Kingspark School: Safer and Cost-Effective Finger Guards
When Dundee City Council (DCC) identified that the 1970s building housing Kingspark School was no longer fit for purpose, the opportunity arose to create a modern facility designed to meet the needs of children and young people with complex and profound special needs.
Safehinge Primera worked closely with DCC to integrate Alumax integral finger guards into the new build, ensuring lasting safety and aesthetic appeal. These robust solutions addressed potential finger-trapping hazards and minimised maintenance costs, making them a vital part of the school’s safety strategy.
Kingspark School provides specialised education for students with complex and profound needs, necessitating an environment that balances safety, functionality, and a welcoming atmosphere. During the development of the purpose-built school in 2009, Dundee City Council prioritised creating a hazard-free space that could withstand the demands of daily use, especially in high-traffic areas.
Client: Dundee City Council
Project type: New Build
Architect: Dundee City Council
Products supplied:
- Alumax Integral Finger Guards
The Challenge
DCC sought a solution to address several challenges:
Safety Risks: Finger-trapping incidents posed a significant threat, especially for students with reduced mobility or awareness.
Durability Needs: Conventional finger guards, typically plastic or fabric-based, were prone to damage from wheelchairs and trolleys and had a lifespan as short as 6–12 months.
Aesthetic Requirements: As a modern school, the facility required solutions that blended seamlessly into the design without appearing bulky or institutional.
Cost Efficiency: Over a projected 25-year period, the maintenance liabilities of retrofitting plastic guards across Kingspark’s doors could reach £100,000.
The Solution
Safehinge Primera provided a tailored solution: Alumax Integral Finger Guards, a discreet aluminium profile combined with a specialised pivot hinge.
Key features included:
Durability: Rigorously tested to withstand heavy use and impact from wheelchairs and trolleys.
Aesthetics: A sleek, integrated design that complemented the modern architectural style of Kingspark School.
Safety: Eliminated finger-trapping hazards with innovative design, ensuring total prevention rather than mitigation.
Cost Savings: A robust lifecycle dramatically reduced the need for repairs or replacements compared to plastic alternatives.
Impact
The integration of Alumax finger guards at Kingspark School delivered significant benefits:
Enhanced Safety: The risk of finger-trapping incidents was eliminated, reinforcing school safety as a top priority for Dundee City Council.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Alumax’s durable construction avoided costly maintenance cycles, ensuring cost savings aligned with the council’s commitment to efficient resource use.
Seamless Integration: The guards’ discreet design ensured they complemented the school’s modern aesthetic without compromising functionality.
Let’s Build Safer Schools Together
Our door safety solutions are the trusted choice for creating safer, more efficient spaces in high-traffic areas like schools. Discover how our integral finger guards can enhance safety, aesthetics, and cost efficiency in your next project.