It’s both a hazard for emergencies as well as a hygienic nightmare. We all see the people leaving without washing their hands!
I’m not an expert (at all), but I presume that opening a door into a thoroughfare risks hitting someone with the door but opening into a room only risks a person ready to leave (and approaching the door head on?)
Just thoughts…
One compromise might be touchless door handles
I’ve also seen these at my school, but it doesn’t work for all doors since the door needs to be light enough
Neither of these are that accessible though, and I can’t find photos of the better ones
The arm one is dumb because I’ve seen people with unwashed hands grab it. The foot one makes more sense. Although it’s not accessible like you said.
The arm one is dumb because I’ve seen people with unwashed hands grab it
So? If I can manipulate it with my sleeved arm (thus keeping my hands clean), it’s still working pretty well. Sure, I’d prefer not to have my sleeve contact something that someone’s unwashed hands have been on, but better that than my hand.
accessibility shouldn’t prevent improvements, we can just add the foot handles and handicapped people simply keep operating doors like they currently do.
They’ll still be exposed to fewer germs so they benefit anyways.