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Which lock mechanism releases in the direction of exit travel via a bar or panel?
Slide Bolt
Exit Device
Latch Lock
Panic Bar
The correct answer is: Exit Device
The correct choice is referred to as an exit device, commonly known as a panic bar. This mechanism is specifically designed to facilitate quick and easy egress in emergency situations. When a person pushes against the bar or panel, the exit device engages and releases the lock, allowing the door to open in the direction of exit travel. This design is crucial for safety, as it ensures that individuals can swiftly and effortlessly exit a building without the need to turn a doorknob or handle, which might slow them down during an emergency. Exit devices are often found in commercial buildings, theaters, and other high-traffic areas where large groups of people may need to exit rapidly. In contrast, slide bolts, latch locks, and panic bars do not fulfill the same function or have the same ease of use for emergency egress. Slide bolts and latch locks typically require more complex actions to release the lock, such as turning a key or lever, which could hinder quick exit in urgent situations. Although panic bars are sometimes confused with exit devices, they are, in fact, a type of exit device specifically designed to meet safety codes and regulations for emergency exits.