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Yeah. While this design is terribly noble and inclusive, it completely misses the point of why escape hardware is designed the way that it is. The idea behind the horizontal bar is that if a panicked person – blinded by smoke – runs into the door, it will open.

Children that are too young (small) to open the standard door are likely to need adult supervision to get out of the building in any case.

And since in the majority of cases the door will lead to an escape stairway, disabled individuals are likely to need assistance as well.

And, if we take the example of a typical office block, the vast majority of the population will be able bodied adults. Which means this system puts 99% of people at greater risk with very limited benefit to the remaining 1%.

It might have limited application in buildings where the majority of the occupants are children or are disabled, but in that scenario I'd be inclined to simply put the standard horizontal bar lower.

you made a mistake .. ( Disable ) word is not usable anymore because they are calling right now ( people with speacial needs)..

nice design anyway..

I don't this concept im proves something or if it makes building safety worse. Anyway the horizontal bars are not in the middle of the door but slightly lower (so that someone on wheelchair can open it as well)…

And Conrad Martin is right, there is one main reason why the emergency bar is horizontal. When people start to panic the emergency door can get a litlle crowded and that is why the bar is there. The crowd will push hard on the people in the first row and it will open the bar…

Good design !

In the fire, the top is a lot of smoke. You can not able to see that the door switch.

The success of this design address this problem, because you are crawling when the fire .

Excellent ! It is useful.
<to Conrad Martin> you ignore the fire, the person is lying low. You may not see the door switch, let alone open it. Like "kart" said.

But I think that designers should be more emphasis on the design of the lamps and door can be seen below.

Useful design. For everyone.

Particularly in fire.

I think "Conrad Martin" The argument is only applicable to the general escape.
However, this design is very useful to anyone, especially the body in the fire.

Great idea!

I think "Conrad Martin" The argument is only applicable to the general escape.

Yeah. While this design is terribly noble and inclusive, it completely misses the point of why escape hardware is designed the way that it is. The idea behind the horizontal bar is that if a panicked person – blinded by smoke – runs into the door, it will open.

Children that are too young (small) to open the standard door are likely to need adult supervision to get out of the building in any case.

And since in the majority of cases the door will lead to an escape stairway, disabled individuals are likely to need assistance as well.

And, if we take the example of a typical office block, the vast majority of the population will be able bodied adults. Which means this system puts 99% of people at greater risk with very limited benefit to the remaining 1%.

It might have limited application in buildings where the majority of the occupants are children or are disabled, but in that scenario I'd be inclined to simply put the standard horizontal bar lower.

you made a mistake .. ( Disable ) word is not usable anymore because they are calling right now ( people with speacial needs)..

nice design anyway..

I don't this concept im proves something or if it makes building safety worse. Anyway the horizontal bars are not in the middle of the door but slightly lower (so that someone on wheelchair can open it as well)…

And Conrad Martin is right, there is one main reason why the emergency bar is horizontal. When people start to panic the emergency door can get a litlle crowded and that is why the bar is there. The crowd will push hard on the people in the first row and it will open the bar…

Good design !

In the fire, the top is a lot of smoke. You can not able to see that the door switch.

The success of this design address this problem, because you are crawling when the fire .

Helpful … Good job

Well I've never seen a emergency door that big that i couldn't reach the bar while laying on my knees, but anyway do a design that mix em both as someone said would be ideal!

Excellent ! It is useful.
you ignore the fire, the person is lying low. You may not see the door switch, let alone open it. Like “kart” said.

But I think that designers should be more emphasis on the design of the lamps and door can be seen below.

Useful design. For everyone.

Particularly in fire.

I think “Conrad Martin” The argument is only applicable to the general escape.
However, this design is very useful to anyone, especially the body in the fire.

Great idea!

I think “Conrad Martin” The argument is only applicable to the general escape.

the function to open the door is counter productive. Pushing the handle in towards the door is far more time consuming and difficult compared to pulling it the other way, strait out, or pushing it.

Helpful … Good job

Well I've never seen a emergency door that big that i couldn't reach the bar while laying on my knees, but anyway do a design that mix em both as someone said would be ideal!

I once read an article，it says,horizontal bar implies people to push and the verticle bar implies people to pull.In my opinion,you should add a logo on the bar to make sure people are pushed or pulled.

Hey! Thank you for your reply, but I has been confirmed, I designed the angle and torque, good for any angle to open. Even more than the ordinary exit door .

Horizontal handle is meaningless, if you really studied the moment, you will find the horizontal handle to open door where only a part of, the other would be redundant.

Thank you for your reply.

This is a breakthrough in the design of emergency exit doors , it should be facilitated the escape straight handle can apply to everyone

the function to open the door is counter productive. Pushing the handle in towards the door is far more time consuming and difficult compared to pulling it the other way, strait out, or pushing it.

I once read an article，it says,horizontal bar implies people to push and the verticle bar implies people to pull.In my opinion,you should add a logo on the bar to make sure people are pushed or pulled.

Hey! Thank you for your reply, but I has been confirmed, I designed the angle and torque, good for any angle to open. Even more than the ordinary exit door .

Horizontal handle is meaningless, if you really studied the moment, you will find the horizontal handle to open door where only a part of, the other would be redundant.

Thank you for your reply.

This is a breakthrough in the design of emergency exit doors , it should be facilitated the escape straight handle can apply to everyone

I want one for my fridge

The problem is true enough but this solution won't work… If you're in a burning building the handles on door will get hot… hot metal handles wont help anyone because they won't be able to hold them long enough to pull open the door… also inward opening doors aren't as good as outward opening doors for emergencies as an outward opening door will stay open. I agree they should redesign emergency exits… but not like this….

I want one for my fridge

The problem is true enough but this solution won't work… If you're in a burning building the handles on door will get hot… hot metal handles wont help anyone because they won't be able to hold them long enough to pull open the door… also inward opening doors aren't as good as outward opening doors for emergencies as an outward opening door will stay open. I agree they should redesign emergency exits… but not like this….

good idea~

good idea~

Sheesh, most of the people replying can't type English to save their lives. This design is nice, but a little ridiculous. I like the doors we have now, more lights at the bottom of them wouldn't be a bad thing though.

Okay, so you pull back on the lever and push the door open.
Did anybody notice the lever you pull on is very similar to the handles used on pull doors. So, isn't possible that in even non-emergency situations people would just continue to pull on the handle instead of ever pushing the door open? And then think of how that multiplies in panic situations.

This is an example of someone searching for a problem that may exist instead of finding one that does.

Sheesh, most of the people replying can't type English to save their lives. This design is nice, but a little ridiculous. I like the doors we have now, more lights at the bottom of them wouldn't be a bad thing though.

Okay, so you pull back on the lever and push the door open.
Did anybody notice the lever you pull on is very similar to the handles used on pull doors. So, isn't possible that in even non-emergency situations people would just continue to pull on the handle instead of ever pushing the door open? And then think of how that multiplies in panic situations.

This is an example of someone searching for a problem that may exist instead of finding one that does.

heres the simple solution: keep the same horizontal bar as it is, only lower down so everyone can reach!

heres the simple solution: keep the same horizontal bar as it is, only lower down so everyone can reach!

It seems like this design would work in some situations but lacks the idea that is in current doors.

It seems like this design would work in some situations but lacks the idea that is in current doors.

wonderful

wonderful

Conrad, if a panicked person ran in to any door, they would hit the door with thier face, foot, knee, or hands. If they hit with thier face, foot or knee, then they will need to stop to locate the way to open the door regaurdless. If they hit the door with thier hands like a good panicked person should, that would be because they intentionally places ther hands where the door handle is known to be, in which case, the handle could work in any location. I really doubt the design reason for the horizontal bar on the door was for panicked people blinded by smoke. I have used handles many times that run both horizontal and vertical, as an able body adult, it makes no difference to me the direction of the bar. As there is much benefit to a long vertical bar to people (short adults included) of different heights and situations, I see no reason to even argue the point of why not to make it a universal change. If the horizontal bar is that important just as suggested it could be easily added to the design. Lastly if you want an idea on the body count where this type of design might have saved lives, ask a fire fighter. We change systems all the time to help that 1% of the time situations. (such as the reason school buses stop at all rail road tracks even though the lack of flashing lights clearly shows no train is coming.) Why stop the change at doors? I think the point is made.

OH MY GOD. Why aren't people capable of comprehending simple pictures?

First of all, the handle doesn't pull out, it PUSHES IN. You can see that from the third picture down.

Now if it pushes in, common sense tells you the door pushes open. Why would you push a handle to pull a door open towards you? You wouldn't.

As far as the horizontal bar argument is concerned, this design is no less effective than that one. This one has more advantages which have already been stated (like, it can be reached by small people and people who, for whatever reason, aren't standing upright).

Panic scenario – ok, so your building is on fire and you're panicking. You run for the door and BOOM, you trip over something because you can't see. Now you're on the floor, probably hurt, probably crawling. The only thing in your panicking mind is "GET ME OUT OF THIS BURNING BUILDING".

SOOOO… you're still scrambling for the door on all fours, you can clearly see the handle on the door, you can push it from your prone position, and presto, you're out!

I agree with Jeremiah, the point is made and your arguments are null and void.

Conrad, if a panicked person ran in to any door, they would hit the door with thier face, foot, knee, or hands. If they hit with thier face, foot or knee, then they will need to stop to locate the way to open the door regaurdless. If they hit the door with thier hands like a good panicked person should, that would be because they intentionally places ther hands where the door handle is known to be, in which case, the handle could work in any location. I really doubt the design reason for the horizontal bar on the door was for panicked people blinded by smoke. I have used handles many times that run both horizontal and vertical, as an able body adult, it makes no difference to me the direction of the bar. As there is much benefit to a long vertical bar to people (short adults included) of different heights and situations, I see no reason to even argue the point of why not to make it a universal change. If the horizontal bar is that important just as suggested it could be easily added to the design. Lastly if you want an idea on the body count where this type of design might have saved lives, ask a fire fighter. We change systems all the time to help that 1% of the time situations. (such as the reason school buses stop at all rail road tracks even though the lack of flashing lights clearly shows no train is coming.) Why stop the change at doors? I think the point is made.

OH MY GOD. Why aren't people capable of comprehending simple pictures?

First of all, the handle doesn't pull out, it PUSHES IN. You can see that from the third picture down.

Now if it pushes in, common sense tells you the door pushes open. Why would you push a handle to pull a door open towards you? You wouldn't.

As far as the horizontal bar argument is concerned, this design is no less effective than that one. This one has more advantages which have already been stated (like, it can be reached by small people and people who, for whatever reason, aren't standing upright).

Panic scenario – ok, so your building is on fire and you're panicking. You run for the door and BOOM, you trip over something because you can't see. Now you're on the floor, probably hurt, probably crawling. The only thing in your panicking mind is “GET ME OUT OF THIS BURNING BUILDING”.

SOOOO… you're still scrambling for the door on all fours, you can clearly see the handle on the door, you can push it from your prone position, and presto, you're out!

I agree with Jeremiah, the point is made and your arguments are null and void.

Conrad Martin is right!
The horizontal bar design is based on psycological studies of how a croud behaves in panic situations.
The only reason why this new design should be better than the old one is if the horizontal bar couldn’t be reached by disabled people or children.
The truth is that it can be reached, in fact the bar is at the hight of the groin of the average person, this makes it easily reached by everyone.
This new design introduces more problems than solutions.
Sorry!

I just stumbled in on this argument. I only have two things to add: 1) Proofread. 2) Spell check. Do each of them thoroughly, then go back and do it again.

The current designs of a horizontal bar are made for quicker access in crowds, but it's true smaller children or little people and some like parapalegics might not be able to reach high enough. This design should be implimented in daycare centers and lower-grade and special need classrooms. I don't think putting one of each or two horizontal bars would work. The only way for it to work is to allow both to unlock if one is pushed, because if you don't sychnronize them the door would still be locked. Probably the best idea someone could make for new emergency doors would be doors that could detect emergencies (smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.) and open automatically. That way, there's complete access to anyone for escape. Plus, then people can't recklessly open the door and trigger alarms, even on accident. I'm not sure why this hasn't been implemented before seeing as how we can have house alarms that do the same (smoke alarms and Dehart security systems) which already can be triggered by such things. But if you wanted a vertical bar, you could always try making the bar wider so that it can still cover most of the door and still follow the similar idea behind the horizontal design.

I just stumbled in on this argument. I only have two things to add: 1) Proofread. 2) Spell check. Do each of them thoroughly, then go back and do it again.

The current designs of a horizontal bar are made for quicker access in crowds, but it's true smaller children or little people and some like parapalegics might not be able to reach high enough. This design should be implimented in daycare centers and lower-grade and special need classrooms. I don't think putting one of each or two horizontal bars would work. The only way for it to work is to allow both to unlock if one is pushed, because if you don't sychnronize them the door would still be locked. Probably the best idea someone could make for new emergency doors would be doors that could detect emergencies (smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.) and open automatically. That way, there's complete access to anyone for escape. Plus, then people can't recklessly open the door and trigger alarms, even on accident. I'm not sure why this hasn't been implemented before seeing as how we can have house alarms that do the same (smoke alarms and Dehart security systems) which already can be triggered by such things. But if you wanted a vertical bar, you could always try making the bar wider so that it can still cover most of the door and still follow the similar idea behind the horizontal design.

Dear sawyer_7891, can not escape doors remain open, as it often with the use of anti-smoke. So good open design (such as this), is very important. Then it must be immediately closed.

Can no one speak English well anymore?

I'm not going to analyze the whole design, but you never, ever want a door that can open inwards. In the event of an emergency, crowds pushing on the door will prevent it from being opened, and it becomes more of a liability than anything. The horizontal bar is called a crash bar for a reason — when you run into it, it flings the door open.

Dear sawyer_7891, can not escape doors remain open, as it often with the use of anti-smoke. So good open design (such as this), is very important. Then it must be immediately closed.

Can no one speak English well anymore?

what about a sort of upside down L shape? it would have both a vertical and horizontal bar, but they would be one piece. Besides the crash bar does not look the same as a handle; as long as the vertical bar looked like a crash bar, I wouldn't try to grab it, since I wouldnt be able to close my hand around it (as the back is flush to the door).

I'm not going to analyze the whole design, but you never, ever want a door that can open inwards. In the event of an emergency, crowds pushing on the door will prevent it from being opened, and it becomes more of a liability than anything. The horizontal bar is called a crash bar for a reason — when you run into it, it flings the door open.

what about a sort of upside down L shape? it would have both a vertical and horizontal bar, but they would be one piece. Besides the crash bar does not look the same as a handle; as long as the vertical bar looked like a crash bar, I wouldn't try to grab it, since I wouldnt be able to close my hand around it (as the back is flush to the door).

very nice thanks for this idea

I like this idea but there is one problem.
Imagine this door is opened and the crowd starts rushing out now there is a good chance that people will bump against this vertical handle which certainly doesn't happen in case of horizontal handles.
One more thing is that the horizontal handle serves as railing to which people can hold on while exiting and thus increases the speed of exit.

very nice thanks for this idea

I like this idea but there is one problem.
Imagine this door is opened and the crowd starts rushing out now there is a good chance that people will bump against this vertical handle which certainly doesn't happen in case of horizontal handles.
One more thing is that the horizontal handle serves as railing to which people can hold on while exiting and thus increases the speed of exit.

The design in the first place is misleading, the handle on current emergency doors will be at a height of 80cm approximately, that means that disable people can reach it and kids older than 3 years old. The light on the bottom thought is a nice idea!

This is a great idea! Able-bodied people love to pretend that there’s only one form of locomotion (just look at the comments here!) and forget how disasters change circumstance.

My one concern about this design would be the narrower door-area covered by the bar. Admitting I know nothing about engineering and design, would a diagonal bar perhaps work? That would still all for the width of the door to be covered, and the greater height options. Feel free to tell me why that’s totally implausible, and thanks SO much to engineers like you trying to make the world a more practical place!

Why not just have this bar, without all the expensive bells and whistles, over top of a standard exit device. That way when you press the vertical bar, the horizontal bar is pressed by it. If you don't hit the side bar you can use the standard bar instead.
Just my two cents. I do sell these things… The horizontal ones at least.
Also, the reason you don't see one high and one low is because generally speaking, the exit device is more expensive than the rest of the door, frame, and hardware combined.

The design in the first place is misleading, the handle on current emergency doors will be at a height of 80cm approximately, that means that disable people can reach it and kids older than 3 years old. The light on the bottom thought is a nice idea!

This is a great idea! Able-bodied people love to pretend that there’s only one form of locomotion (just look at the comments here!) and forget how disasters change circumstance.

My one concern about this design would be the narrower door-area covered by the bar. Admitting I know nothing about engineering and design, would a diagonal bar perhaps work? That would still all for the width of the door to be covered, and the greater height options. Feel free to tell me why that’s totally implausible, and thanks SO much to engineers like you trying to make the world a more practical place!

Why not just have this bar, without all the expensive bells and whistles, over top of a standard exit device. That way when you press the vertical bar, the horizontal bar is pressed by it. If you don't hit the side bar you can use the standard bar instead.
Just my two cents. I do sell these things… The horizontal ones at least.
Also, the reason you don't see one high and one low is because generally speaking, the exit device is more expensive than the rest of the door, frame, and hardware combined.

In case of emergency open fridge.
People might get confused.

"AHHHHH! The building's on FIRE!!!!!!! But man, I could really use a sandwich right now… PERFECT! An emergency fridge door!"

Totally joking. I think this is a pretty good idea.

In case of emergency open fridge.
People might get confused.

“AHHHHH! The building's on FIRE!!!!!!! But man, I could really use a sandwich right now… PERFECT! An emergency fridge door!”

Totally joking. I think this is a pretty good idea.

irrelevant of whether or not the bar should be horizontal or vertical, the idea of putting a florescent strip of tape on the bottom of the door is a good idea. when shit's burning down you want to be able to clearly see the exit, and something that extends visibility is perfect

irrelevant of whether or not the bar should be horizontal or vertical, the idea of putting a florescent strip of tape on the bottom of the door is a good idea. when shit's burning down you want to be able to clearly see the exit, and something that extends visibility is perfect

I think this is a pretty good idea.

I think this is a pretty good idea.

I like both the horizontal and vertical door handle design. But to satisfy everyone, why can’t we simply have both?

I vote for a horizontal and vertical bar design on the doors both in office and home accommodations.

I like both the horizontal and vertical door handle design. But to satisfy everyone, why can’t we simply have both?

I vote for a horizontal and vertical bar design on the doors both in office and home accommodations.

Thank you all, I will improve.

Thank you all, I will improve.

My next house will have Fire Exit lights on the Baseboards! I do not understand why this in't made law. Smoke rises clear falls. How does one see what the best escape route is?

My next house will have Fire Exit lights on the Baseboards! I do not understand why this in't made law. Smoke rises clear falls. How does one see what the best escape route is?

Nice try. Others have pointed out why the existing bar design is horizontal. Your line of thinking should be encouraged and thus come up with a hybrid design and get it out there. As for myself, I have always wondered about a wide kick-plate at the bottom of the door… if I can't figure out the handle arrangement then I'll try kicking a door open as next strategy. Good work..!

Nice try. Others have pointed out why the existing bar design is horizontal. Your line of thinking should be encouraged and thus come up with a hybrid design and get it out there. As for myself, I have always wondered about a wide kick-plate at the bottom of the door… if I can't figure out the handle arrangement then I'll try kicking a door open as next strategy. Good work..!

good idea, but id cut about half of the design from the bottom, off. the fact that your encouraging children to egress is a little bit worry some, children should be supervised by an adult at all times anyway, they should not be in charge of themselves if they decide they want to exit.. lets play devils advocate for a minute and put this "exit door" or the side of a build next to a bisy
street…..you get the point. also as someone else pointed out the first picture is misleading, life safety codes put vertical bars at no higher then 4ft (if installed properly) and typically, if put a situation where an exit device would be higher then that, for example, a mostly glass door, automated openers/closers an emergency egress buttons are put lower for handicap to reach.

good idea, but id cut about half of the design from the bottom, off. the fact that your encouraging children to egress is a little bit worry some, children should be supervised by an adult at all times anyway, they should not be in charge of themselves if they decide they want to exit.. lets play devils advocate for a minute and put this “exit door” or the side of a build next to a bisy
street…..you get the point. also as someone else pointed out the first picture is misleading, life safety codes put vertical bars at no higher then 4ft (if installed properly) and typically, if put a situation where an exit device would be higher then that, for example, a mostly glass door, automated openers/closers an emergency egress buttons are put lower for handicap to reach.

Nice Idea, really

Nice Idea, really

and when you have a riot in the event of panic, the horizontal is the only solution, because when you can not push it, your body pushes it automatically, so your solution is a bit naive.

and when you have a riot in the event of panic, the horizontal is the only solution, because when you can not push it, your body pushes it automatically, so your solution is a bit naive.

I like both the horizontal and vertical door handle design.

I like both the horizontal and vertical door handle design.

I think two horizontal bars at a central and lower height would work. Kind of a hybrid, taking the concept of being all inclusive with the idea of being able to just fall through the door in a panic.

I think two horizontal bars at a central and lower height would work. Kind of a hybrid, taking the concept of being all inclusive with the idea of being able to just fall through the door in a panic.

I've read more comments with "it's a push not a pull" that I needed to. That alone proves that the design is flawed. In panic mode you don't stop to read instructions you go and in the spur of the moment I can get stuck in pulling until I get to a crispy crust.
Sure the old design isn't 100% full proof but it's way better by a ton of motives:
- it's hard to push – if you opened the horizontal one you know it's not easy, it's not just the "knob" there are other systems in place that keep the door bouncing back closing. A kid no matter how will have troubles opening both of designs as it's not the bar
- The "clientele" – they are low enough for small childs to open it, smaller than that shouldn't be alone. Handicapped persons can reach it, don't know how the conclusion was it can't. Being on the floor just have to reach my hand up having a better chance to hit a 2m wide area than a few centimeters in the vertical one.
- No signals needed. Don't need a manual, or lights, don't really need hands, not even to see, just run and hit that homeboy, we gonna find you.
Cheers

I've read more comments with “it's a push not a pull” that I needed to. That alone proves that the design is flawed. In panic mode you don't stop to read instructions you go and in the spur of the moment I can get stuck in pulling until I get to a crispy crust.
Sure the old design isn't 100% full proof but it's way better by a ton of motives:
- it's hard to push – if you opened the horizontal one you know it's not easy, it's not just the “knob” there are other systems in place that keep the door bouncing back closing. A kid no matter how will have troubles opening both of designs as it's not the bar
- The “clientele” – they are low enough for small childs to open it, smaller than that shouldn't be alone. Handicapped persons can reach it, don't know how the conclusion was it can't. Being on the floor just have to reach my hand up having a better chance to hit a 2m wide area than a few centimeters in the vertical one.
- No signals needed. Don't need a manual, or lights, don't really need hands, not even to see, just run and hit that homeboy, we gonna find you.
Cheers

have you ever thought about a door like that with a pedal for people with no hands?

have you ever thought about a door like that with a pedal for people with no hands?

a swinging door would be best.

a swinging door would be best.

nope, he’s wrong. the fact that due to design people will die, neither this design nor the old one can facilitate the new world of danger.

There are no solutions to any problems and you are congratulating a wiki-idiot.

it’s easier to jam that door with a shorter bar

it’s easier to jam that door with a shorter bar

its a push bar…
so this whole argument u are making has nothing to do with this new design but rather defending the old one that is the same as the new one cept it excludes the children/disabled

Yeah.. like an L shaped or diagonal handle!

I admit that children and those crawling on the floor may have a problem with standard emergency exit doors, but speaking as a wheelchair bound woman I have no problem reaching the handles. This seems to be a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

I admit that children and those crawling on the floor may have a problem with standard emergency exit doors, but speaking as a wheelchair bound woman I have no problem reaching the handles. This seems to be a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

Is someone maufacturing designs like this. We need it, for lod decorated doors where is imposible the horizontal bar. Please give us the informatión.

Is someone maufacturing designs like this. We need it, for lod decorated doors where is imposible the horizontal bar. Please give us the informatión.

I don't ever recall having trouble opening a door as a child. Also, people in wheel chairs I'm pretty sure can reach door handles. And if someone is trapped in a fire with a lot of smoke, and is too stupid to hold their breath for 2 second to reach up and open a door, then they deserve to die. I think these things are called "crash rails" in some places for a reason: because it should only take someone to crash into the door for it to open, and doesn't require any dexterity. People would be fumbling around looking for the vertical selection as it is pushed to one side of the door. If its dark, smokey, or whatever, and you don't know which way the door opens, it could be difficult to find the handle.

I don't ever recall having trouble opening a door as a child. Also, people in wheel chairs I'm pretty sure can reach door handles. And if someone is trapped in a fire with a lot of smoke, and is too stupid to hold their breath for 2 second to reach up and open a door, then they deserve to die. I think these things are called “crash rails” in some places for a reason: because it should only take someone to crash into the door for it to open, and doesn't require any dexterity. People would be fumbling around looking for the vertical selection as it is pushed to one side of the door. If its dark, smokey, or whatever, and you don't know which way the door opens, it could be difficult to find the handle.

Good design. But come on, the disabled are not that low!

Good design. But come on, the disabled are not that low!

I'm not sure how good of an answer this design is, but I like it. Mostly for the fact that it is obviously an exit door and not just a regular one…There's been numerous occasions where I almost use an emergence door by accident and set all the alarms and everything off. Emergency exits should look and function as just that.

All that being said, I like the concept of both types of handles being utilized, like a rotated "L".
L"

I'm not sure how good of an answer this design is, but I like it. Mostly for the fact that it is obviously an exit door and not just a regular one…There's been numerous occasions where I almost use an emergence door by accident and set all the alarms and everything off. Emergency exits should look and function as just that.

All that being said, I like the concept of both types of handles being utilized, like a rotated “L”.
L”

this redesign is just outstanding and superb… amazing work…

this redesign is just outstanding and superb… amazing work…

Uhm yea, try a scale drawing. My 2 year old nephew can reach normal door handles if he tries. The typical bar is what 3-3.5 ft from the ground? The knees on a normal wheelchair sit at at least 2 ft off the ground, so there's really no trouble there either. Also, if a person can't stand to open the door they probably don't have the energy to crawl out of it either. While I understand the premise I don't think anyone has been trapped in a burning building because they couldn't use the horizontal bar…

Uhm yea, try a scale drawing. My 2 year old nephew can reach normal door handles if he tries. The typical bar is what 3-3.5 ft from the ground? The knees on a normal wheelchair sit at at least 2 ft off the ground, so there's really no trouble there either. Also, if a person can't stand to open the door they probably don't have the energy to crawl out of it either. While I understand the premise I don't think anyone has been trapped in a burning building because they couldn't use the horizontal bar…

My question is does it push or pull?

My question is does it push or pull?

it is a push bar. most of you are talking about children opening this door if they can reach the horizontal bar the they should be with an adult especially in the case of a emergency. but I do like the Idea of having the vertical and horizontal bar together .

In the majority of facilities it is best to just leave the door unlatched while people present – no handles needed. The best solution for an occupied building would be to put a push plate over the lower portion of the door that would operate a release if pushed from any height or angle. One problem overlooked is that in a smoke filled room in a panic situation you have a hard time even location the door especially if you add alarms going off. I believe there should be an unique audible signal form the door location. I realize this would not help the hearing imparied but the blind folks would be a big winner.

In the majority of facilities it is best to just leave the door unlatched while people present – no handles needed. The best solution for an occupied building would be to put a push plate over the lower portion of the door that would operate a release if pushed from any height or angle. One problem overlooked is that in a smoke filled room in a panic situation you have a hard time even location the door especially if you add alarms going off. I believe there should be an unique audible signal form the door location. I realize this would not help the hearing imparied but the blind folks would be a big winner.

I don’t necessarily agree with your point of view. I am not saying it’s wrong though. But having witnessed first hand what happens during a fire situation and the very unfortunate result, I must say this design would have prevented a situation where a kid, separated from his parent, died because he was trapped in a fire and couldn’t reach the handle. He died right next to the door, stains of blood found on the rim, he tried to claw his way out It makes me sick just to think what happened. A design like this could have saved a life. And to me that is worth everything.

Why not implement a solution with both horizontal and vertical bars? Not that hard. Or at least a second lower bar as you suggested. As it stands, I think this a perfect example of how we still don’t take everyone into account when it comes to basic safety.

As for the rest, most companies I know where fire risks are great are one level operations. No stairs to contend with. Many shopping malls too. Not to mention our local super and hyper markets.

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If that’s all we are trying to accomplish, then why not make a pushable door panel that encompasses the size of the door. That way, when you pushed the door at a certain speed, regardless of your height or ability, the door would open.

Although the real problem with fire doors is that they are heavy and differently-able people are disadvantaged in those settings as well. The weight of the fire door, I think, allows the door to swing back and lock the fire inside without the user having to remember.