Rank: Super forum user 
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Does anyone know how often a blade needs to be changed in a ligature knife. When I was in the prison I wrote a policy that stated everytime it was used, but I'm not sure if this was just what we wanted or it was stated in a document. I cannot find it in the PSO or PSI.
Prison Service Order/Prison Service Instruction.
Thanks
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Rank: Forum user 
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Hi Invictus,
I don't know where it states it either but at a place I worked previously we had the same procedure. After use it would be returned to the supplier for re-sharpening and sanitzation. Perhaps best contacting a supplier of ligature cutters, e.g. Barrington International, to see if they can point you in the right direction?
Thanks,
Martin
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Rank: Forum user
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i have had a look and can't find anything from any PSI's or PSO's, one prison mentioned on an annual basis but don't think thats accurate.
i have had my fish knife a good few years and it still works
If i get any info i'll drop it to you as the manager who covers that area is currently on leave.
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Rank: Forum user
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We (a mental health trust) do what Mcham2705 suggested and have them sharpened after every use (by Barrington). The NHS does not have and specific directive/standard practice to follow. But why would you not want them at their sharpest?? As you are aware, they can be used for cutting all different types of material e.g. rope/string, wire, clothing etc. If you rely on individual judgement to decide when to sharpen then the human behaviour element (due to laziness or risk perception) will mean there will be a high proportion out there will have been used many times and less effective.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Ok, my exposure to the prison service and/or secure mental health institutions is......almost nil. However, in my tiny mind I'm now envisaging would be suicide victims being cut down on an hourly basis around the country (thus blunting all of these ligature knives). Are they really used 'many times' as per JWG or, as I would expect/hope, does your average prison officer etc only very rarely encounter a would be victim of hanging?
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Rank: Forum user
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wclarke1238,
As expected, some of our patients are extremely ill. On a ward, you could go a month without someone using a ligature and to the other extreme 4 or 5 in a day. Not all are serious suicide attempts, some are self-harming behaviour.
Regardless of intent, speed is the essence, seconds delay caused by a blunt ligature cutter, could make the difference between life and death or serious harm.
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