A quick door check at school can help stop serious finger injuries. It does not take long, and you don't need special tools. In under 15 minutes, you can spot problems and make the space safer for students and staff. Here's how to do it:
Start with the hinge side.
Open the door all the way and look at the hinge area. This is where fingers tend to get caught. Watch how the gap moves when the door opens and closes. If a child could fit their fingers in that space, especially near the hinge knuckle, that is not safe. If there is no door finger guard (or if the guard is cracked, loose, or missing), it should be fixed immediately.
Check how the door closes.
Let the door close on its own and watch how fast it moves. If it slams or shuts too quickly, it could hurt someone. The door should close slowly and evenly. If it feels too fast or out of balance, the door closer might need repair or replacement.
Look for damage or signs of tampering.
Check all existing finger guards for school doors. Are they secure? Are any broken, bent, or loose? Sometimes these guards shift or get pulled out of place. Give them a light tug to make sure they are still holding firm. You should also look out for sharp edges, splinters, or worn spots that could be dangerous.
Get down to a child's level.
If you can, crouch down and look at the door from a child's height. You may spot something you would not notice from above.
Take notes.
As you check each door, write down what you find. If something needs fixing or a guard is missing, write it down. This helps you follow up later without repeating the whole check.
In only a few minutes, you can prevent an injury that could cause real pain and possibly even lead to legal trouble. If you find a risk, consider installing a strong option like the Door Finger Protector from Safety Assured, Ltd. It is a simple solution already trusted by thousands of schools across the UK.
Comments
Post a Comment