Hospital & Care Facility Exit Solutions (Panic Bars Exit Devices EN 1125 & EN 179) 

Design exits for wards, clinics and public areas that open instantly, relatch reliably and pass audit. Use EN 1125 touch bars on routes used by patients and visitors, and EN 179 devices on staff-only doors. EKIN maps each opening to the right configuration, with matched accessories, cleanable finishes and fire-door documentation. 

Public access or staff-only?

• EN 1125 (Public Access): Full-width touch bar for immediate egress without prior knowledge—typical on ward corridors, lobbies, waiting areas and public circulation.
  Explore → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/
  
  

• EN 179 (Trained-Only): Push pad or lever for staff-only areas—plant rooms, back-of-house corridors, stores and controlled theatre support spaces.
  Explore → /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/
  
  

Quick guides → /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/ · /compliance/bs-en-179-guide/

Typical healthcare door sets & recommended configurations

1) Ward corridor double doors (public):

• EN 1125 vertical-rod pairs with top keepers and recessed floor strikes for two-point latching and smooth relatching under trolley traffic.
  
  

• If a centre mullion is required, consider paired rim devices with mullion keepers.
  Links → Vertical-Rod /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/vertical-rod/ · Double-Door Kits /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/double-door-kits/
  
  

2) Public-facing single exits (lobbies, clinics):

• EN 1125 rim touch bar; add outside trim & cylinder for controlled re-entry by authorised staff.
  Links → Rim /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/rim/ · Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

3) Design-led or flush interiors (receptions, day-case units):

• EN 1125 mortise for a flush aesthetic and protected lock case; confirm door edge prep and certification.
  Link → Mortise /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/mortise/
  
  

4) Staff-only internal rooms (plant, stores, clinical support):

• EN 179 latch/bolt (lever or push pad) on single internal doors, with training and signage.
  Links → EN 179 Latch /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/latch/ · EN 179 Bolt /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/bolt/
  
  

Accessories for healthcare (re-entry, hygiene & reliability)

• Outside trims & cylinders for controlled re-entry (key–key or key–thumbturn). Choose trims compatible with rim, vertical-rod or mortise devices.
  Links → Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

• Strikes & keepers tuned to frames and thresholds: recessed floor strikes in corridors for durability and clean finish; surface strikes where recessing isn’t feasible. Include mullion keepers where centre mullions are used.
  Link → Strikes & Keepers /products/accessories/strikes-keepers/
  
  

• Dogging keys & covers for non-fire doors only during managed activities (cleaning, patient transfer staging) under written policy.
  Link → Dogging Keys & Covers /products/accessories/dogging-keys-covers/

Compliance & inspection (UK-focused, globally applicable)

• Match approvals to the door leaf certificate—device + strikes/keepers + fixings, especially on fire doors.
  
  

• Maintain clear signage and keep exit hardware unobstructed (beds, trolleys, bins).
  
  

• Choose cleanable finishes and maintain a planned inspection log (operating force, alignment, fixings, signage).
  Resources → Inspection Checklist (PDF) /compliance/inspection-checklist/ · How to Install /knowledge/how-to-install-push-bar/ · Maintenance /knowledge/maintenance-troubleshooting/

Case snapshot

A day-surgery unit upgraded ward corridor pairs to EN 1125 vertical-rod with recessed floor strikes and specified mortise EN 1125 on reception-facing exits for a flush look. EN 179 devices were used on plant rooms. The trust passed audit with fewer call-outs due to improved keeper seating and scheduled inspections.

FAQ (Hospitals & Care)

Q1: Vertical-rod or rim on ward pairs?
Where there is no centre mullion, use vertical-rod for two-point latching. With a centre mullion, paired rim devices with mullion keepers can be used.

Q2: Can we use EN 179 on patient routes?
No—patient/visitor routes are public access; specify EN 1125.

Q3: Are these devices fire-door compatible?
Many are, but approvals must match your door certificate including strikes/keepers and fixings.

Q4: Can we allow re-entry from corridors?
Yes—use outside trims & cylinder kits per policy; confirm trim/device compatibility and cylinder length for the door build-up.

Q5: What causes slow return after heavy trolley use?
Often keeper misalignment or loose fixings. Re-check the template, latch throw and closer speed; tighten progressively and log adjustments.

Send site plan (wards/public routes/staff-only rooms), door photos, single or double, centre mullion/threshold details, fire-door status and any re-entry needs. We’ll propose a compliant healthcare configuration with an itemised price in £.

• Request a Quote → /quote/
  
  

• Use the Selector → /tools/product-selector/