The intensive, everyday use of institutional furniture in demanding environments, such as correctional and behavioral healthcare facilities demand a safe, long-lasting solution. Choosing anti-ligature furniture for these environments is a must, and whether you’re furnishing a facility for the first time, or renovating the space, here is what you need to know about anti-ligature furniture.
Simply defined, anti-ligature furniture is piece of furniture which removes the possibility of securing a ligature, by eliminating any points where rope, cord, bed sheets, or other materials could be tied down to cause harm to oneself or others. Additionally, anti-ligature furniture ensures the furniture’s hardware cannot be used to cause harm.
When installed, anti-ligature furniture should make full contact with the floor or wall, in order to prevent any authorized movement, which may lead to the dangerous misuse of the furniture.
As a crucial aspect of safety in correctional and behavioral healthcare facilities, the goal of anti-ligature furniture is to ensure that residents cannot use the facility’s furnishings, or associated hardware, to cause harm to themselves, or others.
This establishes a safeguard for resident, staff, and visitor safety in an environment that can often be intense and challenging.
In all areas accessed by residents, anti-ligature furniture should be installed. Installation in common areas is important in order to ensure the furnishings cannot be used maliciously against other residents, staff members, or visitors.
Additionally the installation of anti-ligature furniture in resident rooms is crucial. As these areas of the facility tend to have less staff supervision than the common areas of a facility, installing anti-ligature furniture helps to ensure resident safety.
Because anti-ligature furniture is installed in demanding, intensive use environments choosing the right material is important.
Soft, cushioned materials, often chose for interior purposes, can be easily stained and damaged, requiring frequent replacements. Choosing anti-ligature furniture manufactured from durable FRP composites, however, will serve any facility for years to come.
This plastic material does not absorb liquids, making the clean up after spills and in-between resident use a breeze. Additionally, this material is much stronger than its traditional counter parts, such as steel, lasting much longer, without the need for replacement or maintenance. Plastic institutional furniture also provides a softer look and feel, helping residents to feel more at ease in a stressful environment.
Anti-ligature furniture is a must for correctional and behavioral healthcare facilities, and choosing the right pieces will serve your facility for years to come.
For over 40 years Max-Secure has been working with industry experts to design anti-ligature furniture with the specific and unique needs of correctional and psychiatric facilities in mind. From resident room furniture, such as beds, desks and even shelving, to dinning and dayroom furniture, our commitment to safety shines. Our extensive product range ensures there is a high-quality piece of anti-ligature furniture for every need. Start reaping the benefits of Max-Secure’s anti-ligature furniture, and request a free quote for your facility today!
