Soft-close doors are seen as a major safety upgrade. They close doors quietly and slowly, which makes the environment feel safer overall. But in reality, soft-close doors only help quiet spaces; they don't eliminate finger injuries, a serious but preventable risk.
What Do Soft-Close Doors Actually Do?
Soft-closing doors help with three things. They:
Lower the speed of a closing or opening door
Reduce noise or slamming
Reduce general wear on the hardware
The slow-closing mechanism does not protect fingers, especially on the hinge side of the door.
How Do Door Finger Injuries Happen?
Most door finger injuries happen during the open and shut cycle of a door, and are especially common on the hinge side. Even if the door closes slowly, the gap at the hinge end gets smaller, trapping or crushing fingers within seconds.
The risk is more prevalent in places such as nurseries, schools, daycare facilities, and other spaces with high foot traffic or vulnerable children and adults. The soft-close mechanism can still exert enough force to cause bruising, broken bones, nerve damage, and more.
What Is The Right Safety Solution For Finger Protection?
To reduce door-related risks, proper physical protection is needed. Something like a door hinge finger protector, along with a soft-close mechanism, may be more feasible, as these systems focus on comfort; they don't block pinch points, hinge gaps, or prevent curious hands from getting trapped.
Even experts recommend installing door finger guards in schools, daycare centres, and other public spaces to ensure complete protection. These devices can work with soft-close and standard door-closing systems. They are also simple to use, affordable, and effective at reducing injuries.
Invest In Durable Finger Guards For Real Safety
If you are a school administrator, property manager, or facility safety officer, it is important to prioritise safety in your premises. Don't rely solely on the soft-closing mechanism; upgrade your safety measures with door finger guards to prevent painful accidents from becoming costly liabilities. Partner with a reliable, reputable supplier for enhanced protection.
Key Takeaways
Quiet doors are nice, but safe doors offer protection.
Soft-close doors reduce noise but do not prevent finger entrapment injuries.
Door hinge protectors provide real safety from hinge-side injuries.
Hinge guards are essential for schools, nurseries, and other shared spaces.
Buy your hinge guards from trusted suppliers only.