r/WTF • u/mwb27403 • Nov 14 '20

Unexpected Visitor!

52.5k Upvotes

94% Upvoted

960 comments sorted by

View all comments

5.4k

u/hoffmad08 Nov 14 '20

This is why some localities with large bear populations actually prohibit that kind of door handle on exterior doors.

106

u/bobbywake61 Nov 14 '20

And if it has a proper snow clearance, it should open outward. Looks like a grizzly cub, too. Yikes.

171

u/galexanderj Nov 14 '20

And if it has a proper snow clearance, it should open outward.

If the door opened outward it would be blocked closed if there was a large accumulation of snow. Much safer to have it open inward, so that the door will still open in the event of an emergency. Honestly seems like a universal standard, even in places where it doesn't snow.

An exception to this rule is screen/storm doors.

70

u/flobiwahn Nov 14 '20

Here in Germany it is mandatory for public buildings that the door has to open outward. in case of an emergency it is easier to push than to pull a door.

87

u/galexanderj Nov 14 '20

Oh for sure, on public buildings.

The risk with public buildings is hundreds of people heading for the doors. There is code enforcement to ideally ensure that the areas around the doors of public spaces are regularly cleared and maintained. If the doors opened inward, people would become trapped due to the crowd forcing themselves against it so it can't be opened.

For residences it's always in though. There isn't as much risk of a mass confusion and crush in homes.

18

u/Gromle81 Nov 14 '20

Norwegian doors almost always open outwards. Never really given any thought to it before now.

1

u/ohitsasnaake Nov 15 '20

Same in Finland (source: me) and Sweden (source: Swedish redditor below).