Protecting Vulnerable Users: Why Finger Protection is Essential in Healthcare Settings

Patient safety and wellbeing always the ultimate priority within the healthcare sector and the integration of appropriate safety measures within building design is key to its delivery. One often overlooked, yet critical, aspect is ensuring that doorways are equipped with reliable finger protection.

Hospitals, GP surgeries, dentists, hospices, and care homes provide services to diverse range of vulnerable individuals—children, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges—making it crucial to minimise hazards associated with door use. Strand Hardware’s Athmer FP600 range of finger protectors offer an advanced solution to meet these needs, providing a robust and dependable safeguard against finger entrapment accidents.

The Need for Finger Protection in Healthcare Environments

Healthcare facilities are high-traffic environments, with doors being opened and closed frequently throughout the day. This high usage increases the likelihood of fingers being trapped, especially on the hinge side of the door. For establishments serving those with limited mobility, reduced situational awareness, or cognitive impairments, the risk is even higher.

Automatic doors, often found in hospitals and clinics, pose an additional hazard as they close quickly and with a firm force, making fingers particularly susceptible to serious injury. The potential for harm in these settings underlines the importance of installing reliable safety devices that can withstand rigorous use while maintaining ease of function.

Strand Hardware’s FP600 Range: Designed for Heavy-Duty Use

The FP600 range by Strand Hardware is engineered to address these safety concerns, offering high-performance protection for various door types, including automatic swing doors. With its innovative design, the FP600 utilises a roller system that ensures fingers are shielded from the hinge side of doors, which is especially beneficial for automatic swing doors.

The FP600’s fabric material is kept under constant tension, using a robust flame-retardant fabric that can withstand heavy cycles of operation. This tensioned fabric seamlessly covers the gap between the door and the frame, automatically engaging when the door is opened and retracting neatly when closed. Such a mechanism ensures the safety of users without compromising the smooth operation of the door.

Key Features of the FP600 Range

1. High Cycle Durability: The FP600 range is tested to withstand up to 200,000 cycles, making it suitable for high-traffic environments such as hospitals and care homes.
2. Flexible Length Options: Available in standard lengths 1925mm and 2015mm and special to order sizes from a minimum length of 325mm to a maximum length of 3000mm, making it adaptable to most single and double action doors and powered pedestrian door sets.
3. Maximum Fabric Travel of 260mm: Ensures complete protection on the hinge side, even for doors that open wide.
4. EN16005 and EN16654 Compliance: The FP600 meets stringent European safety standards, providing assurance that it delivers reliable and effective protection.
5. Easy Installation and Tamper Resistance: With an easy-fit CLICK system, the FP600 offers straightforward installation and prevents tampering and is ideal for use on doors which require a lot of maintenance.
6. Cleaning Products Resistance: All Athmer finger protection devices are extensively tested against a range of disinfectants and cleaning solutions.
7. Versatile Application: The product is suitable for use on a variety of doors, including automatic and manual types, making it ideal for healthcare facilities where different door configurations are common.

Aesthetic and Customisation Options

Strand Hardware understands the importance of aesthetics in maintaining the therapeutic and welcoming environments of healthcare settings. The FP600 range comes with a Satin Anodised Aluminium (SAA) housing finish with a Black flame-retardant fabric. For those seeking a tailored appearance, bespoke housing RAL colour matching is available upon request, allowing facilities to seamlessly integrate finger protection devices into their overall design scheme.

The FP range combines durability with convenience. There are a number of variations available including a waterproof version which is suitable for external use, and one designed for glass doors.

Says Craig Fox, Sales Director at Strand Hardware: “In healthcare environments, hygiene is critical to prevent the spread of infections. The FP600 range is not only easy to fit, but it can also be quickly removed and reattached for thorough cleaning, ensuring that high hygiene standards are maintained without compromising safety. This also makes them ideal for doors that require regular maintenance both internal and external.”

Safety First in Healthcare: Why Choose Strand Hardware?

Strand Hardware’s FP600 range is not just a product—it is a commitment to safety and peace of mind. Its award-winning German Safety Mark certification is a testament to its superior quality and reliability. By choosing the FP600, healthcare facilities can ensure they are providing the best possible protection against finger-trapping hazards, particularly on high-risk automatic doors.

To learn more about how the FP600 can enhance safety in your facility or to discuss bespoke finish options, visit www.strandhardware.co.uk or watch our video here