Every school, day care facility, and nursery may be familiar with slamming doors. It is a common sight and sound in places where young kids are involved. While the noise and activity may seem like a nuisance to the staff, the reality can be quite concerning. A constantly shutting door represents a serious risk to the safety of the children, and fingers are often the first casualties in places where heavy doors meet the delicate hands of little children.
The working of a closing door isn’t as simple as you may assume. When it shuts, especially the heavy fire doors, it can close with significant force, and this slamming energy concentrates at the hinges. This makes the hinge end particularly dangerous, creating a powerful pinch point. Even with a mild push, the hinge area can close with intense strength, which can be enough to injure tiny fingers or even lead to broken bones or other excruciating injuries.
Kids are curious, and this is what lands them in unimaginable consequences. They are more interested in exploring their surroundings, especially through touch. Generally, they hold on to the edges of the doors, peek behind them, or hold the door from the hinge side during playtime. So, one mistake during this time, and the door can close abruptly, turning an innocent exploration into a painful mishap. This is why educational institutions must add a physical barrier to minimise door-related risks.
You would say yes, kids are curious, and yes, doors are important and dangerous, but how to create a surrounding where both of these aspects can coexist peacefully? The answer is simple: one of the most effective ways to child-proof your facility is to use door hinge guards. These are smart devices that cover the gap between the door and its frame. It helps eliminate the pinch point altogether, allowing kids to move freely without any stress.
Door finger guards for schools and nurseries offer that much-needed peace of mind. They are a practical solution for ensuring safety. Plus, they are easy to install, discreet, and durable. The right product can seamlessly integrate into both your daily operations as well as aesthetics.
The aftermath of a slamming door isn’t always as pleasant as you may assume. It can lead to distressing finger entrapment injuries and become a nuisance for not just kids but also the staff. Kids can sustain a lot of pain, bruises, broken bones, bleeding, and a lot more. There can be long-term implications of abruptly slamming doors, and in severe cases, there can be a permanent disability, where amputation might become necessary.
As responsible school staff, it is your responsibility to reduce these physical dangers and create an environment where kids can learn and grow. By understanding how doors work and how the right safety measures can reduce the risk of avoidable injuries, you also save yourself from legal liabilities.
Remember, slamming doors don’t spell disaster, but whatever risk remains can be reduced with the right protections in place. It also allows the staff to focus on what matters the most, i.e., nurturing kids and helping them grow.