What makes a clock ligature resistant and why it is essential.
Understanding what makes a clock ligature resistant is essential for safety in a behavioral health facility is not always about doors, floors or furniture. Items that most of us have never given a second thought to such as clocks can pose a significant risk. A ligature resistant clock is not a modification of a commercial off the shelf clock. It is a unique piece of hardware and design specifically created to address the risks associated with patients attempting to use an item that looks like a typical clock for self harm or suicide.
Learning more about Clock Ligature Resistance can provide valuable information to architects, facility managers and health care professionals trying to create safer environments.
Understanding Ligature Risk in Behavioral Health Settings
A ligature point is any feature that could potentially allow an article such as clothing, bedding or cords to be tied or otherwise secured. Examples of ligature points might include window locks, bed frame heads, rails and corners on walls and doors, pipes and radiators, light fixtures, television mounts, air vents, handles and other hardware, door hinges, stops, air lock gaps, hooks, grab bars, wall hooks and other objects.
Safety in Behavioral Health Settings
Safety in psychiatric and behavioral health settings is a primary consideration in the design of the built environment. A major aspect of environmental safety design in these settings is the reduction of potential ligature points to prevent acts of self harm.
Clocks may also present a hazard if not properly constructed. For example, overhangs or edges, or an inadequate method of attachment can provide scope for misuse. A specialistic solution is needed here which cannot be solved by means of standard commercial products
Key Features of a Ligature Resistant Clock
The Ligature Resistant Clock addresses several key design concerns to reduce risk while maintaining functionality. Ligature Resistant Clocks are specifically designed to entrap certain objects to minimize the risk of injury, and to meet identified healthcare requirements and regulations. Request a Call to discuss pricing and any custom requests for your Ligature Resistant Clock project.
Sloped or Curved Surfaces
The design has eliminated as many flat surfaces as possible in which items could be secured. There are many sloped and curved surfaces which help to reduce any possible ligature points.
Flush or Recessed Installation
Clocks that are wall mounted and lie flat or are recessed are less likely to be interfered with or hung on hooks. Consideration should be given to the general location of clocks as, for example, clocks in isolation rooms may require particular attention.
Tamper-Resistant Fixings
It is important that all fixtures are secured adequately to the wall to prevent it being tampered with. Our Ligature Resistant version of a clock includes tamper-proof fixings so that the clock cannot be taken down or adjusted in any way.
Impact-Resistant Materials
Instead of glass, these clocks often use strong polycarbonate or similar materials that can withstand impact without breaking. This improves both safety and durability.
Protected Internal Components
The inner workings of the clock are also protected and cannot be entered or damaged in any way. Protecting the clock from harm to ensure a long working life.
Why Standard Clocks Are Not Suitable
Almost every standard clock made for the home, office and other commercial applications is designed for normal workplaces, not a high risk environment like a behavioral health facility. Almost all standard clocks made for non-hospital use include design elements and features that are not acceptable in a healthcare setting.
- Protruding edges that can act as anchor points
- Glass covers that can shatter under impact
- Weak mounting systems that can be tampered with
- Removable components that may be misused
The risks and potential hazards to facility occupants and personnel have prompted many sites to replace standard clocks with Ligature Resistant Clocks or to install an Anti Ligature Clock Enclosure on an existing clock to mitigate the risk.
The Role of Clock Safety in Patient Environments
Clocks can be very helpful for patients trying to adapt to new routines. Understanding the concept of time helps ensure that a person can establish a pattern to his or her day and reduce feelings of confusion. Knowing what time it is can provide a feeling of stability.
A ligature resistant clock is no exception to the need to provide safer environments. Hazardous objects should not be allowed to be hidden in locations that can easily be neglected during inspections. All objects should be simple to clean and should not create obstructions in hallways and entry points. Finally, a ligature resistant clock should not compromise its purpose or functionality to accommodate demands to make it more resistant to use in harmful acts.
Choosing the Right Solution
When choosing a clock one should take into account the risk level, type of building and whether it is a retrofit or new build project. In many cases though, enclosed or recessed solutions are the safest and most practical options
For effective solutions in behavioral health settings, it is important to work with a specialist.
Conclusion
A ligature resistant clock is more than a safer clock, it is a solution to a broad range of patient safety problems. It can assist facilities in addressing a wide variety of patient safety issues across the hospital. Understanding the key design elements and their impact on patient safety can assist facilities in making a better decision.