What is the difference between an ‘Escape’ Lock and an ordinary lock?

The Euro Mortice Escape lock shown on the website uses a split spindle which allows the door to be opened from the inside even if the door is locked from the outside. The standard Mortice lock uses a standard 8mm spindle and does not offer this function. The Mortice Escape lock can be used, for example, in classrooms  where it is important to ensure that no one can be locked inside the room whilst preventing access to the classroom as required.