HHSRS Hazard 26 - Collision, Entrapment, Low Headroom

Hazard 26 - Collision and Entrapment (also Collision Hazards from Low Headroom)

This hazard includes risks of physical injury from:

• Trapping body parts in architectural features, such as trapping limbs or fingers in doors or windows.
• Striking (colliding with) objects such as architectural glazing, windows, doors, low ceilings and walls.

There is always an inherent risk of entrapment by doors and windows. However, certain features can affect that risk

The risk increases where doors or windows are difficult to close. Where a door closer is over-powerful a small child may not be strong enough to resist it. Doors and windows which pivot (rather than being hinged) can trap fingers or hands. Weak or broken sash cords mean that the window cannot be operated without a risk of physical injury.

Vulnerable Group: Children under 5 years (also All persons aged 16 years or over)

Defects & Justifications

• Door design defects - difficult operation of doors and door catches.
• Disrepair to doors - disrepair of door and/or door furniture.
• Door closer defects - overly powerful mechanisms.
• Door location - doors opening out into small circulation areas, corridors, landings or staircases.
• Window design defects - difficult operation of opening lights and window catches.
• Disrepair to windows - disrepair of windows, frames and/or window furniture.
• Windows location - windows opening across pathways.
• Non-safety glass - in a door, low window or other vulnerable location.
• Unprotected gaps - gaps of over 100 mm in banisters in which young children could get trapped.
• Low headroom to doors - well under 1.9 metres.
• Low beams and ceilings - well under 1.9 metres.

Index of HHSRS Hazards