While doors may have originally served as a way to cut down any distractions outside the classroom or to enable people to come and go as they please, they now play a vital role in helping to keep the school safe and secure.
Yes, doors are critical in securing commercial buildings and classrooms, but many schools nowadays use add-ons and locking devices that put teachers and students at risk instead of protecting them. Let's look at a few critical door safety tips you must follow if you own or manage a school.
You should always install doors that are easy to use regardless of someone's disability, developmental level, or age. It means having the door handles and locks at the right height and is easy to operate with one smooth motion.
If you need to train people how to use the door, it's not simple enough. For areas like hallways, you can also consider installing PVC curtains. Remember, people trying to evacuate quickly (especially in groups) tend to panic and quickly get trapped. PVC curtains can help you prevent that.
A door's handle side and hinge side can cause severe injuries. Thousands of Americans are rushed to the emergency room yearly due to door-related injuries. These injuries can result in swollen, broken, or ruptured hands and fingers.
To help prevent this, consider installing a door closer that helps reduce the speed of a closing door. For the hinge side, you can install door finger guards for schools. These guards can help prevent curious fingers from accessing the gap between the door and the frame.
The door lock you use should be compliant with your fire codes, building codes, and the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure you are safe from a variety of threats. Most school locks cannot meet such basic safety requirements, opening themselves up to a potential lawsuit.
When used and installed correctly, doors can be an ideal barrier against a safety threat outside the vicinity. These tips allow you to easily make your doors more usable and safe for teachers and children.