Sliding and Folding Doors: Hidden Finger Trap Risks You Need to Know

19 Nov Sliding and Folding Doors: Hidden Finger Trap Risks You Need to Know

When discussing finger safety in workplaces, other commercial settings and even our homes, standard doors and fire doors often spring to mind. Yet, with Fingersafe® able to be installed on 99% of today’s doors, there are many more door types to consider in your quest for a safer environment.

Sliding and folding doors are two more common door types that need a little extra help to reduce the risk of finger trapping. But, what are you really up against? Read on to discover the hidden finger trap risks that go hand-in-hand with sliding and folding door types.

Pay close attention to panels

Gaps across the sliding track or closing edge are perhaps the most obvious areas presenting serious safety threats. Fingers can easily become trapped where the door panel meets the frame or wall as it slides shut. While pinch points between panels are just as risky as the door folds or unfolds with multi-panel folding systems.

Over time, panels may become misaligned or unstable causing additional pinch points that could result in unexpected finger trapping.

Beware of folding mechanisms

The folding mechanisms themselves can expose the hinge and pivot points that are the main sites of crush injuries. The rapid movement sliding and folding doors are known and loved for gives people less time to react and move their fingers out of harm’s way too.

Watch out for hidden moving parts

Other features that look great on sliding and folding door systems, but aren’t necessarily the safest, are hidden or recessed parts. Recessed handles and door channels make it easier for fingers to get snagged during the pulling and pushing mechanisms. The door edges themselves may be equally obscured due to the presence of the clear, glass panels to increase the risk of trapping further.

Team this with the fact that sliding and folding systems are heavy or powered, and you have the force to do some serious damage to little and big hands.

How finger guard installation could help

While we pride ourselves on catering to a wide range of door types, including heavy duty doors and bi-folds, we do not make hinge protectors for use on sliding doors. Sliding door safety still matters however, especially when childproofing this potentially dangerous door type. Here Cosy Home Blog shares some of the safety solutions that should be on your radar:

“Special childproof locks already made for sliding doors are available in the market, and you can get one for your door. These locks bring about additional safety and, at the same time, prevent kids from opening the door without getting your consent. There is also another good instrument, which is the door safety bar. This bar puts itself in the door track and greatly stops the door from sliding open. It makes the door stay closed tightly and gives you more control.”

For any other door type, please browse our complete collection for the design that suits your application. Unsure which finger guard is right for you? Contact our team to discuss your requirements.