Structural strength of hook 2

[ajk1]

In a building that is used both by a 5 classroom school for young children, and also by adults, we are told that we cannot install coat hooks in the newly renovated washroom stalls because of safety regarding the children. This means that the adults have no place to hang their suit jackets when they use the stall. Does anyone know if there are hooks that are designed to address this? For example hooks that will break away at a given load? Or that is mounted on a spring? I was wondering if a spring-type door stopper would do?

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Ah so you did.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[EngineeringEric]

Now what are the starchitects initials.... I am rather curious now.

 

[Compositepro]

A recessed hanger.

http://sugatsune.com/products/ProductDetails.cfm?CATID=8&SUBCATID=1&PRODUCTID=NF-R64

 

[ajk1]

Hi Compositepro - interesting thinking but I don't see how it will address the issue of children hanging themselves. I found an item on the internet about children found playing a game of hanging themselves up by their shirts, onto coat hooks. Somewhere in the U.S., in June. The school board in that area ordered all such hooks in schools removed.

So it seems that the issue is real and we shouldn't make light of it.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Oh no, I think the problem is we're not making light of it enough. But that's beside the point.

Is there anything stopping you from putting hooks so low down that you can't possibly hang from it?

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[EngineeringEric]

In mental hospitals all door hinges and everything cannot have lips. patients can use the lowest hinge as a hook for the same concern.

I think the problem comes down to just not providing coat hooks. Leave a gap at the top of the door so people can just fold their coats over the door or keep them on. Any solution will not address all concerns for an idiot proof(the spring idea)/tragedy(true concern) from occurring.

 

[ztengguy]

once its built, someone will come along and say, hey there needs to be hooks in here, and screw a few onto the doors.

 

[ajk1]

Right on Ztengguy! That is what I am afraid of. But good news, I have found that there are at least 2 companies that make break away hooks for use in educational facilities. I have a call into one of them to discuss and confirm that is what we want. I am hopeful that this will solve the problem. Thanks everyone who contributed good ideas and tried to help out. Gives a warm and fuzzy feeling that so many tried to help solve a problem a little off the beaten track. Very much appreciated.

 

[77JQX]

Problem solved! Until the kids play the "break the hooks" game...

 

[CELinOttawa]

77JQX is absolutely correct!

If you know the Contractor, and the work is already awarded, have a quiet word and advise that they order an extra box (for the warranty period). Otherwise, and likely no matter what, get it minuted that you do not warranty the products as fit for service, but simply that they address the safety concern which has become paramount. They will break away under the "little fingers affect".

 

[ajk1]

They are $80 each hook, so we don't want to stock up too much. . But if they have been used in educational institutions, I assume that they have not suffered excessively from any break the hook games. In my day, if you damaged school property you probably got the strap out in the corridor and the whole class could hear it all. I never got the strap.

 

[Archie264]

>>>They are $80 each hook<<<

Wow! The hooks Eric mentioned cost a dollar or two per hook and I used to think that was kind of pricy...

 

[ColinPearson]

What about one of the bent sheet metal or bent wire type of hooks that is meant to mount over the top of the door and just hangs there?

 

[BUGGAR]

I found out that this is actually an OSHA requirement for workplace safety. Several instances occurred during jobsite storage of the stall panels. Workers have been injured when sitting on these hooks while eating their lunch.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Not saying your mistaken but can you cite a reference for that BUGGAR? I couldn't find one through google.

Maine EIT, Civil/Structural.

 

[ajk1]

I found that Architectural School Products in Toronto markets a $25 hook designed to break waay at 25 pounds, and is used in Toronto schools. It is made by Frost, and is the "1150 Safety Hook". We are going to go with this product. Problem solved. Thanks for the comments and kind efforts to help. Much appreciated.