Martyn’s Law and Panic Hardware: Why Real‑World Installation Still Matters

Martyn’s Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is expected to come into force in April 2027, following an implementation period of around 24 months.

While much of the discussion around the legislation focuses on planning, procedures and risk awareness, there is also renewed attention on something far more tangible: how people actually get out of a building if they need to – quickly and safely.

That’s where correctly installed and maintained panic and emergency exit hardware becomes critical.

Why Panic Hardware Matters

Panic bars, crash bars and emergency exit devices are nothing new. Public buildings have relied on them for decades under fire safety and building regulations.

Panic hardware must comply with standards, such as BS EN 1125 for public spaces and BS EN 179 for trained staff areas.

Martyn’s Law is about making sure venues are genuinely prepared for high‑pressure, real‑life situations. In an emergency, exits must work predictably, instinctively and without hesitation.

If doors snag, hardware sticks, or routes behave differently to what staff expect, evacuation becomes slower – and potentially more dangerous.

What it Means for Businesses

Government guidance makes it clear that:

• The legislation does not introduce a certification scheme or approved installer requirement.

• Standard‑tier premises (200–799 people) are not required to install new physical measures.

• Enhanced‑tier premises (800+ people) must consider proportionate measures that reduce real‑world risk.

  
  

For smaller venues, Martyn’s Law is not about installing new security equipment or changing the fabric of the building. The focus of the legislation is on simple, low-cost actions that allow for quick reactions and reduce harm in the event of an emergency.

Physical measures only come into play where they are appropriate for the size and use of a building.

Nevertheless, many premises will be reviewing whether their existing physical measures are appropriate and effective in real-world use.

Correct emergency escape hardware needs to be properly selected for the door type and use, correctly fitted and maintained so it operates under stress – not just in day‑to‑day use.

Martyn’s Law is based on what is ‘reasonably practicable’, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all solution and no automatic requirement to install physical measures.

Predictable Door Behaviour Saves Lives

In an emergency, people don’t stop to read instructions. This means panic hardware must behave simply and respond the same way every single time.

Common problems include:

• Bars that bind because of poor alignment.

• Doors that open inconsistently due to worn hinges or closers.

• Non‑compliant retrofits added after changes in building use.

• Fire doors where escape hardware and fire integrity are in conflict.

  
  

These issues rarely show themselves during routine inspections – they only emerge when in high pressure situations. That’s why real‑world installation experience matters.

Experience That Predates the Law

At H Harrold & Sons, we’ve been dealing with these issues for a long time.

Our work has always focused on making sure that escape hardware operates as intended, that doors open smoothly and that solutions remain compliant with existing safety regulations.

This means:

• Doors open cleanly, fully and without obstruction.

• Hardware, door leaves and frames work as a single system.

• Solutions remain compliant with existing building and fire safety requirements.

  
  

We focus on making sure doors and escape hardware support the plans already in place.

Our role is to ensure the hardware works as it should. We can:

• Review existing panic and emergency exit hardware.

• Identify wear, misuse or incorrect installation.

• Rectify issues so that exits function reliably under pressure.

Looking Ahead

With venues across the UK now taking time to review their preparedness ahead of April 2027, now is the time to ensure that escape routes aren’t just compliant on paper, but functional in reality too.

Martyn’s Law may be new legislation, but the need for doors that open when people need them to is as critical now as it always has been.

If you’re responsible for a building where public safety matters, ensuring your panic and emergency exit hardware works properly isn’t a future requirement, it’s already essential.

For more information, or to arrange a review of your panic and emergency exit hardware, explore the services here on our website or give us a ring on 0114 272 4742.