Safe and secure, not just anti-ligature

Anti-ligature hardware has become a term that covers a multitude of products many of which go beyond the strict definition of anti-ligature.

A better title would be Safe and Secure Hardware as this refers more accurately to the target applications rather than just a narrow concentration on one particular product feature.

Door and washroom hardware specialist Relcross Ltd produce a range of “Safe and Secure” Hardware ideal for use in situations where a combination of life safety and security is desirable, such as in Care Homes, Detention Centres, Prisons, Psychiatric Hospitals and Young Offenders’ Institutions.

The extensive range of products includes a wide variety of anti-ligature door mounted hardware such as hinges, locks, escutcheon plates and finger pulls. The washroom range includes safety mirrors, grab bars, toilet roll holders, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, towel hooks and shelves. All are designed for safe and secure environments.

The balance between security, safety, privacy and dignity is a delicate one and never more so than in toilets and bathrooms. In general, patients require a known time to complete their necessary ‘ablutions’ and anything longer will trigger concern amongst staff. But it is unrealistic and undesirable for staff to stand around with a stop watch, so Relcross have developed a ‘Controlled Emergency Rescue Indicator’.  A sensor picks up the presence of the bolt when it is thrown and this in turn triggers an irreversible timer that controls an alarm indicator once the pre-determined time period has elapsed.

The national minimum standards for general adult services in Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) and Low Secure Environments, published by the Department of Health (2002), outlines the standards to be followed regarding the design of both types of institution.

The Relcross Safe & Secure Hardware brochure contains details of the appropriate standards met including the Door & Hardware Federation Technical Specification TS001 - Door Mounted Anti-Ligature Devices for Safety and Security Purposes - along with general advice on product selection and use.