Organisations responsible for building safety are being encouraged to review their escape door arrangements following updated guidance under NSI certification standards, with many now reassessing whether their existing systems meet current expectations.
While the core standards, BS EN 179, BS EN 1125 and BS EN 13637 have long been in place, their application is now under greater scrutiny following their formal inclusion within NSI NCP 109 requirements from October 2025. This is particularly important for organisations operating complex buildings or multi-site estates where access control systems form part of escape routes.
As a result, escape door compliance is moving higher up the agenda, with increased focus on how doors are specified, operated and maintained in practice. While not all legacy doors require replacement, those forming part of an escape route must comply with the relevant standards, and some systems may require upgrading.
Tony Easingwood, Senior Account Manager and Technical Lead at Advantex, commented:
“Many organisations are surprised to learn that systems previously considered acceptable may no longer meet current expectations. Our role is to provide clear, practical guidance, helping organisations understand their responsibilities and avoid potential compliance risks.”
To support organisations in navigating these changes, Advantex is hosting a practical webinar in partnership with Abloy UK, bringing together both technical and commercial insight.
The session, taking place on Wednesday 27 May at 10am, will feature Pat Jefferies alongside Advantex’s Steve Dobby, and will cover:
- The difference between emergency escape and panic escape applications
- Requirements of BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125
- How BS EN 13637 applies to electrically controlled escape doors
- Where compliance risks commonly arise
- How to approach both new and existing environments with confidence
Designed for facilities, operations, health & safety and compliance professionals, the webinar provides a clear, accessible overview of what organisations need to consider.
