Posted By Ken Whitehouse Hello all, Is there anyone out there that works as a H&S Professional in Psychiatric Health-Care? I am updating the Ligature Risk Assessments that we use within our open and low-secure units and would be pleased to hear of any latest developments, equipment or successful practices that you have adopted or applied. Also do you know the name of an independent assessor in this specialised subject? If so, I would be pleased to hear from you. Many thanks, Ken.

Posted By Descarte In a past incarnation I was a HSE advisor for a police force and as part of that included inspection of custody and cell areas for ligature points. Other considerations depending on the type of risk you expect the people visiting your workplace may include: Door handles - Can be positioned vertically pointing down Door hinges - may need to be filed Shower heads - Should be plush to wall angled sloping down Any pipe work, Taps - automatic sensors instead of taps Light fitting Toilets, flush mechanisms, pipework should be fitted in to the wall etc. Even air duct / vent covers / mesh This is definitely not a comprehensive list and I am sure some of the hazards may not be present at your work and others will. However unfortunately I must also say, where there is a will there is a way and having kits at hand secured for staff in an emergency to either release a person, cctv monitoring or resuscitate may be good planning. If you want to contact me off the forums I dont mind giving more information and I am sure there are some current members of APHSA which may be able to give more details. Also if you are in the area I could possibly visit your premises as a concerned member of the public, no strings attached? I believe occasionally police forces can welcome organised visits from the public to custody areas to independently review custody and welfare arrangements (I think I even saw an advert at my local community centre), dont see why you couldnt do likewise perhaps. Regards Des

Posted By Rod D Hi Ken I have worked in the past in the Custodial Sector, seven years at the Military Correction Training Centre at Colchester three years with a Private Custodial firm (Immigration Centre Heathrow) before going into Consultancy where | worked at Springfield Mental Trust South London. Please e mail me direct and I will assist anyway I can Yours Aye, Rod D