Safety Shower Design Tip! – Can Shower Door Open Inward?

“Luck runs out but safety is good for life.”

When installing a shower, it is critical to understand how to install the shower door so you can avoid issues down the road. This may leave you wondering if it should open in or out. We looked into this issue to determine which was the shower door should swing when opening.

Can you install an inward-opening frameless shower door if there isn't clearance space to open the shower door outward?

Safety in the shower-space is a concern that should be considered strictly and closely observed.

If the shower door can swing both inwards and outwards from your shower, it is absolutely possible. However hinged shower doors that swing inwards only are not permitted by code of good practice and safety consideration.

According to safety code, there must be appropriate clearance space for the shower door to open outward. The shower enclosure must permit unobstructed access to a showering person in case of a fall. An inward-opening shower door can become the obstruction when a person falls in the shower next to it. However, your shower door can open in both directions, outward-opening and inward-swinging.

You'll need about 500mm of clearance space outside your shower to install a swinging shower door. If your bathroom is not configured for a shower door, consider choosing a sliding door shower, your other alternatives include double sliding doors, which come either semi-frameless or framed, and a shower screen which leaves ample clearance space in case of an emergency.