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Soft-Close Doors Reduce Noise, Not Finger Injuries

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-c...
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Door Pinch Guards Aren’t Necessary for Every Door

Door pinch guards are safety products that prevent fingers from getting trapped in doors. But these aren't needed on every door; only doors in high-risk areas need them. Finger entrapment injuries are common among young kids and vulnerable adults, so prevention with door guards is easier and cheaper, provided you understand where to install these mighty devices. What Are Pinch Guards, and How Do They Work? Pinch guards are protective devices that especially cover the hinge-side gap in a door. This is a spot where fingers often get trapped and hurt. The guard blocks the gap to prevent entrapment and is made of durable rubber or plastic. Some guards are removable, while others are fixed. They are also better than simply posting warning signs that only offer advice and don't actively reduce the risk. Does Every Door Require a Pinch Guard? Not every door will need a door finger guard . Doors in areas with young kids and vulnerable adults require the most protection. Data shows that...
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Choosing Between Front-Hinge and Rear-Hinge Finger Guards

Door-related finger injuries are a real safety risk, especially for children in schools. Therefore, choosing the right finger guard can help reduce entrapment accidents and meet UK safety standards. Here, we explain the differences between the front-hinge and rear-hinge finger guards to help authorities make the right decision. What Is a Front Hinge Finger Guard? The front-hinge finger guard protects the side of the door that opens towards the user. It covers the visible hinge gap when a door is opened. The guard is more useful for doors that are pushed open more frequently, such as corridors and classrooms.  These guards can cover up to 180 degrees of the gap. They can reduce finger entrapment injuries by over 90% when installed correctly. They are also easy to install, use, and inspect. What Is a Rear-Hinge Finger Guard? A rear-hinge finger guard protects the gap on the pull side of the door. This gap is often overloaded and dangerous, especially in offices and on fire doors, toi...
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Identifying Door Hazards in Schools

School doors are used frequently every single day. They are practical and necessary, but for this very reason, door-related risks are easy to miss, as they can appear harmless. Even minor injuries can have unexpected impacts, both emotionally and financially. Most injuries occur during busy hours and in high-traffic areas. It is important to prevent these and create a safer learning environment for children and adults alike. Where Do Door Injuries Happen Most Often?  Most door-related injuries happen on the hinge side of the door. This area of the door closes with a strong impact, leading to excruciating entrapment injuries. UK school maintenance data shows that hinge-side injuries occur more often than handle-side injuries. Young kids are at risk because they move quickly and are unaware of the dangers. A door finger guard for schools is a crucial addition to your safety plan.  How Are Young Kids Most at Risk?  Many young kids cannot easily judge danger. They often hold...
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When Does a Minor Pinch Become Serious?

A door closing on a hand or fingers can be a fleeting but painful accident in environments like schools or other public settings. What might look like a minor pinch can quickly escalate into a life-altering injury. Understanding the real risk lies in taking steps towards permanently preventing this serious damage.  Door Injuries Are Often Underestimated Fingers are vulnerable, as they have delicate nerves, tendons, and bones, which can be damaged irreversibly by high-impact forces. The hinge side of a door, in particular, creates a powerful scissor effect, catching fingers in between and leading to a range of injuries or complete amputation. Kids and vulnerable adults are at the greatest risk, and preventing such injuries lies with facility managers and other school staff. When Does A Minor Injury Get Serious?  Pinching injuries become a serious concern when the door shuts abruptly and forcefully, fingers are trapped on the hinge side, victims experience repeated accidents, an...
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5 Signs You Need a Door Safety Upgrade

 Door safety is often an overlooked aspect until something goes wrong in a busy environment like a school or daycare facility. Poorly maintained doors can become a serious risk in no time. Recognising the warning signs helps you act before minor issues escalate into major but preventable injuries. 1. Visible Wear  If the door edges are chipping, there are exposed hinges, or there are splinters, that's a major safety hazard. These are risky pinch points and shouldn't be left unprotected, especially for the safety of kids and vulnerable users. 2. Damaged PVC Curtains PVC curtains can help maintain safety and hygiene by controlling temperature, airflow, and the flow of people between spaces. If you notice cracks, brittleness, discolouration, or poor sealing, your PVC door curtains will no longer perform as intended. You would want to consider replacing them so they don't reduce supervision, increase accidents, or obstruct movement. 3. Interrupted Door Closing Mechanism...
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What Students Think About Safety Features in Their Classroom

 School safety is often shaped by adult concerns such as inspections, compliance, and documented risk. For students, however, it is more about how they feel in the premises than what can be measured. It is about what influences their confidence when moving around in the school and their sense of relaxation during lessons. Therefore, understanding safety from a child's perspective helps you better identify risks and create a safer overall environment. Classroom Safety Looks Different to Kids Generally, students recall finger entrapment injuries as the first real awareness of dangerous doors. Such incidents are often described as upsetting and sudden, especially during busy times such as class transitions or breaks. When door finger guards for schools are introduced, children can notice a clear difference. They can feel that doors are less scary and easy to use independently. This small yet significant change encourages safety and reduces anxiety throughout the school day. Featur...
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