Reducing the spread of germs and bacteria has never been more essential in the current climate. Holding open internal doors provide an easy and effective method of infection control within the building, but it is important that this does not impact the user’s fire safety. A study by the New England Medical Journal, which researched the survival of coronavirus on a number of surfaces, identified that the virus was still detectable on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel 72 hours later.
While regular cleaning can help combat transmission, the inevitable use of door handles means that they can quickly become a hotspot for the spread of germs. While lock down restrictions remain uncertain, social distancing measures are expected to stay for some time. Holding open internal doors facilitates social distancing by allowing improved vision when entering or leaving a room, or when travelling through a corridor.
