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In our comprehensive guide, we discuss the importance of selecting and implementing anti-ligature bathroom accessories to enhance safety in potential high-risk environments, such as mental health facilities, prisons, courts and care homes. Read on to learn more about how anti-ligature products work, key considerations in the design of washrooms used by vulnerable users and best practices for installation to help promote safeguarding washroom space.
Please note; due to the subject matter this article contains sensitive information which may be upsetting to some readers.
What is Anti-Ligature?
A ligature is an item that can be used to tie or bind something tightly, often for the purpose of self-harm or strangulation. Anti-ligature refers to a product that has been carefully designed to help reduce the potential for ligature attachment.
The Importance of Anti-Ligature Products in High-Risk Environments
The risk of self-harm in washrooms used by vulnerable individuals is often heightened due to these being unsupervised spaces intended to support dignity and privacy. Therefore, it is important to implement measures to help safeguard visitors.
There were 18,339 suicide deaths in the UK by mental health patients (people in contact with mental health services within 12 months of suicide) – an average of 1,667 deaths per year. Ligature attachment poses a risk in any setting, but this risk is heightened in higher-risk environments including mental health facilities, hospitals and prisons, with the number of inpatient deaths using ligature points continuing to increase.
The use of anti-ligature products within these settings can support patient safety by working to reduce ligature risk and are a crucial consideration in designing safer spaces.
How Do Anti-Ligature Products Work?
Anti-ligature products come in several forms including load-released, fixed and alarm systems.
Load Released Anti-Ligature
Load released anti-ligature products release from their fittings when an abnormal load is applied. These often use magnetic fixings, which when an unusual load is applied to them simply release.
Ligature Alarm
A ligature alarm is designed to alert staff when irregular activity occurs.
Fixed Anti-Ligature
Fixed anti-ligature products are designed to help reduce the potential of attaching a ligature whilst staying firmly attached to the wall. This is often the preferred solution for heavier items which if removed can cause damage to decor and the item itself can be weaponised.
Creating a Ligature-Resistant Bathroom
A private bathroom, or bathroom cubicle, within a high-risk environment can create an increased risk of self-harm. Not only are these spaces often unsupervised and private, but they may also present several potential ligature points for example pipework, radiators, sanitary ware etc.
Working to help safeguard washroom users, particularly when they are at their most vulnerable, is essential, and it is important that the products provided are designed with safety, security and ease of use in mind, whilst supporting the user’s dignity.
Here are some of the key fixed anti-ligature bathroom accessories available to use within your washrooms.
Anti-Ligature Soap Dispenser
Dudley Industries’ Anti-Ligature Soap Dispenser features a wall plate to create an installation recess, sloping top and smooth corners to help reduce the potential of attaching a ligature. Holding up to 1 litre of soap, this dispenser is ideal for high footfall washrooms to ensure a supply of soap for effective hand hygiene. The unit features a vandal-resistant, lockable cover to prevent it from being opened or the contents pilfered. The barrel lock design also helps to prevent objects being jammed into it in order to create a ligature point.
Anti-Ligature Toilet Roll Dispenser
This Anti-Ligature Toilet Roll Dispenser has been designed by leading industry experts and uses sloping tops and no sharp corners to help lower the potential of a ligature being attached to help protect and safeguard people in the washroom environment.
This dispenser is constructed from robust stainless steel that offers long lasting durability, whilst providing an attractive finish to complement the décor of your washroom.
Anti-Ligature Mirror
Unlike glass mirrors that can be broken, this Anti-Ligature Mirror is made from highly polished, robust stainless steel to help reduce the risk of damage and the potential that someone may hurt themselves from broken glass. Additionally, the edges of this mirror have been constructed to help prevent a ligature from being attached to it, thus reducing potential for self-harm.
The mirror and frame come as two separate pieces so that the mirror can be easily replaced to retain a high-quality appearance.
Anti-Ligature Paper Towel Dispenser
The Anti-Ligature Paper Towel Dispenser from Dudley Industries works to reduce the potential of attaching a ligature through the combination of the recess creating wall plate and the sloping edges, smooth corners and recessed barrel lock. This 1.8kg, anti-vandal, multi-fold dispenser offers high durability thanks to its solid construction and strong materials.
Correct Installation
The correct installation of anti-ligature dispensers is critical to their functionality. Ensuring that these dispensers are securely and properly mounted is essential to maintaining a safe environment. Our team are on hand to guide you through the best installation techniques for your washroom space.
Other Considerations
Design Aesthetics
As well as assessing and reducing potential ligature points, you should also consider the look and feel of the space. A calming, hygienic and therapeutic environment is recommended in high-risk environments, and all products should contribute to creating a pleasant and healing atmosphere that minimises anxiety.
It is well documented how the built environment can positively impact mental health through controlled shared spaces, lighting and noise control. A positive environment can significantly aid a person’s journey to recovery and restore mental well-being.
Low Maintenance
Opting for low maintenance products ensures that they are easy to install, clean and maintain.
What Makes Dudley Industries a Specialist in Anti-Ligature Washroom Accessories?
At Dudley Industries, we know that designing a product that works to help safeguard users requires specialist knowledge, which is why we worked with industry experts at every stage of the design and product development process.
However, please note that the anti-ligature design features of our dispensers do not replace or substitute the need for the necessary supervision of those who may be at risk, or for other protective measures to be taken in the specific circumstances of usage.
Safeguard Your Commercial Washrooms with Dudley Industries
Is there any risk or potential of your washrooms being used by vulnerable people? A simple change of equipment could help to protect them. Discover Anti-Ligature Washroom Products from Dudley Industries or speak to one of our advisors.
Don’t forget to download your free guide to safeguarding vulnerable users in mental health facility washrooms, designed to equip you with the valuable knowledge you need to help prevent self-harm in private and public washrooms.
For more information on Enhancing Safety: A Guide to Anti-Ligature Washroom Accessories talk to Dudley Industries Ltd