For a small child, one careless second near a closing door can lead to serious injury. It happens fast, and unfortunately, it happens far too often. As a matter of fact, thousands of kids in the UK are admitted to A&E because of door-related finger injuries every year.
But it is not hard to find a risky door. A quick 3-minute inspection is usually all it takes to see if a door needs door finger protection.
Most doors (like those in most classrooms or corridors) hide a small danger zone down the hinge side. When the door closes, the narrow hinge gap can behave like a guillotine. And a tiny finger does not stand a chance against the weight of a heavy door.
Schools and childcare settings have a clear duty of care to keep children safe from completely preventable injuries. Door finger guards do just that. They cover the hinge gap completely so fingers can’t get trapped. And just like that, the problem is neutralised.
You don’t need tools or training for this. Just walk around the building and open/close some doors.
Check the hinge side: Open the door halfway. Can you see the metal hinges or a long gap between the door and the frame? If you can, that is a red flag. A proper door finger protector seals the hinge gap completely so tiny fingers can’t slip in there.
Check the hinge pin side: Now check the hinge pin side at the back of the door. Are the pins visible or within reach of little hands? If they are, there is still a risk. A door hinge protector can cover that area to mitigate the risk.
Check heavy or fire doors: Fire doors and solid wooden doors close with more force. That is great for safety, but terrible for tiny fingers. You will want a door finger protector that is fire-door compatible and requires no screws or drilling. After all, you don’t want to compromise the structural integrity of the door.
Check child-access areas: And finally, look where children actually go. Check classrooms, toilets, corridors, play areas, entrances, etc. Anywhere small hands might reach a door edge should have a protector fitted.
If you can see a gap where fingers could slip through, you have already found a hazard. And installing door finger protection is quick and easy.
Don’t wait for an accident. Because by the time a child cries out in pain, it is already too late. A door shield can prevent a serious injury. It can also help your site meet the UK’s Children’s Charter Door Safety Standard.
And if you have no idea where to start, Safety Assured can help. We offer free door-safety surveys and nationwide installation by certified specialists. We will help you choose the best protection for your doors and make sure it is fitted properly.