Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 114 THE door industry journal spring 2024 Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security Spring Forward to Safeguard Students: Why Finger Protection on School Doors Needs to be Planned Now The summer holidays may seem like a lifetime away but its never too early to start planning requirements for school refurbishment projects, including essential finger protection, according to Strand Hardware. The first signs of spring may just be emerging but when it comes to planning major development and refurbishment projects, it’s essential to look ahead. For schools and other educational establishments, project planning for the summer - avoiding busy term times and scheduling work to minimise disruption – is key. Safety measures are essential for all public buildings but particularly those used by young people and vulnerable adults. From nurseries, primary and secondary schools, through to colleges and universities – buildings used for learning have specific needs . They are inevitably bustling environs with constant movement, as students go from class to class. It’s important therefore, to minimises the chances of accidents occurring including accidental injuries from fingers trapped in doors. “Schools, colleges and universities are busy environments and often their estate can include a number of buildings on one site. These can be of different ages and include entrances, corridors, classrooms and lecture theatres, with doors of many types,” said Craig Fox, Sales Director for Strand Hardware. “Local authorities, academies, college and university estate managers endeavour to create safe and inviting learning environments. These ae constantly reviewed and refurbished to maintain and upgrade facilities. This is a significant undertaking and it’s essential that all elements are fully considered, including the finishing touches to ensure safety.” Finger protection can often be left off the list, he explains: “Unfortunately, this essential requirement can often be overlooked until the majority of work is completed and final risk assessments are undertaken. We recommend thinking ‘safety first’ and budgeting for finger protection at the start of the project to allow the purchase of good quality products that offer durability.” Strand Hardware’s extensive range of finger protection is suitable for all types of doors; manual and automatics, external and internal, single and double action, made from different materials; timber, aluminium, Pvc-u or glass. All Strand Hardware finger guards are housed in easy-clean aluminium housing and tested to 1,000,000 operations and comply with industry standards. It’s not just the hustle and bustle of school ‘traffic’ that can present danger. Younger children are naturally curious and may not always be aware of the potential dangers posed by closing doors. Crushed fingers and hands caught in rapidly closing doors can lead to painful injuries and, in severe cases, fractures or dislocations. Finger protection provides a barrier, reducing the risk of such accidents occurring and are therefore ideal for pre-school and primary environs. Installing finger protection on doors aligns with safety standards and regulations designed to protect students in educational settings. Adhering to these standards not only helps avoid legal implications, but also demonstrates a commitment to providing a secure learning environment for all. “Obviously with children, there’s always an inherent danger,” says Craig. “It makes sense to apply a preventative approach and can also help avoid expensive litigation.” The costs associated with treating finger injuries can be substantial. Installing finger protection on doors is a cost-effective measure that prevents these incidents, ultimately saving schools and parents from
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