Emergency Exit Gates for Offices and Shared Spaces

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An emergency exit gate is a gate that lets people leave a building or yard quickly during an evacuation while keeping the site secure the rest of the time. For offices and shared spaces, it must open easily from the inside without keys, and its design should match the escape route and local fire safety requirements. Techno Kol Uzi manufactures these gates to measure at its Tel Aviv factory, with the escape route and access needs reviewed before production.

Why offices and shared spaces need dedicated exit gates

Offices, residential courtyards and shared parking areas often have fenced or gated perimeters that were designed for daily security, not for evacuation. When people must leave quickly, a locked or hard-to-open gate can slow the whole group down and create a bottleneck at the exit.

A proper emergency exit gate solves this by giving people a clear, fast and familiar way out. The gate should be part of the building's evacuation plan from the start, not added as an afterthought once the fence is already installed.

Key features to look for

Facility managers should focus on a few practical points when specifying an emergency exit gate:

Free opening from the inside with a single, obvious action, such as a push bar or lever
No key, code or card needed to leave, even if the gate is locked from the outside
Clear width that suits the expected number of people
Gate leaves that swing in the direction of escape where required
Visible signage and, where needed, emergency lighting nearby

Opening force, clearances and swing direction should be checked with the relevant engineer and fire safety authority.

Planning the gate with the evacuation route

Start by walking the evacuation route from the most occupied areas to the public street or assembly point. Note where people will gather, where the gate sits along that path, and whether it could become a choke point.

Measure the opening on site and check how far the gate must swing so it does not block a walkway. Our team at Techno Kol Uzi takes photos, measures on site and prepares a drawing and written specification before anything is made, so the design fits the real route.

Locks, access control and security

Security and evacuation can work together. A common approach is a gate that stays secured from the outside for daily use, but releases instantly from the inside by pressing a bar or lever. Electric locks can be linked to a fire alarm so they release automatically when the alarm sounds.

Discuss the access system with your security provider and the building's fire safety consultant before the gate is ordered, so the locking hardware, wiring and release logic are planned together.

Materials and durability in Israeli conditions

Gates in Israel face sun, heat, salty air near the coast and frequent use. Steel and aluminum gates should be finished to resist corrosion. Hot-dip galvanizing followed by powder coating is a common combination for outdoor steel gates that see daily use.

Steel for strength and security
Aluminum for lighter gates and lower maintenance
Stainless steel for hardware and high-exposure details

Installation, testing and maintenance

After installation, test the gate with the people who will use it. Confirm that it opens in one movement, that nothing blocks the swing, and that any alarm link works. Record the test so the facility team has proof of the check.

Schedule regular inspections of hinges, closers, latches and release mechanisms. A simple monthly check by the building team helps catch wear before it becomes a problem during an actual evacuation.

Frequently asked questions

Does an emergency exit gate have to open without a key?

Yes, the gate must be openable from the inside without a key, code or card so that people can leave without delay. Locking from the outside can still be used for daily security.

Can an exit gate be linked to the fire alarm?

It can, using an electric release that unlocks when the fire alarm activates. The wiring and logic should be planned with the electrician and fire safety consultant.

Who decides the required gate width?

The width depends on the number of people expected to use the exit and the evacuation plan. Check the requirement with the building's engineer and fire safety authority.

How do I start a project with Techno Kol Uzi?

Send us photos of the gate location and a short description of the building and evacuation route. We will then arrange an on-site measurement and prepare a drawing and written specification for your approval.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is installing a locked gate with no free release from the inside, or choosing a width that becomes a bottleneck. Both can turn a secure gate into a serious hazard during an evacuation.

Our recommendation

Walk the evacuation route with the fire safety consultant before ordering, and treat the gate as part of the escape plan rather than just a security feature. Confirm opening direction, width and release method on paper before production starts.

Summary

A good emergency exit gate is secure day to day, opens instantly from the inside, and fits the real evacuation route. Plan it with the building's safety requirements and test it regularly.

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