Steel Fire Exit Doors & Emergency Exit Doors

When Fire Exit or Emergency Doors Are Legally Required:

• Public buildings such as shops, restaurants, cinemas, schools, and hospitals must have properly signed and accessible fire exits with compliant panic hardware.
• Workplaces with more than one room or more than five employees typically require emergency exits, especially if routes are complex.
• Industrial facilities, warehouses, and factories often need multiple emergency exits to comply with health and safety legislation.
• Multi-storey buildings and premises with high foot traffic must have adequate fire escape doors on every level.

These doors must be clearly marked, kept unobstructed, and easy to open without a key or code from the inside. Doors must also open in the direction of escape if more than 60 people can use them at once.

When Emergency Exit Doors Are Optional but Advisable:

• Small offices with low occupancy and simple layouts may not legally require emergency doors but may choose them to improve safety.
• Storage units, plant rooms, or back-of-house areas may benefit from added peace of mind, even if regulations don’t demand it.
• Private facilities like clubs or gyms may install emergency exits to boost customer confidence and speed up insurance approvals.

If you’re unsure, Metador’s team can help you determine whether your building needs certified emergency or fire exit doors — and which type is best suited for your needs.

What’s the Difference Between Fire Exit Doors and Emergency Doors?

The terms fire exit door and emergency door are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t always the same thing, especially when it comes to building regulations and use cases.

What Are Fire Exit Doors and What Purpose Do They Serve?

Fire exit doors are specifically designed to provide a quick and safe means of escape during a fire. They are usually positioned along designated fire escape routes and are required to open easily without the use of keys or special tools.

Most fire exit doors feature panic hardware, such as push bars or pads, and are often marked with clear signage. In some cases, they may also be fire-rated, meaning they can withstand fire for a specific period to help contain it.

However, not all fire exit doors are fire-rated; their primary function is to enable fast evacuation.

Emergency doors, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any door intended for use in an emergency, not only fire. This could include evacuations due to gas leaks, security threats, or power outages.

Emergency doors might not always require the same panic hardware, depending on who is expected to use them. For example, in staff-only areas, a simple lever handle or push-pad mechanism (certified under BS EN 179) may be sufficient.

The key difference lies in who will be using the door and under what conditions:

• If the door is in a public area, it must comply with BS EN 1125 and be fitted with a panic bar.
• In staff-only or low-occupancy areas, BS EN 179 certification with a push-pad or lever handle may be acceptable. This is because in such areas, panic is less likely to happen.

You might also encounter emergency exit doors under names like:

• Steel emergency exit doors
• Panic escape doors
• Fire escape doors
• Panic bar doors
• Push-bar exit doors

Metador offers all types of compliant doors, so whether you’re specifying for public spaces, private facilities, or industrial sites, you can be confident your doors meet the right standards.

Why Choose Metador for Your Emergency Exit Doors?

Choosing the right emergency exit door isn’t about compliance alone. It’s also about reliability, quality, and ease of installation.

Here’s why architects, contractors, and businesses across the UK trust Metador:

1. UK-based Manufacturing & Quick Lead Times

Metador designs, manufactures, and assembles steel doors at our facility in Middlesbrough. Controlling the entire production process means consistent quality, flexibility, and faster turnaround times—typically under 10 working days [needs double-checking].

2. Comprehensive Certification and Compliance

All Metador fire exit doors adhere to stringent British Standards (BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179). Independently tested and certified, our doors exceed regulatory requirements, which means that your compliance is guaranteed.

Read more about our certifications here.

3. Bespoke Options & Flexibility

Need specific dimensions, finishes, or hardware configurations? Metador emergency doors are available with numerous customisation options, from colour and security features to unique sizing, without extending lead times.

4. Enhanced Security & Durability

Our doors incorporate multi-point locking systems, robust steel construction, and anti-tamper hardware to resist forced entry, enhancing security without compromising emergency egress.

5. Dedicated Customer Support & Expert Advice

Our team of technical specialists is ready to provide detailed advice, from initial specification through installation. We ensure the doors you choose align perfectly with your requirements and safety regulations.

Real-Life Applications for Metador Fire Exit Doors

From panic escape doors to regular emergency doors, there’s an application for each type of door we offer.

We offer emergency doors for any type of premises, included but not limited to:

Emergency Doors for Commercial Premises & Retail

Retail stores, shopping centres, and commercial buildings use Metador doors for their blend of safety, ease of use, and secure construction, protecting stock and staff.

Fire Exit and Emergency Doors for Industrial & Manufacturing

Factories and industrial units choose Metador fire exit doors for their robust build, resilience to heavy use, and reliability under emergency conditions.

Emergency Doors for Educational Institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities require dependable emergency exit solutions. Metador doors deliver both security and fast egress to keep students and staff safe.

Steel Doors for Residential Premises

Whether for individual houses or apartment buildings, the Metador steel doors offer the ideal combination of style, functionality, and safety.

See Our Case Studies

Go Beyond Emergency Doors with Security Features You Can Trust

Emergency exits must be secure yet easy to operate during emergencies. At the same time, you need to make sure that they don’t represent a weak spot in your building’s security

Metador steel fire exit doors achieve both, offering:

• Multi-point locking systems: secure locking points that resist forced entry yet easily release during emergency evacuation.
• Anti-tamper mechanisms: to prevent unwanted intrusion and ensure your building remains secure when doors are closed.
• Galvanised steel construction: highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for internal and external applications.

Protect your property without compromising on safety standards!

Request Your Metador Fire Exit Door Quote Today

Choosing Metador means choosing peace of mind, robust security, guaranteed compliance, and exceptional UK-made quality. Talk to our experts today and find the perfect fire exit doors for your property.

Get Your Quote

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do fire exit doors have to be fire-rated?

Not always. Fire exit doors must facilitate quick evacuation but aren’t always fire-rated unless specifically required to restrict fire spread. Metador offers both fire-rated and non-fire-rated emergency exits depending on your specific compliance needs.

What’s the difference between BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179?

BS EN 1125 requires panic bars for public buildings, while BS EN 179 covers push-pads or lever handles for non-public environments. Metador supplies both solutions based on your building’s usage.

Can emergency exit doors be locked?

They can’t be locked from the inside in a way that restricts escape. Metador emergency exit doors feature secure external locking systems with compliant panic hardware internally.

Do you provide installation services?

Metador doesn’t install directly [needs double-checking], but we partner closely with trusted, accredited installers nationwide and can recommend installation specialists familiar with our doors.

How quickly can Metador deliver doors?

Standard lead times are typically under 10 working days from order to delivery. Custom configurations may vary slightly, but our production process ensures quick turnaround.

Can fire exit doors be used as regular entrances?

Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Fire exit doors are designed for emergency egress, not daily use. Using them regularly can cause unnecessary wear on panic hardware and may compromise their emergency function. If you need dual-purpose access, speak to us about configuring a fire exit with external access control.

Are fire exit doors required to open outwards?

Yes. UK building regulations state that emergency exits must open in the direction of escape—that is, outwards—especially in buildings where more than 60 people may be evacuating. This reduces the risk of congestion or injury during an emergency.

Can I install a lock on a fire exit door?

You can have external locks, but the door must always open freely and easily from the inside without the use of a key or code. Metador fire exit doors are fitted with panic bars or push pads internally, ensuring escape routes remain accessible at all times.

What colours should fire exit doors be?

There’s no legal requirement for a specific colour, but green is typically associated with emergency exits due to UK safety signage standards. However, Metador offers a full range of RAL colour options so you can balance compliance with your building’s aesthetics.

How do I maintain my fire exit doors?

Fire exit doors should be inspected regularly (ideally every six months) to ensure hardware works correctly, doors aren’t obstructed, and signage is intact. Metador doors are low-maintenance, but we recommend scheduling inspections as part of your building’s fire safety plan.

Have More Questions? Speak to Us