Renovating a school or daycare facility is often an exciting and rewarding experience. There’s fresh paint, different layouts, better lighting, and improved conveniences for both kids and adults. It allows for a more functional space, but amidst these upgrades, there’s one thing that often doesn’t make it to the checklist: safety features. When budget, deadlines, and aesthetics take charge, important elements like those that protect kids against everyday hazards can be easily forgotten. Here is how it happens.
Renovation teams usually work on broader refurbishment goals. These can include modernised finishes, fire safety features, and improved access. However, many safety measures that could have been implemented earlier, such as door hinge guards, may be removed and never retrofitted. These are forgotten until a mishap occurs and the staff realise what has been missing.
Even if new doors are installed, they may not always prioritise child safety. It is common because adult safety standards are used as the benchmark. Such standards can easily overlook young users and their curious little hands as they explore the act of opening and shutting doors.
If you opt for a minimalist aesthetic over traditional designs, your architect can suggest installing doors with automatic closures and concealed hinges. These reduce noise and look sophisticated, but introduce several risks, especially if the door finger guards for school aren’t reinstalled. These upgraded environments may be appealing, but they can be chaotic if there’s no intentional safety planning in place, as before.
Even smaller or temporary changes, such as relocating a single classroom, can disrupt long-established safety protocols. In these situations, caretakers and teachers might not notice anything dangerous immediately, especially if it has been a hectic move-in. This is why, when the routine changes, risks may not be imminent but are still present and can unfold at unexpected times.
Safety protocols are non-negotiable in schools, daycare facilities, and other areas where little kids are at risk. It is important to prevent accidental oversights and incorporate a comprehensive suite of child safety features into the renovation plan. Not just what the building regulations mandate, but features that are outside these benchmarks for adequate safety.
For instance, a device as small as a door hinge guard may seem tiny, but it’s mighty and should be part of the standard reinstallation checklist. It’s the safest approach and should be part of the permanent infrastructure. However, it’s important to choose tamper-resistant, high-quality, and durable finger guards that are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, as well as future renovations.
Renovations may be necessary, but they can unknowingly leave behind some essential elements. A seemingly simple omission or removal of items, such as a door finger guard, can lead to serious consequences. Kids can trap their little fingers in the hinge side gaps and face excruciating injuries. So, remember, safety features aren’t optional extras; they are necessary in your facility to safeguard the learning environment and avoid hefty liabilities. These measures are much superior to any aesthetic changes.