A Guide to Choosing Anti-Ligature Hardware

When we consider the grave need to help vulnerable populations in our country, choosing door hardware isn't usually the first subject that comes to mind. Surprisingly, for those who are responsible for the welfare of certain segments of those populations-particularly mental health patients and incarcerated individuals- secure, safe door hardware is an important part of that equation. Door hardware is far too often a tool in self-harm and suicide in at-risk populations, so it's incredibly important to consider these issues and choose hardware wisely.

Creating spaces where vulnerable people are less likely to injure themselves is vital.

Anti-ligature door hardware is designed specifically for safety. When this hardware is in place, no fabric of any kind, whether bed-sheets, shoelaces, cord or anything else, can be looped through it to create a ligature (or, something used to tie or bind tightly). Installation of these products makes areas both inside and outside those rooms safer for people who are at risk of hurting themselves or others.

For caretakers and designers, choosing the correct anti-ligature hardware might seem daunting. The guide below can help navigate the options for purchasing the exact anti-ligature hardware necessary for keeping a variety of spaces safe.

Qualified Hardware's selection of Behavioral Health Security Hardware is a great place to start when considering these items.

Remember, though: all hardware in these situations should be high quality stainless steel, and all should have tamper-proof screws that are recessed to avoid disassembly of the lock mechanisms!

Hinges

Hinges can be used in several ways that are dangerous for at-risk populations, so choosing them wisely is the first step. A hospital tipped hinge is a strong choice to prevent those issues. The angled edges of hospital tip hinges mean that fabric slides right, preventing looping.

Lock Trims

There are several types of ligature-resistant handles and knobs, many of which are combined with lock mechanisms to provide the utmost safety. Here are some of the most popular options among these, in order of security:

Push/Pull Trim: When installed in the downward position, push/pull trim can resist cord attachment. These rely on the shape of the hardware to prevent ligature.
Lever Trim: These levers will rotate in the event of excessive force, which prevents use in self-harm. These rely on the mechanism of the hardware for safety rather than simply the shape or design.
Lever and Escutcheon Trim: This hardware includes a metal plate around the lock, with a level that retracts into the plate with an outside key, restricting access to the hardware.

Locks

All locks in these situations should be heavy-duty, good quality steel. Mortise locks, which fit into the recesses of a door instead of attaching onto them, are often the best choice for ligature resistance.

Thumb-turn locks, often combined with some of the trims above, combine patient privacy with the safety of an override from the outside. For at-risk patients, choose thumb locks with sloped surfaces that have recessed trim, fastening hardware that is concealed, and positive stops that limit the possibility of creating horizontal surfaces-all of which lower risk of attachment with any object. These thumb locks can often be combined with lever trim, as shown above.

This hardware can truly help prevent tragedy from striking. Making the right design choices for vulnerable people doesn't always have to be daunting, and some of the option above should make things clearer for those designing secure spaces.

Lastly, it's important to note that no hardware can totally eliminate the risk of someone creating a ligature point. Still, with the right hardware, these spaces can be as safer as possible for both at-risk populations and those who care for them.