Question

Emergency exit doors in schools, theaters, and office buildings have special features designed to save lives during dangerous situations. Most importantly, they're equipped with panic bars—horizontal bars that open the door when pushed, requiring no gripping or twisting. This design allows people to exit even in crowded, panicked situations when they might be pushed against the door by others. Emergency doors must always open outward, so crowds can't trap people inside by pressing them against inward-opening doors. These doors are also required to have illuminated EXIT signs visible through smoke and darkness. Regular testing ensures that emergency doors are never blocked, locked from the inside, or malfunctioning, because even a few seconds delay in an emergency could cost lives.

Why do emergency exit doors open outward rather than inward?

A

To prevent crowds from trapping people inside by pressing against the door

B

Inward-opening doors would take up too much interior hallway space

C

Outward-opening doors are easier for firefighters to break down from outside

D

Outward-opening doors are less expensive to install in commercial buildings

Answer 1

A

Opening outward prevents crowds from trapping people inside by pressing against the door, allowing people to push the door open from the inside during a panic.