An automatic flush bolt must be used for an egress door to ensure quick and safe evacuation during an emergency, as it retracts when the door handle is operated.
If a flush bolt is used for an egress door, it must be the type that does not inhibit safe and quick egress in an emergency. Therefore, flush bolts on egress doors are typically automatic, meaning they retract and allow the door to open freely when the user operates the door handle.
This is important because in the event of an emergency, ease of exit must be prioritized to facilitate evacuation and to comply with life safety and building codes. Moreover, certain codes, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Code (IBC), may offer specific guidelines regarding acceptable hardware for egress doors.
So, for an egress door, the correct type of flush bolt that should be used is an automatic flush bolt, which ensures compliance with safety regulations and facilitates unobstructed exit in an emergency situation.