Stairwells play a key role in office buildings and multi-storey properties with rented or owner-occupied apartments. They are usually used as safe escape routes to the outside to enable quick evacuation of the building in an emergency. Conversely, rescue services must be able to access the building quickly. At the same time, only authorised persons should be able to gain access from outside or from the underground car park during normal operation. Security managers are faced with the question of how they can meet these different requirements as efficiently as possible. ASSA ABLOY offers a wide portfolio of access control and escape route release from a single source that comply with relevant standards and regulations.
Access to and from the stairwell
Fire protection regulations and escape route regulations specify that access from residential units and offices to the stairwell must take place via a fire rated or smoke rated door, which also offers a panic function. In the interests of users and operators of a property, efficient access control is also required.
One possible solution for this scenario is provided by a combination of the N11xx series panic lock, an Aperio C100 online cylinder, which communicates with the SCALA net access control system via a radio hub, and electric strike 143. A door handle in accordance with EN 179 is installed on the inside, a knob on the outside. The Aperio C100 electronic knob cylinder is opened from the outside via an RFID transponder to authorise access. On request, the system can be supplemented with an intercom system so that visitors can call and be granted access via the electric strike.
The door must be locked in the morning and in the evening. During the day, the door is only held closed by the latch; it can be opened from the inside at any time. Authorised persons can identify themselves via the electronic knob cylinder and unlock the door. The fire rated door is immediately closed again after passing through the DC700 door closer. It is smooth-running, offers an optional closing delay and meets the requirements of DIN SPEC 1104 and EN 1154. In an emergency, the door can be unlocked and opened simultaneously by actuating the door handle. This means it is possible to leave the building at any time. An ePED panic push bar can also be installed.
Self-locking emergency exits
If a self-locking solution is necessary, for example for an emergency exit to the stairwell in high-traffic areas, a security lock 809N with handle control is recommended. This is combined with SCALA net access control and the digital locking system eCLIQ. The door can be unlocked from the outside using a programmable eCLIQ key or alternatively via an RFID transponder. Visitors can report to the control centre via an intercom system, which then engages the outside handle electronically. Emergency access for the fire brigade takes place manually via the eCLIQ cylinder. The door is automatically locked when closed.
Another variant for emergency exits is the use of battery-operated wireless Aperio door components, which is implemented via the mechanical security lock 309X and the Aperio E100 premium fitting. Authorised persons can unlock the door from the outside using an RFID transponder, fire brigades are granted access via their own fire brigade transponder or optionally via a locking cylinder.
Side entrance, airlock, underground garage
In residential buildings, an escape stairwell must also be equipped with a side entrance that enables fast evacuation of the building. Here, too, the security lock 809N with handle control enables effective access control and fast opening of the escape route in an emergency. To prevent misuse, the door should be equipped with a SCALA net access control reader on the outside and an escape door terminal 1386 with integrated SCALA net access control reader and emergency button on the inside. If this button is activated, the door releases and an alarm is triggered at the same time.
The escape route from the underground car park represents a special case. This may not always lead directly to the stairwell, but may have an additional airlock. In this case, unauthorised persons must be prevented from gaining access to the airlock. This can be achieved via an escape route locking system with e.g. escape door locking system 352M. This additional lock is installed concealed above the panic lock. The emergency button on the escape door control terminal can be used to release the door at any time, combined with a visual and acoustic alarm.