Personnel doors are usually designed to be outward-opening and are usually made from steel for maximum durability and security. They are usually supplied primer-painted for customers to finish to their own requirements. Fire exit doors are of similar design and finish and are fitted with an internal panic latch or push pad but no external handle or lock. It is a requirement of Building Regulations that no part of the building should be more than 18m from a fire exit.

Combination doors are also available. These consist of a personnel door with external lock, together with an internal panic latch which overrides the locking mechanism, allowing people to escape from a fire, even if the door has been locked. These can be useful in smaller buildings, where access is restricted and it is not practical to provide separate personnel and fire exit doors.