Anti-ligature refers to the design of products and environments that reduce the risk of self-harm, particularly in situations where someone may attempt to use fixtures or fittings as a point for hanging or strangulation.

In simple terms, anti-ligature products are designed to remove or minimise ligature points, places where cords, clothing, or materials could be attached.

You can learn more about our experience and background on our About Us page.

Why Is Anti-Ligature Important?

In environments such as mental health hospitals, secure units, and custodial settings, safety is a top priority.

Standard fixtures including door handles, rails, and even smoke detectors can sometimes be used in ways they were never intended.

Anti-ligature design helps to:

  • Reduce the risk of self-harm.
  • Protect vulnerable individuals.
  • Support healthcare staff in maintaining safer environments.
  • Meet safety and compliance standards within healthcare and secure facilities.

Where Are Anti-Ligature Products Used?

Anti-ligature solutions are commonly used in:

  • Mental health hospitals.
  • NHS facilities.
  • Secure units and psychiatric wards.
  • Prisons and custodial environments.
  • Emergency care settings.

These environments require carefully designed fixtures that prioritise both safety and functionality.

How Do Anti-Ligature Products Work?

Anti-ligature products are designed to either eliminate ligature points completely or reduce the ability to attach items to fixtures.

This can include:

  • Sloped or curved designs.
  • Breakaway mechanisms.
  • Anti-tamper features.
  • Secure fittings that prevent misuse.

Each design focuses on making environments safer without affecting normal day-to-day use.

The Risk with Standard Smoke Detector Bases

During work within NHS environments, it became clear that even standard smoke detector bases could present a risk.

In one instance, a cord was passed through a smoke detector base and used in a self-harm attempt.

This highlighted a serious issue even essential safety equipment could unintentionally become a ligature point.

Our Solution: Anti-Ligature Smoke Detector Base

To address this, we developed the ALD302 Anti Ligature Smoke Detector Base.

This product is specifically designed to:

Today, our anti-ligature bases are used in mental health facilities, hospitals, and secure environments across the UK and internationally.

Learn More About Our Product

If you would like to learn more about our anti-ligature smoke detector base or discuss your requirements, please visit our product page or get in touch with our team.