by Let’s first define “ligature”, without the negative prefix. It is a ligature that is used in order to tightly bind or tie objects. The anti ligature prevents such tying and binding.
Devices that prevent self-harming by vulnerable individuals are available. The products of this type are commonly used in mental hospitals, jails, prisons and detention facilities for young people, migrants, prisoners, police stations, etc. The interior of these facilities is not limited to luminaires. It includes everything from the actual design and layout of rooms, down to the individual items that are used.
When a room has ligature points (which can include anything like a shoelace, shoe cord or any other material that a suicidal individual could use to strangle themselves), a ligature is present. Some common attachment points are doors, handles, window frames, and hooks.
Anti-ligature solutions can be divided into three categories: anti-ligature weapons, anti-ligature load-release devices (fixed and portable), and weapon-deterrent solutions.
These products have been designed in such a way that they release from the fixing point when under excessive pressure. The products can be in two or more pieces, with one of the parts giving way when under strain or excessive weight. This makes it impossible to hang.
Fixes anti-ligature are designed and manufactured to be more sturdy, preventing them from being used for a solid hanging point. The products have curved corners and entry points which are tamper resistant.
Weapon deterrent solutions have been designed so that their components or parts cannot be taken off by someone to use as a weapon.
The right lighting can save your life
Suicide rates in prisons, psychiatric wards, and other institutions are higher. In these places, suicide is most commonly committed by hanging. This method also ranks second in popularity in the UK and accounts for 59% among males and 45% among females. Around the world, one suicide occurs every 40 seconds. Anti-ligature-classified products are one of the ways to prevent suicides in buildings where they are mounted.
The anti-ligature light must satisfy a few requirements in order to be deemed safe and effective for this type of environment. The luminaires should have smooth surfaces and curves. This is why it’s important that the luminaires have an IK10 mechanical impact rating, which means they can withstand direct impacts of up to twenty joules. It is important that they are securely fixed to the ceiling, wall or any other surface. There should be no edges or gaps where a ligature could attach. In addition, the robust design of luminaires should make them impossible to remove or pry open. It is important to fill the surfaces against a wall or ceiling with an anti-pick silicone.
It is obvious that the main purpose of anti-ligature lights is to ensure visual comfort. Light color changes that create a relaxing atmosphere can help to reduce or prevent anxiety. It can also make patients feel more comfortable while they are receiving mental health care. BBL (Blue Blocking Light), daylight focused areas, and other techniques can be successfully used to help improve circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. This is beneficial for mental health. The right lighting can help patients suffering from manic depression symptoms.
In environments with individuals who are more vulnerable, the presence detector and minimum-set dim levels can help ensure an adequate amount of safe light. Lighting schemes are reliable and economical when they use energy-saving technologies and have maintenance notifications.
For facilities with anti-ligature requirements, custom lighting solutions can include luminaires that have circular optics. They may also be mounted in recessed walls or ceilings. Intelligent lighting systems can help set correct light levels throughout the day and the color temperature. They can also implement solutions such as Human Centric Lighting, Blue Blocked Light or special ceiling mounting.
