The importance of panic bars in commercial properties

The invention and use of panic bars allow business customers and visitors a safer way to leave a building, store or sporting event. Business owners here in West Allis, WI and elsewhere can take advantage of the enhanced safety and convenience that panic bars offer. These nifty spring-loaded bars are proven to cut down on accidents, trampling, injuries and deaths while allowing foot traffic to leave an area easily without having to face incoming pedestrians or even having to unlock the door in the first place. Fewer accidents and added safety also translate into lower insurance premiums and fewer claims to be filed. Our West Allis Locksmith technicians offer panic bar repair, new installation and service for all area firms interested in having them. If you own or manage a business with staff, vendors or customers, we encourage you to find out more about these useful mechanical wonders.

Panic bars are what?

Panic bars also go by other names; push bars, exit bars, crash bars and panic devices to name a few. All mean the same thing. These metal, spring-loaded bars are mounted on back doors leading to outside the building or to outside of a store still inside a building like in the case of shopping malls. To use them is simple; just lean on them. This action alone is enough to unlock the door and open it, all at the same time. There is no time wasted in unlocking the door with a key, turning a knob and them physically opening the door in order to get out. Also, panic bar traffic is almost always one-way. The foot traffic is exiting and not entering. There is no door knob or lock on the other side of the door. Folks exiting don’t have to struggle against incoming walkers; that would considerably slow things down. One or several people can exit a door at the same time. Even if the door closes and temporarily locks, the next person coming along simply leans on the panic bar and it unlocks and opens all over again!

Where to buy your panic bars

You can buy panic bars most everywhere; online, hardware stores, building contractors, home improvement centers and even on E-Bay! Many commercial centers have a contractor that they use for their additions, upgrades and improvements. You can buy and install yourself or you can hire someone to do the work for you. If you have questions and you probably will, a hardware or home improvement store might not be the best source for answers. Their floor sales help is usually minimum wage or commission only and have little in the way of product knowledge or tips for installation and/or service. You can do online research first to familiarize yourself with panic bars, their sizes and their many uses and attributes. If you are working with a full-service commercial locksmith in your town, feel free to call with questions and to get free price quotes. In fact, we recommend using a locksmith whenever possible. The advantages are many. Not only does your local commercial locksmith deal with panic bars on a regular basis, be he or she will also be a good source for hardware, accessories, and other materials that can amplify your panic bar’s performance. Plus, locksmiths are mobile and the best shops offer 24-hour emergency service in case of problems. A good locksmith will have the ability to physically visit your building and consider layout, floor plans, work areas, visitor and staff areas and exits. Proper panic bar placement and correct model selection are important and you won’t learn any of that from a teenager working at Sears on commission. 

As a business, you can deduct many expenses on your tax returns and panic bars are considered an improvement and a permanent fixture to your building thus improving its value at the same time. See your tax professional for more information on this but do remember that you are making positive changes to your company and to its physical location.

Do panic bars have any drawbacks?

Like any other mechanical item, panic bars can malfunction and need service from time to time. Since these are spring loaded push bars with internal working mechanisms, they can sometimes jam up and lock, leaving the owners of the business unable to open or close for the day until fixed. Our staff encourages business operators to retain their owner’s manual and learn how to make repairs and adjustments for times when these are needed. Managers on duty should also know this. In addition, there are dozens of online videos that show viewers how to adjust and repair their own panic bars. Of course, you can always call a trusted, 24-hour locksmith to come and help!