When it comes to load release items for the mental health industry there are many systems on the market some of which are marketed and sold as anti-ligature whilst others are classified as safety products.
Below are the various systems and products available on the market. Each one having its own unique properties and designed to suit a particular environment or requirement by the manufacturer.
Goelst Load Release System (LRS)
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Goelst cubicle and shower rails can be equipped with a Load Release System (LRS). This system will release the rail from its activation points when it is subjected to a sudden peak load of 35 kg (subject to installation). The rail can subsequently be reinstalled.
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The components of the system have been designed for rail types 4100 and 5100. The LRS device is unobtrusive when the rail is in normal use.
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System details:
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This system allows the rail to release in a controlled manner when incorporated with privacy rail, shower rail or garment hanging rail.
The Load Release System allows for normal rail use, but will separate at the Load Release Suspension Points when the calibrated control load is reached
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continuous static load up to 5 kg possible
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controlled release at peak load of 35 - 45kg
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Maintenance and Testing:
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Due to the ageing process of polymers, the effects of peak loading and or possible misuse, they advise to check each Load Release Suspension Point for defects every 12 months from date of installation. They further recommend that all 4149-LR-R receiver units are replaced within 4 years of installation
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It is advised that the LRS receiver unit is replaced immediately after the system has been activated
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Goelst Load Release Gliders (LRG)
An alternative solution for the Load Release System, are Load Release Gliders. The system will release the gliders from the rail when the curtain is subjected to sudden peak load.
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Goelst LRS-gliders have been developed to allow the controlled release of curtains from specific Goelst curtain tracks (ref: 4100; 5100 & 4701). The gliders are provided with a flexible, yet firm gliding foot and rotate freely in the gliding channel.
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In every day use the LRS gliders behave as ordinary gliders. However, when exposed to sudden and/or high loads, the glider design allows it to be pulled out of the track. Use of the LRS gliders also helps prevent the track being pulled from its mountings - (important when considering personal safety).
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There are 2 types of gliders, the red and the grey glider. The grey glider comes out of the rail more easily than the red one.
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The advantages of Goelst LRS gliders
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Load Release System gliders, safety and anti-tampering application.
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Specially developed for the care and prison sector.
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LRS gliders enable the controlled release of curtains from the tracks.
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The gliders can rotate in the track and are fitted with a flexible and yet strong glide foot.
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When used normally, the LRS glider acts as a standard glider.
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When subjected to a sudden and/or heavy load, they release from the tracks.
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These gliders also ensure that the track cannot detach from the ceiling if the curtain is pulled.
Loads
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The LRS anti-ligature system incorporates both red and grey gliders.
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When loading is applied gradually, individual red gliders can resist up to 12 kg* and individual grey gliders up to 8 kg* of weight. With sudden loading other values apply to both red and grey LRS gliders.
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The red glider is released from the track with 1 kg falling from 5 cm. A weight of 0,5 kg falling from a height of 5 cm causes the grey glider to release.
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This difference in response to gradual and sudden loading explains why the glider can function both as a normal glider as well as a quick release LRS glider.
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The release of one LRS glider induces a ‘zip’ effect. If the curtain weight is taken as a whole, separate glider loads cannot simply be added up. There is always one glider that releases first, inducing an accelerated release of the other remaining gliders.
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Use
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Place two red LRS gliders 4007-LRS-20 at the lead glider positions of each curtain stack. Also place a red LRS glider 4007-LRS-20 in the last glider position and capture it within the end stop-cover (ref: 4753) or between two end stops (ref: 4002). Remaining glider positions are to be filled using grey glider 4007-LRS-10.
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Recommendation: It is recommended that a maximum of 10 LRS gliders are used per metre of track.
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Testing
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Due to this being a friction based system, it cannot be easily load tested due to the load release point potentially decreasing with each test as the plastic of the gliders wear so a visual inspection and glider check is normally carried out and load testing based on client's requirements.
J-trac curtain rail system – self harm and suicide resistant
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The rail’s patented design resists the attachment of a ligature, unlike ordinary rails where the U-shaped profile offers a cavity to fasten a ligature. The robust rail is mounted securely to the wall, which prevents it from detaching and used for self-harm or as a weapon.
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The curtain hangs from the rail with specially designed runners/gliders that release when heavier weight is applied. The weight needed for the curtain runners to release is in relationship to the weight of the curtain itself and the number of runners. Tested at RISE/SP in Sweden.
The curtain rail is designed, developed and produced in Sweden by HealSafe Interiör and is offered in three versions: a wall mounted, a ceiling mounted and a 90 degree shower rail.
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The curtain rail solution consists of three parts: the rail, runners and end stops.
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Standard colour: White. Other colours are possible on request.
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Rail and end stops are tightly fixated with security screws to the ceiling or wall
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No ligature fixation to the rail, curtain runners release at an abnormal load
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3 versions – wall mounted, ceiling mounted and shower rail
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The mounting instructions are to be followed to ensure correct function.
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Testing
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To ensure compliance to HBN 00-10 all tracking should be tested annually to ensure that changes made to the configuration or environmental conditions have not adversely affected performance. This product can't be easily load tested to give a consistent result due to each result dependent on the quantity of gliders used on the track. Each track can be inspected to ensure correct colour and usage of gliders on each track and load tested in accordance to HBN.
Marbast Anti Ligature Systems
Marbast Anti Ligature Systems are designed to contribute to the aim of reducing the risk of attempted suicide from hospital bed cubicle and shower tracks, window curtain track, vertical and roller blinds in accordance with NHS Estates Alert NHSE (2004) 10.
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Specification
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The basic rail is an aluminium extrusion of the section shown above, with a flexible PVC capping to prevent collection of dust. It is manufactured in straight lengths of up to 7m long. A variety of factory formed radius bends are available. The aluminium extrusion is to BS EN 755 PART 9, specification BS EN 573.
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Special Magnetic brackets are used for securing the end of the track where it meets the wall. They are suitable to work both at right-angles, and where the track meets the wall at an angle, for instance where the track must be cranked to avoid a window. Rail connectors are not used in Anti-Ligature installations to join one cubicle to the next, in order to give independence of movement in the event of a Fall.
A system of vertical support units is used where the corners of the track are to be suspended from the ceiling. The track is suspended through the ceiling tiles (If fitted) into a 9mm plywood pattress. In this instance additional support wires are fitted by the ceiling contractor. If the ceiling is a solid, plaster-type, then the support is fixed directly to the plaster with an appropriate fixing.
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The combined runners and hooks are in injection moulded nylon. They fit onto the outside of the track as illustrated. Ten runners are supplied to each metre of track.
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Loading Figures
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Marbast® Anti Ligature Systems should never be regarded as a complete solution to attempted self-harm. No part of a Marbast® installation should be able to withstand an unauthorised vertical load of more than 40kg with most readings being within the region of 15 – 30kg depending on the configuration and positioning of brackets. The minimum figure should be around 12kg but if less then please contact the manufacturer for advice.
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Maintenance & Testing
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Marbast® Anti Ligature Systems require virtually no maintenance in normal use however a periodic visual inspection of fittings to identify any possible damage or tampering with fittings is advisable. Where Marlux® Fast-fit Disposable Curtains are in use this can easily be incorporated into the quarterly track maintenance programme (where applicable).
To ensure compliance to HBN 00-10 all tracking should be tested annually to ensure that changes made to the configuration or environmental conditions have not adversely affected performance.
Load Release Anti-Ligature Fittings
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How Load Release Works
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The release mechanism uses a spring hidden inside the anti-tamper casing. It provides a robust connection that only releases when needed – a simple concept that really works.
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Operation
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The anti-ligature bracket is fixed to the wall or ceiling. When an abnormal load is applied, the lightweight fitting is released, with the components pushing back together afterwards. The design ensures the fitting is only released under a downward load. This minimises accidental detachments, making life easier for staff and patients and extending the fitting’s lifespan.
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Independently Anti-Ligature Tested
They ensure all the fittings are tested to the Door & Hardware Federation Technical specification TS001, which tests resistance to ligature attachment. The fittings were tested with a 0.5mm wire diameter and a 10kg downward load – passing at the highest level.
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The tracks are designed for practical day-to-day use, so staff and patients can draw them quickly and easily. Plus they won’t detach if pulled sideways, eliminating any accidental detachment. Any abnormal vertical load over 10kg (per fixing) will immediately release the track, preventing damage to walls and ceilings and keeping patients safe
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Testing
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As with all friction based systems, these can wear over time resulting in the break away point becoming lower than when first installed. Load testing is recommended with this system as tampering and damage could be made to the products therefore meaning the product may not function as it was designed to and injury could be caused.
Silent Gliss - SG 6650 Safety Device
The SG 6650 system is intended to reduce the risk of self-harm in cubicle situations:
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It must be fitted in accordance with the specific SG 6650 fitting instructions and only by approved Silent Gliss installers. Failure to do so will reduce its effectiveness.
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Fixings should support ends of profile plus changes in direction. Maximum span between supports is 2.5 m. Position of supports can affect the performance of the system. At each hanger position a noggin in approved material is required above the suspended ceiling; to rest on top of ceiling (but independently supported), with a minimum length of 300 mm at right angles to the track in which the hanger occurs to give fixing tolerance.
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All completed systems must be risk assessed by a qualified installer.
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Features
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Quick release safety device: for high risk areas to reduce opportunity for self-harm
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Progressive disconnection of friction-based joints, wall supports and brackets at maximum static load of 40 kg
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Simple re-connection of hangers and brackets after separation
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For use with SG 6100
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Testing
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Again with all friction based systems, these can wear over time resulting in the break away point becoming lower than when first installed. Load testing is recommended with this system as tampering and damage could be made to the products therefore meaning the product may not function as it was designed to and injury could be caused.
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Silent Gliss SG6021 Safety Devices
Silent Gliss SG6290 Safety Devices
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These systems can assist in the prevention of self-harm in hospitals, schools and psychiatric situations. Please see specific pull-out weights on individual gliders. Please also note that the longer the individual track and the more gliders used, the cumulative total pull-out weight when in a stacked position will increase and therefore support more weight.
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Blue glider releases at higher weight limit (8 - 10 kg) due to higher pulling force at curtain leading edges
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Gliders can easily be clicked into profile and deforms under pressure
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Release under following pull weights:
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Glider SG 6148 yellow: releases between 4 - 6 kg
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Glider SG 6149 blue: releases between 8 - 10 kg
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Testing
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Due to this being a friction based system, it cannot be easily load tested due to the load release point potentially decreasing with each test as the plastic of the gliders wear so a visual inspection and glider check is normally carried out and load testing based on client's requirements.
Yewdale Kestrel
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Roller blinds, Vertical Blinds, Curtain Tracks, Shower Tracks, Bed Bay Divider Track, Mounting Plates & Accessories
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Loading Figures
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No part of a YewdaleKestrel® installation should be able to withstand a vertically downward force of more than 400 Newtons, which is equivalent to a static load of approximately 40kg. Most readings will be in the region of 15-30kg, depending on configuration and proximity to brackets (20kg per bracket).
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To cater for situations where a lighter breakaway point is needed, Yewdale has an additional two lower load capacity options available. The medium load capacity breaks away at approximately 17kg per bracket. The low load capacity option breaks away at approximately 13kg per bracket and the magnets are coloured black for easy distinction.
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Bracket Load Options
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Our standard strength bracket which features across the board as the default magnet and disk combination. We use our standard strength magnet housed within a bracket and a large chamfered disk (KD4S) on the product. The breakaway load for a standard load bracket is approximately 20kg per bracket/magnet.
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The medium load bracket uses a standard strength magnet with a small chamfered disk (KD5S), the reduced surface area of the disk lessens the maximum weight needed to separate the device. The breaking point for this bracket is approximately 17kg per bracket/magnet.
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The low load bracket features a magnet with lower magnetism than the above and it is paired with a large, chamfered disk (KD4S). This gives the device a breaking point of approximately 13kg per bracket. The lower weight magnets are coloured black for easy recognition.
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Maintenance & Testing
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It is an NHS Estates requirement that items suspended on load-release support systems should be maintained and load-tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions on an annual basis. The YewdaleKestrel® system is maintenance free and its performance remains constant even after repeated use. It is a requirement, however, to carry out a physical inspection and testing of YewdaleKestrel® fittings to identify any possible damage or evidence of tampering and undertake an annual load test.
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Yewdale has partnered exclusively with Protects Plus to manage the testing of the YewdaleKestrel system for NHS Trusts and Healthcare providers across the UK - more info can be found here - https://www.yewdale.co.uk/annual-testing-load-release-systems
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Reduced-Ligature Fixed Curtain Track
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Benefits
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Designed with safety in mind, the K2500 fixed curtain track prevents service users from removing it and using it inappropriately, making it well-suited for mental health environments. The smooth operation of the anti-ligature gliders ensures ease of use and reduces the chance of the curtain being pulled down due to heavy manual handling.
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The load release gliders stay within the track making the curtain easy to re-install if removed. This design also ensures there is less plastic in the curtain when it is separated from the track. There are no large gaps between the gliders keeping the appearance of the curtain consistent. No large plastic parts can be removed from the curtain or the track.
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The premium aluminium track comes as standard in white with rounded end brackets. Pin hex anti-tamper security screws are secured into countersunk fixing holes at 150mm intervals to provide a tight fit to the wall or ceiling.
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Testing
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It is an NHS requirement that items suspended on load-release support systems should be maintained and load-tested on an annual basis in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is a requirement to carry out a physical inspection and load testing of Kestrel® fittings to identify any possible damage or evidence of tampering and undertake an annual load test in line with HBN 00-10.
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Yewdale has partnered exclusively with Protects Plus to manage the testing of the YewdaleKestrel system for NHS Trusts and Healthcare providers across the UK - more info can be found here - https://www.yewdale.co.uk/annual-testing-load-release-systems