Dear Smita,
You are right! Fire exits are definitely emergency exits.
First you try to understand if there is any difference between fire doors and fire exits.
This may be little confusing for nonprofessionals. However there should be a clear understating of the difference between fire doors and fire exits. Let us examine in detail.
In case of fire outbreak we have to protect an escape route through a building to manage escape. We may have to compartmentalize a fire, to stop flames and smoke from spreading from one section to another. A very good example is stairwells. Here the fire doors protect the stairs from corridors opening onto them. Fire doors are to be kept closed all times or installed with certified fire door retainers. This is to help keep the fire doors open until a fire alarm is set off. It can be often an internal door too. Certified fire doors are designed to resist the smoke and flames of a fire for a minimum specified length of time, typically 30 minutes (FD30), when closed. It can also be rolling shutters which are fire resistant and need not be fire proof.
A fire exit door on the other hand, is an external door. It can be left open and does not have to be fire resistant. The purpose of the fire exit door is to allow a quick and un-hindered escape through a well-lit door into a place of safety while stopping un-authorized access from the outside. Fire exits doors should open easily and, wherever possible, in the direction of traffic flow. If it is also a security door that is usually kept locked but will be used in an emergency situation. It will have to be fitted with a panic or push bar. By enabling the swift passage of people to a place of safety, the final exit door will have performed its function; it does not have to be a fire door to accomplish this. Fire exit doors can also be opened from the outside. Fire exits must never be obstructed and have to be clearly marked and well lit. Best practice dictates that fire exit signs are fitted above fire exits.
Regards,
Kesava Pillai