DIN EN 179 and DIN EN 1125

There have hardly been any norms so passionately and controversially discussed shortly after their inclusion in the Building Rules List B/Part 1, as these two norms. Often one could not avoid the impression that it was a matter of people existing to serve norms and not vice-versa. Many opinions expressed apparently focused not so much on seeking the most convenient solution but rather on perfect compliance with regulations and ordinances.

There is no doubt that both norms have passed the required verifications of conformity and are therefore valid. But it has also been officially confirmed that the building regulations do not prescribe any reference to the application of EN 179 and EN 1125. The requirements laid down in the model construction regulations and model construction regulations for special types of development merely stipulate that doors along escape routes must be easy to open to their full width from the inside, (if necessary with a single push).

To help its customers to be always on the safe side in planning their buildings without having to consider problems that are primarily a matter of formality, FSB offers an extensive choice of products that meet the requirements of DIN EN 179.

In the case of DIN EN 1125, the matter is somewhat more complicated. According to the norm, panic door locks (= lock + striking plate + handle bar) must be used wherever large crowds can be expected and panic may occur among people who are unfamiliar with the layout of the premises. From FSB’s point of view, this applies to assembly halls, theatres, cinemas, discos, etc. In our opinion, the ultimate decision where panic door locks should be installed rests exclusively with the architect/building planner, of course in cooperation with the local building authorities.