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Background
Safety in the home is a major issue for
consumers of all ages but particularly for
those with sight, mobility or dexterity
problems. On average, more than 50 per
cent of all fatalities in accidental household
fires each year occur among the over 60s.
Statistics suggest that this will increase when
over half of Europe’s adult population in 2020
will be classified as old, and will desire to
maintain independence in their own home.
How does it work?
The design team sought to combine elegance
and simplicity with the ergonomic imperative
of portability and an effortless operating
stance. Houdini’s characteristic hose-like
horizontal orientation is a simple but radical
departure from existing extinguishers and
allows for instinctive use and greater control.
When the extinguisher is aimed at the fire
source, it can be squeezed, pressed by hands
or feet or in the armpit and even stepped on
or hit. It is tapered to allow those with poor
grip to clasp it easily and the large tactile
activation button and ringed funnel exit
provide identifiable cues for visually impaired
users to take fast, precise action.
A self-adhesive mask acts as a safety
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