Skip to main content

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-close mechanism can still exert enough force to cause bruising, broken bones, nerve damage, and more.

What Is The Right Safety Solution For Finger Protection? 

To reduce door-related risks, proper physical protection is needed. Something like a door hinge finger protector, along with a soft-close mechanism, may be more feasible, as these systems focus on comfort; they don't block pinch points, hinge gaps, or prevent curious hands from getting trapped.

Even experts recommend installing door finger guards in schools, daycare centres, and other public spaces to ensure complete protection. These devices can work with soft-close and standard door-closing systems. They are also simple to use, affordable, and effective at reducing injuries. 

Invest In Durable Finger Guards For Real Safety

If you are a school administrator, property manager, or facility safety officer, it is important to prioritise safety in your premises. Don't rely solely on the soft-closing mechanism; upgrade your safety measures with door finger guards to prevent painful accidents from becoming costly liabilities. Partner with a reliable, reputable supplier for enhanced protection.

Key Takeaways
  • Quiet doors are nice, but safe doors offer protection.
  • Soft-close doors reduce noise but do not prevent finger entrapment injuries.
  • Door hinge protectors provide real safety from hinge-side injuries.
  • Hinge guards are essential for schools, nurseries, and other shared spaces.
  • Buy your hinge guards from trusted suppliers only.
Labels:
Location: Essex, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Vital Is Door Safety? Is There A Way To Improve It?

Getting your hands or fingers trapped between a closing door can be one of your life's most traumatic and painful experiences. Now imagine how the situation would be if a five-year-old got injured! The result could be devastating. Door Safety Is Paramount! Even though many parents and caregivers don't give it much thought, door safety is a much more significant issue than you think. Research shows that thousands of kids are rushed to the emergency room each year due to a serious door-related accident. While most accidents could be fixed with a mother's kiss, some ice, and many cuddles, many kids might have to undergo surgery. For a child, this type of experience can be traumatising to both their mental and physical health. While you could always replace some doors with PVC curtains , there are better solutions than this one. Door Finger Guards Can Help. If you have a lot of kids in your vicinity, you must get door finger guards immediately. These guards help you pre...
Post a Comment
Read more

How do you choose the right finger guard for your doors?

When it comes to keeping little fingers safe, not all doors need the same kind of protection. Every door moves in its own way and that means every door needs the right type of guard. The best finger guards for doors are the ones that fit properly and don’t stop the door from working smoothly. Why don’t all doors use the same kind of finger guard? It’s easy to think that any guard will do but that’s where schools and nurseries can go wrong. A guard that’s perfect for a wooden classroom door may not fit a glass door or a fire door. Door finger protection aims to prevent fingers from getting caught but the method of doing so depends on the type of door itself. Standard hinged doors These are the doors we use most. They swing open and shut all day, which means they need full-length guards that cover both the hinge side and the back edge. Soft, flexible materials like PVC work well because they bend with the door and can handle a lot of movement. Fire doors Fire doors need extra care. You...
Post a Comment
Read more

3 Low-Maintenance Ways to Upgrade Safety Between Classrooms

 Keeping kids safe at your school can be an everyday challenge, especially during busy transitions. Corridors can fill up quickly, doors can open and shut abruptly, and many small risks can go unnoticed in the rush between lessons. With a few simpler adjustments, this shared space can become much safer for kids and easier for staff to manage. Add Barriers One of the most effective yet uncommon ways to support a calmer movement in your school is by installing PVC curtains . It's practical in areas such as art rooms, eating areas, or science labs. These are lightweight curtains that allow your staff to see through different spaces. They create barriers preventing unnecessary rushing and avoidable accidents. They are easy to clean and maintain and ideal for fast-paced environments. Protect Hinges Doors are a common hazard leading to serious finger entrapment injuries. Kids can get dangerously close to the hinges and sustain excruciating injuries. Installing high-quality, durable ...
Post a Comment
Read more