Since March 1st 2004 European wide new norms for mechanically operated emergency and panic locks have been in place
EN179 for Emergency Exit Doors:
This norm is applicable when the personnel know the function of the doors and their locking arrangements, e.g. in office buildings without public access, student hostels, factories, laboratories and retirement homes.
If only a small number of people are involved a situation of danger does not result in panic. People in this situation can overcome their initial fear and react in a rational matter so long as they have been well informed and trained.
All products used at the emergency exit have to be approved as a whole unit by an official institute of product and materials testing and must conform with the maximum release power and handle measurements stipulated.
EN1125 for Panic Doors
This norm is used for public buildings where visitors do not know the function of the emergency exit doors but must still be able to use it without instruction in an emergency
e.g. in cinemas, schools, department stores, hotels, hospitals, theatres and discotheques.
In the event of danger a panic situation is likely to arise so everyone must be able to open the doors without previous knowledge.
Only panic bars which cover at least 60% of the door leaf are permitted and the panic bar and lock combination have to be certified together by an official institute of product and materials testing and must not exceed a maximum trigger power of 80 Newton.