Door and gate finger trapping risks

We have had a few recent incidents reported to us of primary aged pupils trapping fingers in the hinge side of doors. These can result in significant injury including amputation and so where these hazards have not been removed by design then finger guards should be fitted.

Nationally the majority of children affected by such incidents are under the age of 8, so it is doors/gates used by younger or more vulnerable children that will be a higher risk. Those risks are magnified by factors such as heavier doors, those with self-closure devices and doors which are opened / closed frequently such as corridor and classroom doors, toilet entrance and cubicle doors etc.

Similar risks can also exist with gates on site, ideally these should be designed out i.e., re-hang gates / refit with hinges to ensure the gap between the post and hinge side of the gate does not reduce and create a pinch point as the gate operates, where that’s not possible then fit external hinge guards.

Please make sure you have reviewed these risks on your school site and identify any areas for remedial work. Where finger guards have been fitted, ensure these are checked as part of your routine premises inspections to confirm they are still effective (we’ve seen a number of damaged / split or broken ones on sites recently). Further guidance on preventing finger trapping accidents is available on the Grid

In the event of any queries then contact the H&S team