Old school buildings in the UK aren't made with modern safety features in mind. These doors are wide, heavy, and built to custom sizes, making finger injuries more likely and safety upgrades more complicated. The school authorities must make efforts to protect staff, children, and visitors. For this, door finger guards are the easiest way to reduce related injuries, especially from non-standard doors found across Scotland, England, and Wales.
Highlights
Heavy, non-standard doors are a safety risk.
Finger injuries are common with old doors, especially on the hinge side.
Installing finger guards is a quick, lawful, and disruption-free measure to reduce the risk of door-related injuries without replacing existing doors.
Why Are Non-Standard School Doors a Safety Risk?
Heavy, non-standard doors increase the risk of finger entrapment injuries because they close with a greater impact and have wider hinge gaps. They are often made from solid timber or steel and can weigh over 60 kg.
Many doors can have uneven frames, increased gaps, and exposed hinges. When children push or pull these doors, fingers can easily get trapped within seconds.
Local data has also repeatedly shown that finger injuries mostly occur in classrooms, toilets, and at corridor entrances. These are high-traffic areas, with doors opening and closing all day.
What UK Standards Apply to Door Hinge Safety?
UK schools have a legal duty of care to reduce known hazards, including the risk of finger entrapment injuries. Schools are not directly guided to install finger guards, but they are expected to maintain safe premises, and door safety products like hinge guards are identified as a major safety measure.
How Can Hinge Guards Be Installed on Old Doors?
Premium door hinge protectors can fit older school doors without replacing the door or its frame. It is especially useful for listed buildings or for schools with limited budgets. Modern hinge protection solutions can fit uneven, worn-out doors, cover gaps on the hinge sides, and also flex heavy doors that sag or slam. Retrofitting is common, but you should hire a trusted professional for proper installation.
Which Areas Should Schools Prioritise for Finger Guard Installation?
Schools should safeguard doors used by younger users and in high-traffic areas. The priority should be on KS1 and early years classrooms, washroom doors, corridor doors, dining hall doors, and all major entry and exit doors. Local safety audits also show that over 70% of door-related injuries occur on the hinge side, underscoring the importance of hinge protection as a crucial and effective upgrade.
Hinge Protection Can Work Better Than Door Replacement
Door hinge protection can help reduce risk without structural change or prolonged downtime. If you think replacing heavy doors is the only solution, that's not true. These can be retrofitted with the right safety solutions without costing substantially or breaching fire or heritage rules. High-quality, durable finger guards can last more than a decade, provided you are regular with inspections and maintenance. They can cause minimal disruption, block the danger zone completely, and keep all occupants safe without you having to replace the entire door.
Partner With the Right Supplier to Invest in Suitable Solutions
School authorities are obligated to act before injuries occur. Therefore, a proper door risk review followed by the installation of the appropriate hinge protection is mandatory. Hire a trusted supplier who understands heavy, non-standard school doors and offers products tailored to your custom needs. This will ensure correct fitting, long service life, and full confidence.
FAQs about Installing Hinge Guards on Old School Doors
1. What is a door hinge protector?
A door hinge protector covers the hinge gap, preventing fingers from being trapped when a door opens or closes.
2. Can hinge guards be fitted to very old or uneven doors?
Yes. Modern designs are made to fit warped frames, wide gaps, and non-standard doors.
3. Do hinge guards affect fire door compliance?
When correctly specified and installed, hinge guards do not affect fire ratings or door function.
4. Are hinge guards required by UK law in schools?
UK law requires schools to control known hazards. Hinge guards are a recognised way to control door finger injuries.
5. Are door safety products durable in busy schools?
Durable door safety products are tested for thousands of open-close cycles and daily school use. They are safe and highly effective.