Finger entrapment protection for doors

Finger entrapment protection for doors is essential in an environment with growing and playing children. In various countries, finger entrapment protection is already mandatory in schools, kindergartens, day-care centres and nurseries.

Which type of finger guard should you choose?

The right finger guard depends on the type of door and the area of use. Arte Viva specializes in professional safety solutions for doors and offers a range of systems tailored to different needs. Our finger guards are used in over 65 countries worldwide, from daycares to hospitals:

• Finger Alert 110°: ideal for doors with an opening angle up to 110°
• Finger Alert 170–180° Professional: for wide-opening doors up to 180°, TÜV-certified according to DIN EN 16654:2018-04
• Finger Alert Extreme: for specialty doors (e.g. plastic or aluminum frames, doors thicker than 7 cm, or doors opening beyond 180°)

This way, you’ll find the right safety solution for every door and every environment.

Which types of facilities benefit from professional finger guards?

Our finger protection systems are especially suitable for use in:

• Daycare centers
• Kindergartens
• After-school care facilities
• Schools
• Care and nursing homes
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Hospitality and public buildings
• Private homes, where they help prevent painful finger injuries in family households with small children.

In all these environments, doors are used frequently – and professional finger protection provides a proven contribution to safety.

In addition to protection on the hinge side, Arte Viva also offers solutions for the handle side:

• Finger Alert Door Slam Stopper
• Finger Alert Door Blocker
• Door Toe Protection
• Finger Alert Door Stopper
• Door Blocker Cork

These products complement hinge-side protection and further reduce injury risks on heavily used doors.

What is a door finger guard?

A door finger guard prevents fingers from being trapped between the door leaf and the door frame. It covers the hinge side and the opposite hinge side, thereby eliminating the most dangerous areas.

Such injuries can be particularly severe in children – sometimes causing long-term consequences.

Research shows that in countries where finger protection systems are widely used, the number of accidents drops significantly. In the Netherlands, the introduction of finger protection in daycare centers led to a 40% reduction in emergency room visits for finger entrapment injuries (2008–2014).

Why is door finger protection recommended?

Finger guards are designed to prevent serious crush injuries. The force of a closing door is considerable and injuries can occur in the blink of an eye.

Protection elements cover these danger zones and reliably prevent injuries. Suitable protection is available for almost any type of door – including automatic doors.

Are finger-pinch protection devices mandatory in childcare facilities?

Legal requirements for finger protection on doors vary between countries and regions. In many markets, finger protection systems are recommended or mandatory in environments such as daycare centers, nurseries, kindergartens, and schools, especially on doors accessible to children. In some cases, building regulations, insurance guidelines, or accident prevention standards specify that anti-finger-trap devices must be installed on certain types of doors. Even where not strictly mandatory, installing door finger guards is considered best practice to prevent injuries and support staff in fulfilling their supervisory duties. Our Finger Alert Professional is a top-tier solution designed to meet the highest safety regulations.

It’s essential to check the specific regulations in your area to ensure compliance. We additionally recommend conducting a risk assessment for all child-accessible doors and equipping them with appropriate finger protection where necessary.

Do all doors need to be equipped with finger protection?

Not every door must be fitted with finger protection, but all doors accessible to children and posing a potential risk should be secured. A risk assessment is recommended in accordance with local guidelines and standards.

Which environments are best suited for Finger Alert door finger guards?

Finger protection is important in any environment where children are regularly cared for or taught. In particular, daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools rely on finger protection systems as a well-established standard for accident prevention – supported by supervisory duty and legal requirements. Finger protection also contributes to safety in care facilities, hospitals, medical practices, and public buildings – especially at heavily used doorways.

In private homes, professional finger protection helps prevent painful injuries for small children.

Do all doors have to be fitted with finger entrapment protection?

Not all doors must necessarily be equipped with finger pinch protection, but make sure that all doors that are accessible to children are protected.

How is Arte Viva finger protection installed?

Our protection systems are quick and easy to install. Installation videos and step-by-step instructions are available for all products and can be found on each product page.

Which door finger guard should you choose for your facility?

Arte Viva offers the right solution for every door. Detailed product information can be found at the top of this page.

How safe are finger guard systems?

A high-quality finger guard should comply with current safety standards, such as the European norm EN 16654:2015 or EN 16654:2018-04. This standard defines clear requirements for the materials, construction, and performance of door safety systems. Certified products like Arte Viva’s Finger Alert 170–180° Professional meet these standards and offer proven protection against crushing injuries. Especially in child-focused environments such as daycares and schools, the use of certified systems is also recommended by accident insurance providers. They play a crucial role in preventing accidents and fulfilling supervisory duties.

Contact us, we will be happy to advise you!

Would you like to know which safety solution is best for your facility?
We are happy to support you in selecting the right products and can provide you with a tailored quote.

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