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Anti Ligature Door Hardware
What Is Anti Ligature Door Hardware?
Ligature refers to a device employed for tying or restraining objects together and in a welfare setting concerns any device that can restrict air or blood flow. In the context of door hardware, an anti-ligature device is specifically designed to prevent individuals from using doors as a means of self-harm or suicide by attaching a ligature.
These devices are typically used in psychiatric facilities, detention centres and other environments where there is a high risk of ligature incidents. Anti-ligature door hardware or ironmongery as it is often called, includes various components such as hinges, handles, locks and closers that are specifically engineered to eliminate attachment points for ligatures.
By removing these attachment points, anti-ligature door hardware aims to create a safe environment that minimises the risk of self-inflicted harm. This type of hardware plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals while maintaining the functionality and accessibility of doors within secure settings.
Key Feature of Anti Ligature Door Hardware
The key feature of anti-ligature door hardware is a design that eliminates or reduces potential ligature points – areas where someone could attach a cord, rope, or other objects to create a noose or strangulation device. This includes features such as rounded or sloped edges, recessed screws, and tamper-resistant construction.
By eliminating these potential ligature points, anti-ligature door hardware aims to create a safer environment for individuals who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide. It provides peace of mind for both patients and staff by reducing the opportunities for harm while maintaining necessary access and security within these facilities.
Types of Anti Ligature Door Hardware
Below are the main types of Anti Ligature Door Hardware, each designed to reduce the risks of self harm without compromising on functionality. As doors & their mechanisms comprise many different components, it’s important to ensure each is specifically designed or selected to minimise ligature risks while maintaining the door's intended use & security
Anti-Ligature Door Handles
Specialised anti-ligature door handles are designed to minimise the risk of self-harm or injury by eliminating ligature points, which can be used for hanging or strangulation purposes. Anti-ligature door handles and knobs come in many styles but share some common features to ensure they cannot be used as an anchor point for a ligature:
Rounded design: Anti-ligature door handles often feature a rounded shape without any sharp edges, making it impossible to attach a ligature and reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by impact.
Tamper-proof construction: These handles are constructed using materials that are difficult to manipulate or dismantle, preventing individuals from using them as tools for self-harm.
Smooth surface: Anti-ligature door handles are typically smooth and free from grooves or crevices that could potentially be used for tying or anchoring ligatures.
Anti-Ligature Hinges
Anti-ligature hinges are specifically designed to prevent individuals from attaching any form of ligature or rope to them, reducing the risk of self-harm or suicide attempts. These hinges are tamper-proof and constructed with rounded edges to eliminate flat areas or potential anchor points
Anti-Ligature Door Cylinder Lock Thumbturns
Anti-ligature door cylinder thumbturns are designed to prevent self-harm incidents by eliminating ligature points that individuals may use to harm themselves. These specialised locks feature a unique design that eliminates gaps and protrusions, minimising the risk of attachment or entanglement.
Anti-Ligature Escutcheons
Anti-ligature escutcheon refers to the protective plate surrounding the lock mechanism, preventing access to its inner workings. To prevent self-harm, anti-ligature escutcheons often feature sloped edges and no protrusions. It is crucial for these components to be securely installed and regularly inspected for any signs of damage or wear that may compromise their effectiveness.
Anti-Ligature Handles and Door Knobs
Similarly, anti-ligature handles and door knobs are carefully crafted with smooth surfaces and curved features that discourage the attachment of ligatures. By removing sharp edges or corners that could be used for self-inflicted injuries, these handles provide a safer environment for individuals in need of care.
Anti Barricade cylinder with patented key override function to suit anti ligature turn
Anti-Barricade Cylinders
Incorporating anti-barricade cylinders into facilities offers an additional layer of security by preventing individuals from barricading themselves in a room or space. These specialised cylinders are designed to ensure the safety of both patients and staff in healthcare facilities, mental health institutions, and detention centres. By incorporating features such as unique keying systems, emergency override functions, and reinforced construction, anti-barricade cylinders work to deter attempts at barricading doors.
The primary purpose of anti-barricade cylinders is to address situations where individuals may pose a risk to themselves or others by barricading themselves inside a room. This type of hardware aims to provide staff with quick and safe access while maintaining the privacy and dignity of the individual involved. Additionally, these cylinders are often designed with ease-of-use in mind, allowing authorised personnel to quickly unlock doors during emergencies without compromising security.
Anti-barricade cylinders can contribute significantly to the overall safety and security measures within facilities by minimising potential risks associated with barricades. Their implementation ensures that appropriate care can be provided promptly while reducing potential harm or danger caused by prolonged incidents.
Standards, Regulations and Guidelines
Regulations and guidelines play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of anti-ligature door hardware. These regulations are put in place to address safety concerns and prevent potential hazards.
DHF TS 001:2013 defines the purpose and requirements of all anti-ligature hardware, ironmongery included. The document includes details of a wide range of tests each piece of hardware must go through to be classified.
Making sure to acquire equipment that is compliant with DHF TS 001:2013 is critical in achieving a safe and secure environment in facilities provided for vulnerable people.