Why you should consider anti-ligature air conditioning guards for safer environments – Contour

21 Dec 2020

When it comes to mental health settings, it’s crucial to have an air conditioning guard that is anti-ligature to protect the air conditioning units and the patients. Contour‘s guards are ideal for this.

Many individuals assume that the risk of suicide comes from ligature points from above head-height. However, other studies have found that suicides can, unfortunately, occur where ligature anchor points have been below the head or even at waist height.

Therefore, it’s important to ensure air conditioning guards are anti-ligature as they can be floor mounted, flat panelled or even above head height and ceiling mounted.

Anti-ligature air-conditioning guards should follow certain characteristics:

Smaller grilles, Contour recommends IP3X grilles
Minimal gaps on joints
(If wall-secured) insignificant gaps between product and wall
Bullnose, rounded corners
No sharp edges

When users are looking to self-harm, they probably don’t just search for obvious ligature points.
It’s not uncommon that furniture in mental health environments can be subject to destruction. Once
vandalised, these users could then use the damaged furniture as a weapon to self-harm themselves
or others.

Contour air conditioning guards are available in Zintec protected steel in several gauges from
1.5mm-2mm to provide peace of mind that the air conditioning guards are strong and robust.

Where extra strength is required, Contour can provide a strengthening strut to assist the front of the
cover for added strength. This also will minimise the risk of individuals destructing the guard to inflict injuries on themselves or to others.

Mental health units can spend a lot of money replacing damaged items due to frequent damage that
occurs. Therefore, it’s important to consider the durability you’ll benefit from selecting for an anti-ligature air conditioning guard that is both robust and damage-limiting.

Whilst anti-ligature features are closely affiliated with the needs of a mental health setting, air conditioning guards can be used in different establishments to provide a safe and strong solution.

In addition, there is also a need for anti-ligature features in SEN schools, care homes, and hospitals due to the susceptible nature of the individuals requiring a level of care. Utilising an anti-ligature air conditioning guard will reduce the danger of an individual attaching anything to the guard that could inflict harm. When choosing an air conditioning guard, consider where there may be any ligature points so you’re aware of the possible implications.

At Contour, air condition guards are bespoke, anti-ligature and are made to provide optimum levels of hygiene. To ensure peace of mind, all guards are protected with a 5-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials for 5 years from the purchase date.

Contour can be contacted at;
The Mansions
43 Broadway
Shifnal
TF11 8BB
Tel: 01952 290 498
Email: sales@contourheating.co.uk

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