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Can Soft-Close Doors Replace Finger Guards?

 Soft-close mechanism doors are quite popular. They are gentle in motion and are ideal for areas like schools and daycare facilities. While they appear to be a thoughtful upgrade for the building, they can also come with the risk of injury. Here's why you should not rely on soft-close doors and supplement the installation with the right safety measures.

The Dangers Of The Soft-Close Mechanism

Soft-close doors reduce the abrupt slamming of doors. They decrease the force on the closing side, but the hinge side still remains exposed. Kids are curious and drawn towards moving parts and gaps. The area left uncovered between the door and its frame, where the hinges sit, can trap their little fingers and lead to devastating consequences. So, while this may be a modern feature, not having the right door safety measures can lead to severe circumstances, even if the door closes slowly.

It Cannot Replace Finger Guards

A soft-close door isn't a complete solution for preventing finger entrapment injuries. This is where door hinge finger guards come to the rescue. These devices are designed to block access to the dangerous gaps on the hinge side of the door. They make it impossible for fingers to enter and get trapped. Where the soft-close mechanism only reduces the speed of the closing doors, these finger protection measures offer active prevention, especially in child-focused environments.

In fact, you should see your soft-close door as a complementary feature, not a replacement for door finger protection measures. A slowly moving door can still lead to serious injuries, like broken bones. Not only does it hinder the pace of the everyday workday, but it can also lead to hefty legal liabilities.

Choose Smartly For Your Environment

Injury prevention must be a priority in settings where little kids are more actively present. Installing a door hinge finger guard with these slow-closing doors can ensure complete protection. These are discrete, affordable, and proven devices to reduce the risk of injuries, making them a proactive choice for child-centred spaces.

 

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