Narrow corridors are common in several UK schools. It is especially true for older buildings where footfall is higher, but space is limited. During busier times of the day, such restricted areas quickly become bottlenecks and increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and other minor injuries or accidents.
Improving safety in such areas doesn't have to involve major construction work. Simple, practical adjustments and high-quality products can also create a safer environment for kids to learn and play. Here are 5 safety upgrades you can make to narrow school corridors to safeguard your premises and stay away from hefty liabilities:
Doors that open directly into narrow corridors can be a major risk. When kids move or stop in groups in such areas, they can end up getting hurt or trapping fingers in the hinge points. Finger guards for doors can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to remove this risk. These guards can cover the hinge side of the door and prevent painful bruises, fractures, dislocations, crushed fingertips, and amputation in severe cases.
These hinge guards in schools ensure that both the push and pull sides of the doors are protected. It is an especially useful feature in tight corridors where kids walk too close to the walls.
If your establishment has narrow corridors, widely opening doors can be a major obstruction. Therefore, doors with controlled opening mechanisms can prevent sudden collisions and help maintain a steady movement during transitions. Such doors also reduce the strain on the door's hardware, supporting long-term maintenance. For added benefit, you can also choose to install soft-close door features to prevent abrupt slams that can startle kids or cause a dangerous congestion.
Narrow corridors can often have signs of dents, chips, and scuffs from constant usage. Installing durable wall protection panels or corner guards can keep high-traffic areas impact-resistant. These are especially crucial for primary and SEN (Special Educational Needs) settings, allowing even vulnerable kids a smooth movement. Kids will also have safer surfaces to rely on for crossing tight corridors. You can also add colour-coded wall protections, subtly guiding all kids to different entry points, exits, and classroom clusters through these confined spaces.
Not all upgrades have to be physical; sometimes, even aesthetic improvements can enhance safety. Proper lighting in tight spaces increases visibility and reduces the chances of kids bumping into each other or stumbling over tripping hazards. You can also install motion-activated LED lighting for all areas to remain well-lit without adding to your energy usage. It is ideal for those early morning classes, gloomy afternoons, or after-school activities.
Another non-physical upgrade in narrow corridors is adjusting how kids move through these spaces. The idea is to reduce congestion and mark all directions for a steady flow. Adding even simple visual cues, such as coloured floor strips, can guide everyone without the need for major physical or verbal signals. These are valuable additions in schools, especially when kids may be rushing between lessons or spending time indoors.
When upgrading the safety of narrow corridors in schools, remember that you don't have to make large-scale refurbishments. A combination of several small but proactive measures can transform even the tightest spaces into safer routes. But make sure you are thoughtfully planning all adjustments and creating corridors that support everybody's well-being while reducing avoidable accidents throughout the day.