Beware of Door Hazards

Heavy wooden, metal, and glass doors can be hazardous to young students. The National Safety Council estimates there are 300,000 finger injuries each year, with 15,000 of those resulting in amputations. Most of these injuries happen to children under age 14.

When a door closes, it can exert up to 40 tons of pressure at the hinge area, which can easily snip off a child's finger. Installing finger-pinch protection devices is one way to prevent finger entrapment injuries at your school.

Two online vendors of these devices are: www.fingershieldsafety.com and www.fingersafe.com

Other finger safety tips include:
 

•  Ensure door hinges are firmly installed.
•  Adjust automatic door closing mechanisms so doors close slowly, giving children time to remove their
    fingers.
•  Inspect the ends of panic hardware bars and replace or repair them as needed.
•  Inspect wall-mounted devices like fire extinguishers, glass wall tiles, and signs to ensure they are
    securely attached. If these items fall, they can smash fingers and toes.