This European Standard specifies test methods and requirements for spindle and fastening elements, operating torques, permissible free play and safety, free angular movement and misalignment, durability, static strength and corrosion resistance for sprung and unsprung lever handles, knobs for doors, push pads and similar in combination with backplates or roses operating latches. This standard is applicable only to lever handles and knobs that operate a latch or a lock and other devices. It states four categories of use according to the frequency and other conditions of use. Compliance with this European Standard ensures a margin of strength in excess of that needed for normal operation. Additional requirements are needed for special safety furniture which is suitable for use in situations where there is a high risk of falling. Since special safety furniture is not essential in every situation, this European Standard provides for additional safety requirements (see 5.13) which are only necessary when the manufacturer states that the safety furniture is claimed to conform to these requirements. This standard states five grades of security. Grade 0 according to requirements stated in the main part of this standard. Grades 1 to 4 are stated according to requirement for security lock furniture for use on burglary resistant doors (see annex A). These additional security requirements are necessary only when the manufacturer states that the products are claimed to have a high level of security, which is not essential in every situation. The suitability of lock or latch furniture for use on fire/smoke door assemblies is determined by fire performance tests conducted in addition to the performance tests required by this standard. Since suitability for use on fire/smoke door assemblies is not essential in every situation, the manufacturer has the option of stating whether the furniture is claimed to conform to these additional requirements or not. If so stated the additional requirements given in Annex C are necessary. Annex C refers to all kinds of lock or latch furniture for use on fire/smoke door assemblies, in the execution as single leaf or double leaf doors. This standard may be applied to lever handle and knob furniture used for exit doors which are used on escape routes in residential and small office applications where EN 179 is not required. A product meeting this standard can also be part of an exit device according to EN 179.