Automatic doors are the life of modern properties. They're a blessing, especially in busy environments like schools. Yet this convenient installation can pose some serious challenges. Even a split-second malfunction can lead to painful injuries and hefty liabilities. Therefore, understanding the risk is important to keep vulnerable spaces as safe as possible.
Automatic Doors Can Have Hidden Risks
Unlike traditional doors, automatic ones depend on sensors and time systems. If these devices fail to respond on time, the door can close unexpectedly. It can lead to a significant risk of children's feet, fingers, and other body parts getting trapped between the door and its frame.
Kids also tend to rush around and frequently place their hands on doors without realising the danger. In an unfortunate incident, even well-trained staff may not be able to continuously monitor the doorway. Therefore, entrapment injuries remain a genuine hazard even with automation.
The Role Of Finger Guards
Automatic doors may feel gentler, but they have a dangerous hinge side, which increases the risk of entrapment. In addition, mechanical failures are the most common issues with these doors. Therefore, finger guards for doors are necessary to cover and prevent these hazards.
Hinge guards in schools are also viewed as a significant safeguarding measure to protect staff and students from potentially life-altering injuries. Installing them is easy; maintenance is even easier. And there’s no compromise on sealing vulnerable gaps or maintaining a child-safe space.
Door Maintenance Is Crucial
Automatic doors require regular safety checks. You must ensure that all its sensors and mechanical components are working fine. Even the doors that seem to work perfectly today can develop blind spots over time, necessitating regular inspections to ensure continued functionality.
Routine assessments reduce the risk of sudden failure. They also ensure continued compliance with the necessary safety standards. Add to it some durable protective hardware, and it offers an extra layer of safety, one that doesn't rely on electricity, sensors, and human oversight. This dual approach can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidents involving automatic doors.
Final Words
Automatic doors may be advantageous, but they aren't inherently safe. Injuries can occur when you least expect them, and technology alone cannot prevent them. You need a robust maintenance plan and advanced protective additions for each doorway. If you're looking for the right safety hardware, contact Safety Assured Limited and select the best option for your facility.