Zip codes:

78634 78664 78735 78641 78628 78613 78610 78729 78665 78621 78626