Don’t Let Your Doors Harm A Child

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Strand Hardware is urging customers to apply the right standards for safety of finger guards to avoid crushing children’s digits in door jambs.

BS8613 specifies requirements and test methods for durability, strength and effective function of finger protection. This includes assessment of durability and effectiveness applied to conditions and temperature.

Yet not all products sold in the UK meet this standard. In recent years, the market has been flooded by cheap imports. Often made from plastic, they can become brittle and break, becoming a hazard in themselves, say the people at Strand.

Strand Hardware only stocks products that meet BS8613 and clearly bear manufacturers markings and classification – making them easy to identify.

 “None of our stock can be defined as one product fits all. Our extensive range provides a range of devices for various door materials and applications. We prefer to work closely with customers to provide the correct solution for their project needs.”

– Craig Fox 

Sales director, Strand Hardware

Guarantee

“In addition to product durability, some products come with a lifetime guarantee,” continues Strand Hardware’s Fox. “There are other benefits to buying quality such as bespoke sizes for items up to 2500mm and special RAL powder coated finishes for customisation.

“Often buying choices come down to budget but safety should never be compromised.”

Standard

BS EN 8613: 2017 defines finger protection as ‘a device intended to minimise the risk of crushing injuries to fingers in the gap between the hanging stile of the door leaf and the door frame’. In premises that are used by the public, especially children, the elderly or vulnerable adults, it is essential to minimise risk.

British and European standards provide specifiers, architects/designers, health and safety professionals and facility managers with guidance as to what works well, what type of devices should be applied to various door sets, what is durable and essentially, what is safe to use

Accidents

It is estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 accidents occur every year, mainly involving children who trap their fingers in doors, leading to serious injury - and in some cases amputation. Many more minor injuries are believed to go unreported.

The standard is a benchmark to which professionals can refer, fulfilling a duty of care with an understanding of appropriateness and performance values. It also assists manufacturers to design fit-for-purpose products.

Picture: Strand Hardware’s sales director, Craig Fox.

www.strandhardware.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
14th July 2022

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