Door finger entrapment injuries are a real worry in schools and other educational environments. If you are part of the school management and wish to know more about door finger guards, let us walk you through a simple yet comprehensive FAQ section to help you keep those small hands injury-free.
Door finger guards for schools are protective devices that can be installed along the hinge side of a door. It helps cover the gap where fingers can usually get pinched and fractured. Think of these as a neat, simple, and effective strip that covers the dangerous gap for enhanced peace of mind.
Definitely, door hinge guards are necessary in environments with curious kids. Because even a single slam of the door can cause serious injuries. Finger guards can significantly reduce this risk, especially in high-traffic areas.
In simple terms, most finger guards create a continuous barrier over the hinge side of the door to eliminate dangerous trapping zones. Even if the door shuts abruptly, there will be no gap for fingers to slide into and get hurt.
Finger guards are highly effective in schools, nurseries, and even preschools. They can lead to fewer incidents of fingers getting caught in the opening or shutting doors. This offers that much-needed peace of mind for both school staff and parents.
There aren’t any specific rules or regulations in the UK necessitating the installation of finger guards in educational settings. However, health and safety guidelines encourage the reduction of known hazards with such proactive measures. So, it is recommended for you to fulfil your duty of care with devices like door guards and many others..
There are many types of finger guards available on the market. Some common ones include flexible rubber hinge covers, sturdy hinge shields, and clip-on magnetic strips. Each has a specific purpose and caters to diverse door types.
Most door guards can be fitted on any door, including wooden, metal, and fire doors. However, compatibility can vary.
For example, fire doors require hinge guards with proper certification. So, you should double-check with your supplier whether the chosen product aligns with the specific door type and rating.
Choosing the right hinge guard requires you to remember a few things. The material of the door, frequency, durability, and aesthetics are some of the things to consider. For instance, flexible designs might be more suitable for high-use nursery doors, while you might require rigid hinge guards for hallway doors.
Proper maintenance comes with satisfactory installation. Once the guards are appropriately fitted into the doors, you will be sorted for a long time. But make sure to clean the device regularly, inspect for any wear and tear, and promptly replace any guards that are not functioning properly. Routine checks are the key to remaining ahead of injuries.
Absolutely. The cost of finger guards is modest compared to the potential medical treatment and liabilities you might incur after a finger entrapment accident. They are a smaller investment offering better returns, i.e., safety, reassurance, and compliance.
Door finger guards are a simple yet effective solution to keep entrapment injuries at bay. Remember, doors are dangerous, and door guards can be your go-to devices to safeguard your facility. While there can be several other solutions to incorporate in a risky environment, you should start with the very least and build a proper safety plan to create safer conditions.